ISEA2026: Burj Khalifa lights up for Dubai's international electronic art symposium

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai sparkled with an impressive projection display to inaugurate the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026 Dubai). The Dubai Media Office released a video showcasing the illuminated structure, displaying artistic designs influenced by stars, light, and the symposium's digital identity. Held under the theme "ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data, and Identity," the symposium commenced on November 8 and concluded on November 15.

The event brought together artists, researchers, innovators, and specialists from around the world to investigate the convergence of art, science, and technology. The opening ceremony witnessed the unveiling of the interactive ELYAH experience at ARTE MUSEUM Dubai. Drawing inspiration from Dubai's celestial heritage, this immersive spectacle amalgamated light, music, performance, and digital technology to delve into the relationships among people, place, and identity.

Throughout the symposium, over 100 artworks were exhibited across Dubai, encompassing installations, performances, and interactive experiences. Additionally, the event's online academic program consisted of 145 research papers, more than 50 presentations by artists and practitioners, and ten workshops. Four themes were explored during the symposium: "Celestial Dialogues," "Charting Constellations," "Eco-Tech Futures," and "Starlinked Worlds."

Sheikha Latifa, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), highlighted how hosting the symposium underscored Dubai's increasing prominence in the global arts landscape and its aspiration to enhance dialogue among art, technology, and cultural heritage.