Dubai has secured the opportunity to host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), a significant accomplishment that reinforces the emirate’s status as a global cultural hub. This announcement was made at the end of this year’s symposium held in Seoul, South Korea. The successful bid reflects the joint efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University, which showcased Dubai’s vibrant cultural landscape and world-class infrastructure.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, highlighted that the emirate’s selection as the host for ISEA 2026 is a testament to its growing influence in the global art scene and its commitment to cultural innovation. She stated, “Dubai’s cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future; hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology.”

The symposium is aligned with Dubai’s strategic goal of enhancing its digital arts sector and creative economy. Sheikha Latifa noted that ISEA serves as a global platform for artists and technologists, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, while encouraging new creative expressions rooted in digital innovation. She expressed excitement about welcoming the world to Dubai, emphasizing the importance of a space where imagination and invention converge to shape the future of art.

Founded in 1988 in the Netherlands, ISEA is one of the foremost international gatherings at the intersection of art, science, and technology, and has been hosted in over 30 major cities, including Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona. The event annually attracts a global community of artists, designers, technologists, and curators, making it a vital part of Dubai Culture’s digital arts strategy that aims to empower talent and strengthen digital infrastructure.

The symposium, co-organized by Dubai Culture and Zayed University, will take place from April 10 to 17, 2026, under the theme “ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.” It is expected to include workshops, discussion panels, networking events, and creative showcases across key cultural sites in Dubai, attracting between 200 and 500 international participants interested in digital arts.

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasized that this achievement reflects the vision of Dubai’s leadership to position the city as a global talent hub. She stated, “Hosting this prestigious international symposium will open new pathways for our creative community to engage with global counterparts while also enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the landmarks, spaces, and heritage that define Dubai’s creative identity.”

The symposium aims to facilitate exchanges among artists, researchers, and digital arts specialists, encouraging new methods of artistic expression and innovation. Discussions will focus on four main themes: Charting Constellations, Celestial Dialogues, Eco-Tech Futures, and Starlinked Worlds, each exploring different aspects of the relationship between digital art, technology, and society.

Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, expressed pride in partnering with Dubai Culture for this landmark event. He stated that the symposium underscores Dubai’s position as a global hub for creativity and innovation and aligns with their mission to empower future creative leaders and advance interdisciplinary collaboration.

The theme of the symposium, inspired by ‘ELYAH,’ the ‘North Star’ known for guiding travelers, will explore the convergence of digital and electronic arts with artificial intelligence, presenting a forward-looking vision for the digital arts sector.