Dubai opens ISEA2026: can your project make the cut?

Dubai Culture and Zayed University open submissions for ISEA2026, running 10–19 April 2026 in Dubai. Theme, pillars, categories and UAE submission rules inside.

Abbas Jaffar Ali
By
Abbas Jaffar Ali
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN...
5 Min Read
Dubai opens ISEA2026: can your project make the cut?
TL;DR
  • Submissions for ISEA2026 are open now; deadline is 24 November 2025.  
  • Event dates are 10–19 April 2026 across Dubai.  
  • Theme: ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity with four pillars.  

Dubai Culture, in partnership with Zayed University, has opened submissions for ISEA2026, the International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art. The event runs across Dubai from 10 to 19 April 2026, with a UAE-wide call for artistic and academic contributions under the theme “ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.”  

What is ISEA2026 and why Dubai

ISEA brings together artists, researchers and technologists to share work and ideas at the intersection of art, science and technology. Dubai hosting it fits the city’s push into digital culture and education.

  • Host partners: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority with Zayed University
  • Dates: 10–19 April 2026
  • Aim: showcase new practices, set agendas, support the creative economy
  • Audience: 500+ international participants expected, plus local communities

ISEA is positioned as a platform to exchange insights, spark innovation and support the city’s cultural and creative sectors. The organisers expect international participation on top of a strong UAE audience, aligning with Dubai’s digital arts strategy and ZU’s research and teaching goals.    

Related reading on digital culture in Dubai: Dubai Culture’s Digital Library and School of Life at Dubai Public Libraries.

Theme and pillars you must address

The umbrella theme is “ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.” Work should connect to at least one of four pillars.

  • Charting Constellations
  • Celestial Dialogues
  • Eco–Tech Futures
  • Starlinked Worlds

These pillars are broad enough for media arts, design research and experimental tech, but they still demand a clear conceptual link to place, data or identity. Expect a mix of ticketed symposium sessions and public programming spread across the city.  

If you’re scouting venues and scene vibes, see our coverage of TODA’s digital art events and the Burj Rashid virtual exhibition.

Who can apply and what to submit

The call targets a wide set of contributors across art, academia and industry.

  • Who: artists, storytellers, researchers and practitioners working across art, science and tech
  • Artistic categories: animation and video art; experimental media and photography; new media and digital platforms; live performance and interactive works; concerts and film; public art; interdisciplinary practices
  • Academic/Dialogue: panels, workshops, talks, institutional presentations, forums, public programmes; academic papers and conceptual presentations

In plain English: if your project sits between code and culture, there’s a slot. The conference track welcomes both peer-style papers and practice-led talks. The artistic track spans on-screen, on-site and online work, including large-scale or interactive pieces.  

Key dates, rules and how to apply

There’s a single deadline for both creative and academic submissions.

  • Deadline: 24 November 2025
  • Language: English
  • Requirements: original work, well documented, with detailed technical and logistical specs
  • Compliance: follow UAE regulations and ISEA copyright policies
  • Review: by a curatorial committee of experts based on creative and technical criteria
  • Apply: via the official ISEA2026 form

Set up your application early. Large installations and performances will need precise rigging, power, network, playback and staffing plans. The committee will assess originality and feasibility, so treat the tech rider like a contract, not a wishlist.  

What to expect during the week

The symposium mixes formal sessions and public events.

  • Programme: registered ticketed events plus an open public schedule
  • Activities: workshops, panels, networking, creative showcases
  • Locations: prominent cultural venues and landmarks across Dubai

If you’re presenting, budget time for rehearsals and tech checks. If you’re attending, plan your schedule around neighbourhoods; Dubai is spread out. Expect cross-disciplinary conversations as much as finished works on view.  

New to Dubai’s art-tech calendar? Our guides to Alserkal Avenue exhibitions and AI-driven cultural projects in the UAE set the scene.


When is ISEA2026 in Dubai?

10–19 April 2026.  

What’s the submission deadline?

24 November 2025 for artistic and academic contributions.  

Who can apply?

Artists, researchers and practitioners working across art, science and technology, plus contributors to panels, workshops and talks.  

What formats are accepted?

Animation, video art, experimental media, photography, new media and digital platforms, live performances and interactive works, concerts and film screenings, public art installations, interdisciplinary practices; also academic papers and conceptual presentations.  

Any rules to keep in mind for UAE submissions?

All submissions must be in English, original, and include full technical and logistics details in line with UAE regulations and ISEA policies.  

Share This Article
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN to the Middle East. From computers to mobile phones and watches, Abbas is always interested in tech that is smarter and smaller.