Dubai:ISEA2026 Dubai is bringing Emirati heritage to life through its unique visual and sonic identity, centered around the celestial symbol, ELYAH. Known as the Emirati name for the North Star, Polaris, ELYAH historically guided seafarers and travelers across the UAE's deserts and seas, holding a special place in the collective memory and inspiring poets with its symbolism of beauty, hope, and constancy.
According to Wam, ELYAH now serves as the core theme of the 31st International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art (ISEA2026), scheduled from November 6th to 15th, 2026, in Dubai. This largest edition of the symposium in history will explore the intersection of art, technology, and human imagination under the theme "ELYAH Constellating Place, Data, and Identity", reflecting Dubai's transformation from a seafaring and trading hub to a global nexus for talent and creativity.
The visual identity of ISEA2026 draws inspiration from the traditional dhow, a symbol deeply entwined with the UAE's maritime heritage. The abstract logo features mirrored curves resembling dhow sails, incorporating a four-pointed star that evokes the constellations once used for navigation. A green gradient adds a modern touch, connecting traditional navigation with contemporary artistic language.
The symposium also introduces ELYAH’s sonic identity, developed by Emirati composer Faisal Al Jassim and music arranger Zaid Adel. Their composition blends orchestral strings with traditional Emirati instruments such as the oud, qanun, and ney. International composer Ivana Nikodijevic further shaped the piece, integrating global rhythms and modern sound design to create a composition that reflects cultural diversity and exchange.
ISEA2026 Dubai aims to foster experimentation, collaboration, and artistic production, celebrating the connections between cultures and creative disciplines. ELYAH continues to inspire as it brings together leading artists, researchers, and thinkers from art, science, and technology worldwide, reminding us of creativity’s human roots in curiosity and discovery.