Born in 1985 in Dubai, UAE, Reem Al Ghaith is a celebrated polymath whose career spans Visual Art, Cultural Research, Creative Direction, and Design Entrepreneurship. A graduate of the American University of Sharjah, Al Ghaith emerged as a valedictorian in Visual Communication, receiving accolades for her academic prowess. Since her artistic debut in 2008, she has swiftly gained recognition on both national and international stages, showcasing her work in prestigious exhibitions like Art Basel, The Vitra Design Museum, and The 55th Venice Biennial. Her unique blend of photography and installation art captures the transformative essence of the UAE, particularly Dubai, reflecting its dynamic evolution from tradition to modernity.

Al Ghaith’s influence extends beyond the art world into the realms of design and entrepreneurship. Co-founding Tinkah in 2012, she has been instrumental in representing UAE’s visual culture through numerous significant projects, including the UAE National Day celebrations and Expo 2020 Dubai. Her recent foray into the culinary arts, marked by a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu, London, adds another facet to her diverse skill set. With over 15 years in the industry, Reem Al Ghaith stands as a beacon of Emirati cultural values and heritage, showcasing her country’s spirit through her multifaceted artistic and entrepreneurial endeavours.

“Daraweezna, the title in meaning translates as “”our gates” in Arabic and is a title that I chose to reflect the concept and story of our gates that will be highlighted in a site-specific mixed media light installation for the Dhai Dubai light festival.

The artwork is derived from the “Beyoutna series” which was made to document the metal gates of the homes found in the old neighborhoods of Dubai. This site-specific light installation is inspired by the large arches of the gates of Al Wasl dome, to juxtapose the concept of Al Wasl dome with the concept of the old neighborhood of Dubai. Al Wasl Dome is the new icon and meeting point in Dubai and Dubai’s old meeting point which was the neighborhood. The light installation consists of three magnificent arched gates inspired by Al Wasl arches reminiscent of the iconic doors that once graced the city’s historic homes. Those gates stretch gracefully through Al Wasl arches with a beautiful printed fabric of the old Dubai neighborhood doors that come to life at night through light and animated projection, revealing the intimate old patterns that once adorned the doors of every home in this old Dubai neighborhood. During the daytime, the artwork of the doors will come to life through the permeability of the fabric, casting the shadow of the designs on the floor. Bringing to life the beautiful unique motifs that were significant in those doors that were in the old neighborhoods of Dubai. Using light to showcase their vibrant colors and to bring the patterns to life to highlight the life behind those doors. The artwork is a heartfelt homage to the old metal doors where it illuminates using light the intricate patterns and motifs found on those doors that represented each home in the old neighborhoods of Dubai. Those metal doors had a unique identity through their colors and motifs, and each door acted as a reference point of each family living in the neighborhood. Each home was referred to in the community based on the motif on its metal gate. Those motifs were made for the region of the UAE and had references to such as using the Medkhan, the Dalleh, and the falcon from the culture of the UAE as motifs as well as using elements from the UAE environment such as the plants and leaves found in the oasis and deserts and the sea shells that were found along the coastline of the UAE.

The installation is positioned in the path leading to Al Wasl dome, where the dome acts as a backdrop to the installation. The arches of the light installation stand side by side, forming a symbolic representation of an old Dubai neighborhood. Those gates act as an invitation to bring back an element of the old neighborhoods of Dubai, which were not mere structures only but were gates that embraced the community of Dubai. The light installation is more than a visual experience, The space in enlivened by a carefully crafted soundscape that immerses visitors in the ambiance of a bustling Dubai neighborhood. The distant echoes of conversations, the rhythmic sounds of craftsmen at work and the soft laughter of children playing in the alleys transports visitors back in time.

In the presence of these magnificent gates, one is enveloped by an overwhelming sense of generosity, hospitality, and authenticity that defines this community. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Old Dubai, a celebration of the welcoming embrace awaiting all who enter. It is a poignant reminder that amidst the development of the city, the heart of Dubai’s heritage stands beautifully, extending its open arms and fostering a sense of belonging to all who seek it.”