New Dubai Roots Sculpture Opens at Mercato Beach

Dubai Roots Sculpture is getting attention at Mercato Beach, where a new public installation is now part of the shoreline experience. Created by Azza Al Qubaisi, the artwork introduces a design that stays connected to the UAE’s cultural identity and natural surroundings.

Presented by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the sculpture is part of a wider plan to place art directly into public spaces. The focus is simple. Keep art visible, accessible, and part of everyday life.

Dubai Roots Sculpture Concept

The Dubai Roots Sculpture takes its direction from the structure of the palm tree trunk. In the UAE, the palm tree holds long-standing cultural value tied to life and continuity.

This idea appears throughout the installation. The patterns and structure reference elements seen across the country’s environment, including sand formations, coastal waves, and bird formations in the sky.

These details are presented through a clear and unified design. Visitors can walk around the sculpture and view it from different angles, with each side offering a slightly different perspective.

The piece encourages people to notice familiar elements in a new way, especially within a setting they already visit regularly.

Located at Mercato Beach

The sculpture is installed at Mercato Beach, a beachfront location in Jumeirah known for its open layout and steady flow of visitors.

Its placement introduces a new visual point of interest within the area. Visitors can approach the structure freely, walk around it, and experience it without any barriers.

The surrounding environment adds to the overall experience. With the sea in view and the city skyline nearby, the artwork sits within a space that already attracts both residents and tourists.

Part of Dubai Culture Public Art Strategy

Dubai Roots Sculpture forms part of the Public Art Strategy led by Dubai Culture. This initiative focuses on placing artworks in outdoor locations throughout the city.

The goal is to make art part of daily routines, not something limited to galleries or private venues. By positioning installations in public areas, the program increases visibility for artists while making cultural experiences more accessible.

This approach also supports Dubai’s wider direction toward expanding its creative scene and strengthening its cultural presence.

What Visitors Are Noticing

Visitors at Mercato Beach are already interacting with the Dubai Roots Sculpture in different ways. Some walk around the structure to view its details from multiple sides, while others stop to take photos and short videos.

The open design allows people to engage with the piece without any barriers, making it easy to include in a casual beach visit. Its placement also means it naturally becomes part of the experience for anyone spending time in the area.

The sculpture is quickly becoming a recognizable visual at Mercato Beach, with more visitors sharing it online and adding it to their list of places to see.

Who Is Azza Al Qubaisi

Azza Al Qubaisi is an Emirati artist known for work that draws from heritage, materials, and traditional references. Her projects often focus on identity and cultural elements tied to the UAE.

With the Dubai Roots Sculpture, her work is presented in a public setting where it can reach a wider audience. The installation allows visitors to engage directly with her artistic direction without the need for a formal setting.

Why This Matters

Public art installations such as the Dubai Roots Sculpture add a cultural layer to everyday locations. They introduce creative work into spaces that people already visit, making art more visible and accessible.

For residents, it offers a new experience within familiar surroundings. For visitors, it adds another point of interest within Dubai’s growing list of attractions.

It also supports local artists by giving their work a platform that reaches a broader audience.

Dubai Roots Sculpture brings a new visual presence to Mercato Beach, with a design that stays tied to the UAE’s natural elements and cultural references.

Its location in a public setting allows easy access, while its concept encourages visitors to engage with the artwork in a direct way.

As Dubai Culture continues expanding its Public Art Strategy, installations like this play a key role in shaping how art appears in everyday spaces across the city.

Cover Image: @dubaiculture/Instagram