The Dubai Roots sculpture has arrived at Mercato Beach in Jumeirah, where Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi's latest public installation now shapes the shoreline experience. Presented by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the work is crafted from stainless steel and palm fibre — materials chosen for their symbolic weight as much as their visual presence.
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Dubai Roots Sculpture: Concept and Materials
The Dubai Roots sculpture takes its structural direction from the patterns of a palm tree trunk — long regarded across the UAE as the "fabric of life." Al Qubaisi shaped the piece to evoke the natural movements found throughout the UAE's environment: wind sweeping over sand dunes, waves rolling along the coast, and birds tracing paths through open sky.
The choice of materials carries deliberate meaning. Stainless steel, with its reflective surface, represents the present and what lies ahead. The palm fibre component, with its earthy, rust-toned gradients, conveys stability and connection to the land. Together, the two materials express a dialogue between heritage and the future.
The overall form takes the shape of a protective shield, referencing centuries of shelter and nourishment tied to the palm tree in Emirati life. Visitors can walk around the sculpture and experience it from different angles, with each perspective revealing a slightly different relationship between the materials and the surrounding environment.
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Located at Mercato Beach, Jumeirah
The sculpture is installed at Mercato Beach, a beachfront location in Jumeirah known for its open layout and steady flow of residents and visitors. Its placement introduces a new visual anchor within the area, freely accessible without barriers.
The surrounding environment adds to the experience. With the Arabian Sea in view and the city skyline nearby, the artwork sits within a setting that already draws both local communities and tourists — making the public engagement with it feel natural rather than staged.
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Part of Dubai Culture's Public Art Strategy
The Dubai Roots sculpture forms part of the broader Public Art Strategy led by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector, said the initiative demonstrates the authority's commitment to "fostering an environment that supports talent, encourages innovation" within Dubai's creative industries.
The programme's goal is to make art part of daily routines — not something confined to galleries or private venues. By placing installations in outdoor, publicly accessible locations across the city, Dubai Culture increases visibility for artists while making cultural experiences available to everyone.
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Who Is Azza Al Qubaisi
Azza Al Qubaisi is recognised as the UAE's first Emirati jewellery designer and works across jewellery art, sculpture, and product design. Her practice is rooted in sustainability and cultural preservation, drawing consistently from the essential materials that formed the backbone of Emirati family life before the discovery of oil.
Her work on the Dubai Roots sculpture brings those concerns into a public setting where they can reach a wider and more diverse audience. The installation allows visitors to engage directly with her artistic direction without the formality of a gallery context.
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What Visitors Are Noticing
Visitors at Mercato Beach are already interacting with the Dubai Roots sculpture in varied ways. Some walk around the structure to view its details from multiple angles; others stop to photograph it or share short videos. Its open design — without barriers — makes it easy to include in a casual beach visit.
The sculpture is quickly becoming a recognisable visual presence at Mercato Beach, with growing numbers sharing it online.
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Why This Matters
Public art installations such as the Dubai Roots sculpture add a cultural layer to everyday locations. They bring creative work into spaces people already visit, making art more visible and accessible without requiring a dedicated journey to a cultural venue.
For residents, it offers a fresh experience within familiar surroundings. For visitors to Dubai, it adds a distinctive point of interest to the city's growing list of attractions. It also gives local artists a platform that reaches a broader and more varied public.
As Dubai Culture continues expanding its Public Art Strategy, installations like this one play a key role in shaping how art appears in everyday spaces across the city — and in strengthening Dubai's position as a global creative hub.
