Staged Authenticity and the Interpretation of Historic Districts in Dubai: The Sikka Art and Design Festival

Post-oil modernisation transformed Dubai from a modest trading port into a globally connected Emirate. However, this shift led to the demolition and redevelopment of most of the historic districts. Al-Fahidi is one of the few surviving heritage sites and since 2011, has been activated through the Sikka Art and Design Festival, which converts its architectural heritage and surrounding spaces into platforms for exhibitions, performances, and digital creative practices. Temporarily relocated to Al-Shindagha for three editions (2024-2026) and returning to Al-Fahidi from 2027, the festival was lifted from one conserved district, staged in another, and returned intact, questioning whether the authenticity resides in the historic district or the event. This study examines how the Sikka Art and Design Festival interprets Dubai’s historic districts through contemporary artistic practice, and how such interpretation produces staged authenticity. It employs a qualitative approach, combining a literature review with interpretive content analysis of festival programming, promotional materials, and observation of the temporal socio-spatial settings read through MacCannell’s concept of staged authenticity.