Dubai, UAE — Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) concluded its ten-day drive-through exhibition, Al Marmoom: The Living Wild, on February 19, drawing over 10,000 visitors to the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. The exhibition, organized in collaboration with Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, highlighted the reserve’s wildlife and landscapes while integrating immersive, technology-driven experiences.
Following the physical event, Dubai Culture launched a virtual edition of the exhibition, accessible until March 18 through https://app.almarmoomthelivingwild.ae/. The online platform features augmented reality interactions, AI-enhanced videos, and high-resolution images of the reserve, enabling global audiences to explore its biodiversity without visiting in person.
The exhibition presented 24 photographs showcasing the desert’s animals and bird species, complemented by interactive experiences using AR technologies. Visitors could scan QR codes to access AI-generated videos providing detailed information about the wildlife. The drive-through format allowed guests to view the artworks safely from their vehicles, while architectural installations inspired by desert design demonstrated sustainable energy use, including solar-powered elements.
Dubai Culture also recognized winners of the Al Marmoom: The Living Wild competition. Hazel Arnold received first place, winning a GoPro camera and a signed edition of Ali bin Thalith’s photography book Truly, Madly, Deeply. Nayef Alhosani earned second place with a guided exploratory tour of the reserve, and Yousaf Hussain placed third, receiving a signed copy of the same book.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, described the exhibition as a “unique model that brings together art and the environment, encouraging visitors to explore and reflect on the details of nature while strengthening their sense of responsibility towards protecting ecosystems.” She noted that the project also underscores the role of photography in documenting local wildlife and promoting sustainability awareness.
Ali Khalifa bin Thalith emphasized the exhibition’s role in reinforcing Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve as a cultural and environmental destination, noting that the selection of works highlighted both artistic quality and the reserve’s diverse habitats.
The exhibition reflects Dubai Culture’s broader strategy to combine public engagement with conservation, showcasing Emirati talent while promoting sustainability. By providing both physical and virtual access, the initiative extends awareness of UAE’s natural heritage to a wider audience and demonstrates how technology can support environmentally sensitive cultural experiences.
