Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi Opens Middle East Debut Of World Stage Design
Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi inaugurated the sixth edition and Middle East debut of World Stage Design (WSD) at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA). Every edition of this quadrennial event - known as the ‘Expo’ of global performing arts and performance design sectors - takes place in a different country. This year's event runs from 18th to 25th October.
Over 200 participating designers, artists, and creative professionals from over 50 countries, as well as visitors from various artistic, live events, and academic backgrounds, including the students and faculty of SPAA, attended the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony marked a landmark moment for Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab world. This edition of WSD is co-produced by SPAA and the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT).
“This year marks the first time World Stage Design is being hosted in the Middle East, and that is no small milestone. It is a moment of profound significance - one that invites us to rethink the geographies of performance and of design. We are honored to be in this dynamic, cultural landscape, one rich with heritage and vision, where the contemporary arts are well established and continue to grow rapidly and inclusively, and where communities - both local and international - are in meaningful conversation about sustainability, identity, and creative futures”, said Jacqui George, Project Director, in her opening speech.
With tomorrow’s heritage and sustainability as key themes for WSD2025, the Design Exhibition at SPAA has over 100 professional and emerging designers exhibiting their work across performance design, set design, space and object design, costume design, sound design, video and projection design.
The Theatre Architecture Competition at Bait Al Shamsi and the Technical Invention Prize at Sharjah Research and Technology Invention Park (SPARK) showcase 40 submissions from architects and technicians in theatre and live events.
During the eight days of WSD, Scenofest, the dynamic segment of the event will present over 75talks, workshops, performances, panel discussions, and engaging live installations across all locations.
WSD2025 is supported by Sharjah Department of Culture, Build Partner - Taylex Group, Logistics Partner - EFM Global, WYSIWYG by Cast Group, Charcoal Blue, First Star Computer, Show Tex, Sapsis Rigging, and Protec.
To attend WSD2025, single-day or season tickets can be booked here: https://worldstagedesign2025.vfairs.com/
