UAE's Largest Site-Specific Art Installation Unveiled in Hatta
Five red reflective sculptures by Shaikha Al Mazrou now dot the Hajar Mountains, inviting hikers to reconnect with nature.
Apr 24, 2025
A new public artwork has been unveiled in the Hatta mountains, marking the UAE's largest site-specific art installation to date. Titled 'Deliberate Pauses', the piece was created by prominent Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou and commissioned by the Alserkal Arts Foundation as part of ongoing efforts to integrate culture into the country's natural landscapes.
The installation consists of five towering red metallic discs, positioned at intervals along the hiking trails near Leem Lake in Hatta. Visually arresting and highly reflective, the discs blend into their surroundings while simultaneously creating a sense of stillness and spatial awareness. As light and landscape shift throughout the day, the mirrored sculptures amplify the natural drama of the Hajar Mountains, inviting passersby to stop and reflect—both literally and metaphorically.
Curated by Faysal Tabbarah of the American University of Sharjah, the work is part of a collaboration between Dubai Culture and the Supreme Committee for Hatta Development, and reflects a growing national interest in integrating contemporary art into outdoor, public spaces.
'Deliberate Pauses' adds to Shaikha Al Mazrou's growing body of sculptural work, known for its focus on spatial tension, geometric abstraction, and material exploration. The Hatta installation reinforces her status as one of the UAE's leading contemporary artists and reflects the country's efforts to cultivate homegrown talent in spaces beyond the gallery.
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