Curated by Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah, the installation consists of five bold, red reflective metallic discs placed strategically along Hatta’s scenic hiking trails. Some lie flat, others stand upright—each one seamlessly integrated into the mountain terrain
In a striking fusion of nature, culture, and contemporary art, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, has unveiled ‘Deliberate Pauses’—the largest site-specific public art installation in Dubai to date. Conceived by celebrated Emirati sculptor Shaikha Al Mazrou and commissioned by Alserkal Arts Foundation, the installation invites visitors to experience the rugged beauty of Hatta’s landscape through a new lens of artistic reflection.
Set against the serene Leem Lake and nestled within the dramatic Hajar Mountains, Deliberate Pauses is part of the ‘Dubai Public Art’ initiative, launched by Dubai Culture to transform the emirate into a global open-air museum. The project offers immersive, large-scale artistic experiences aimed at enriching Dubai’s visual identity, celebrating heritage, and enhancing the city’s international cultural profile.
Curated by Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah, the installation consists of five bold, red reflective metallic discs placed strategically along Hatta’s scenic hiking trails. Some lie flat, others stand upright—each one seamlessly integrated into the mountain terrain. These sculptural elements serve as contemplative landmarks, prompting hikers to pause and reflect, not only on the natural splendor surrounding them but also on deeper cultural and historical narratives often overlooked.
“Deliberate Pauses is more than a visual experience,” said Tabbarah. “Public art can amplify a sense of place, enabling people to engage with their surroundings in ways that are subtle but profound. By spotlighting Hatta and Leem Lake, this work encourages reflection on connection, memory, and the quiet power of stillness.”
The installation not only amplifies the aesthetic of its environment but also underscores the spiritual and temporal dimensions of pausing—a theme echoed by Al Mazrou herself. “In the mountains of Hatta, I pause deliberately—not to find answers, but to question the need for them,” she explained. “Like the spiral, it’s not about moving forward or backwards, but recognising the quiet moments in between. The stillness invites you to reflect, or simply to observe, as the landscape itself offers its own kind of pause.”
Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, emphasized the significance of the project within the broader vision for Hatta’s development. “Deliberate Pauses is a valuable addition to our Public Art Strategy,” she said. “It celebrates Hatta’s natural, cultural, and historical diversity and reflects our commitment to empowering local talent, encouraging innovation, and inspiring artists to contribute to Dubai’s evolving cultural identity.”
Shaikha Al Mazrou, a leading figure in the region’s contemporary art scene, holds an MFA from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London. Her works, known for their innovative use of form and material, have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as Dubai’s Jameel Arts Centre and Frieze Sculpture in London.
With Deliberate Pauses, Al Mazrou once again demonstrates her ability to blend thoughtful concept with site-specific design—transforming Hatta’s majestic landscape into both a physical and emotional journey through art.
