Hatta's 'largest' art installation focuses on reflection

Hatta's rugged terrain is home to the "largest site-specific public art installation in Dubai", highlighting the cultural, historical and environmental richness of the natural landscape. 

Titled ‘Deliberate Pauses’, the installation forms part of the ‘Dubai Public Art’ initiative launched by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to transform the city into a global open-air art gallery.

Created by Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou, it's set against the backdrop of Hatta’s Leem Lake and features five reflective red metallic discs positioned along Hatta’s hiking trails. 

The installation aims to invite visitors to pause, reflect and connect with nature.

Al Mazrou described her work as an invitation to be present in nature. “In Hatta’s mountains, I stop — not to seek answers, but to embrace stillness. These quiet moments create space for thought, observation, or simply being.”

Today, we announce the launch of Dubai’s largest site-specific art intervention, ‘Deliberate Pauses’, part of the Dubai Public Art Strategy led by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, which aims to transform the city into an open-air museum, reflecting Dubai’s spirit and embedding… pic.twitter.com/OvdAmmnB2R

— Latifa MR Al Maktoum (@hhshklatifa) April 21, 2025

Curated by Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah, ‘Deliberate Pauses’ was designed to resonate with Hatta’s unique heritage and environment. 

“This artwork represents more than visual impact,” said Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to public art as a bridge between culture and community.