Multi-venue cultural forums require scenic production to adapt to very different architectural environments while maintaining a consistent event identity. For the 2019 Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic delivered technical design, scenic fabrication and installation support across several major cultural locations.

Held under the theme “Cultural Responsibility & New Technology,” the summit brought together 450 delegates from 90 countries for panels, performances and workshops. The programme extended across Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Cultural Foundation, Louvre Abu Dhabi and locations on Saadiyat Island, requiring scenic solutions that could respond to each venue while still contributing to one coherent event experience.

The Challenge

The Culture Summit needed to operate across multiple venues with different layouts, architectural characteristics and operational restrictions.

Each location required scenic and staging elements appropriate to its own environment, while the overall event still needed to feel visually connected.

The project also required detailed technical development, including construction drawings and material specifications, so that the scenic elements could be fabricated accurately and integrated safely within the venues.

HSE requirements, venue-specific restrictions and multi-location logistics added further complexity, particularly because delivery and installation needed to be coordinated across several active sites.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed detailed construction drawings and material specifications to support the fabrication and installation of the required scenic elements.

Bespoke staging, scenic backdrops and branded installations were fabricated for the different summit environments, with each element tailored to suit the architectural character and operational requirements of its venue.

Custom signage and branded scenic features were also produced to maintain a consistent identity across the wider event.

Furniture and décor were sourced and installed to support both functionality and the visual treatment of each space.

Across the multi-venue programme, Evolution Scenic coordinated installation around HSE protocols, venue restrictions and logistical requirements, ensuring the different scenic packages were delivered consistently across the summit locations.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for Culture Summit 2019.

• 450 delegates from 90 countries.

• Theme: Cultural Responsibility & New Technology.

• Multi-venue delivery across Abu Dhabi.

• Manarat Al Saadiyat.

• Cultural Foundation.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi.

• Saadiyat Island locations.

• Detailed construction drawings.

• Material specifications.

• Bespoke staging.

• Custom scenic backdrops.

• Branded installations.

• Custom signage.

• Furniture and décor sourcing.

• Venue-specific scenic integration.

• HSE coordination.

• Management of venue restrictions.

• Multi-location logistics.

• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

The completed Culture Summit environment provided a consistent visual framework across several very different cultural venues.

The staging, scenic backdrops, branding, furniture and décor were adapted to the character of each location while maintaining continuity across the wider event.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver technically developed scenic packages across complex multi-venue programmes, where fabrication, logistics, HSE requirements and architectural sensitivity all need to be managed simultaneously.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical design, construction drawings, material specifications, scenic fabrication, staging, branded installations, signage, furniture and décor, venue coordination, HSE integration, logistics, delivery and installation.

Scenic elements for live performance must do more than establish a visual world.

When performers interact directly with scenery, every structure must balance creative intent with movement, durability and performance functionality.

For Terhal by Dragone in Diriyah, Riyadh, Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated a collection of movable scenic elements inspired by traditional Saudi environments. The scope included authentic market carts engineered to become parkour obstacles and a custom land-based abra combining traditional Arabian boat styling with a self-powered buggy system.

Working across engineering, fabrication and scenic finishing, the team developed performance-ready structures that contributed to the visual identity of the production while responding to the physical demands of live acrobatic performance.

The Challenge

The scenic elements needed to appear authentic within the cultural world of the production while functioning as active pieces of performance equipment.

The market carts needed to support parkour sequences, requiring robust construction and controlled mobility.

At the same time, the custom Arabian boat needed to move independently across the performance space while retaining the appearance and character of a traditional abra.

Rehearsals introduced additional considerations. The uneven, sand-like performance flooring affected the movement of the carts, while the buggy boat required responsive braking and manoeuvrability for controlled positioning during the show.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic combined engineering, fabrication and specialist scenic finishing to develop each element around both its visual and performance requirements.

A collection of Saudi street market carts was designed and fabricated to serve simultaneously as scenic props and parkour obstacles. Their construction needed to withstand repeated interaction with performers while remaining movable during the production.

Following rehearsals on the sand-like flooring, the caster configuration was adapted with manual braking systems, improving control and allowing the carts to be positioned more effectively during performance.

For the show's custom land-abra, Evolution Scenic fabricated a traditional Arabian boat around a self-powered buggy platform. The structure incorporated a functional steering tiller and rustic scenic treatment, concealing the underlying mobility system within an authentic-looking scenic piece.

The braking system was also refined during rehearsals to provide the controlled movement and accurate stage positioning required for live operation.

Delivery Highlights

• Saudi street market cart fabrication
• Performance-ready parkour obstacles
• Movable scenic structures
• Custom land-based Arabian abra
• Self-powered buggy system
• Functional steering tiller
• Rustic scenic finishing
• Engineering for live acrobatic performance
• Caster wheel adaptations
• Manual braking systems
• Rehearsal-led technical adjustments
• Integrated engineering, fabrication and scenic finishing

Outcome

The completed scenic elements became active components of the Terhal performance rather than static pieces of scenery. Market carts supported physical parkour sequences, while the custom land-abra introduced a mobile theatrical feature that combined traditional visual references with concealed mechanical functionality.

By responding to challenges identified during rehearsals and adapting the structures for the performance environment, Evolution Scenic delivered robust, controllable and visually convincing scenic elements capable of meeting the demands of a live production.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to integrate creative fabrication with practical engineering, particularly where scenery must move, carry performers or interact directly with choreography.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic engineering, bespoke prop fabrication, structural development, mobility systems, performance adaptations, scenic finishing and rehearsal-led modifications.

Collaborative workshops require event environments that can shift between discussion, presentation and formal programme moments without losing clarity or functionality. For Ghadan 21 – The Gathering at the Saadiyat Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic transformed the ballroom into a multi-functional environment supporting three days of workshops, presentations, panels and final awards.

Organised by the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, the event brought together leading experts in urban planning and architecture to develop six key initiatives focused on Abu Dhabi’s future. Evolution Scenic’s scope included bespoke workshop furniture, staging, carpeting, decorative scenic elements, truss systems and structural support for technical equipment.

The Challenge

The ballroom needed to accommodate several different programme formats within one shared venue.

Participants required dedicated workshop areas for collaborative sessions, while the same environment also needed to support an auditorium, keynote presentations, panel discussions and the final awards ceremony.

This meant the venue had to be divided into clearly defined functional zones without making the overall space feel fragmented.

Technical infrastructure also needed to be incorporated, with truss systems and structural supports required for AV equipment and other event systems.

The delivery programme was tight, making accurate fabrication, sequencing and on-site coordination essential.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed a turnkey scenic and structural solution tailored to the event programme.

Custom workshop tables, furniture and decorative elements were designed and fabricated specifically for the collaborative working environment, giving each group a practical space for discussion and development.

Carpeting, staging and bespoke scenic elements were installed throughout the ballroom to create a consistent and professional finish.

The venue was reconfigured into separate functional zones, including workshop areas, an auditorium and a dedicated stage for keynote speeches, panels and the closing programme.

Truss systems and structural supports were also provided to accommodate AV setups and specialised technical equipment while maintaining the visual integrity of the event environment.

By coordinating the furniture, staging, structural systems and scenic fit-out as one package, Evolution Scenic created a flexible venue capable of supporting the different phases of the three-day programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for Ghadan 21 – The Gathering.

• Event held from 19–21 March 2019.

• Venue at Saadiyat Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

• Three-day urban planning and architecture workshop.

• Organised by the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities.

• Six key urban initiatives developed during the programme.

• Bespoke workshop tables.

• Custom event furniture.

• Decorative scenic elements.

• Carpet installation.

• Custom staging.

• Workshop zones.

• Dedicated auditorium environment.

• Stage for keynote speeches and panels.

• Final presentation and awards setup.

• Truss systems.

• Structural support for AV equipment.

• Multi-functional ballroom transformation.

• Fast-track delivery and installation.

Outcome

The completed Ghadan 21 environment transformed the Saadiyat Rotana Ballroom into a flexible setting capable of supporting intensive workshops, presentations, panel discussions and the final awards programme.

The custom workshop furniture gave participants defined spaces for collaborative work, while the auditorium and stage provided a clear transition into larger shared sessions.

The integration of staging, carpeting, scenic elements and technical support helped create a cohesive environment despite the different functions taking place across the three-day programme.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver workshop-led event environments where furniture, spatial zoning, staging and technical infrastructure must work together within one coordinated fit-out.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic fit-out, custom workshop furniture, decorative elements, staging, carpeting, auditorium setup, truss systems, structural support, delivery and installation.

National pavilion celebrations provide an opportunity to introduce new layers of cultural storytelling within an established exhibition environment. Any additional scenic elements must complement the existing architecture while creating a distinctive experience for the occasion.

For the Montenegro Pavilion National Day celebration at Expo 2020 Dubai, Evolution Scenic designed, fabricated and installed a bespoke exhibit that enhanced the existing pavilion through a combination of custom joinery, acrylic fabrication and integrated lighting.

The installation introduced a new visual feature while remaining consistent with the pavilion's established design language, combining traditional fabrication techniques with contemporary materials to create a refined and engaging visitor environment.

The Challenge

The project required a new scenic exhibit to be introduced within an existing national pavilion without disrupting its established visual identity.

The installation needed to reflect Montenegro's cultural narrative while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic appropriate to Expo 2020 Dubai. Integration was particularly important, with the new fabrication, acrylic elements and lighting required to feel like a considered extension of the pavilion rather than a temporary addition.

The finished installation also needed to combine visual impact with the durability and quality of finish required for a high-profile public exhibition environment.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed a bespoke exhibit specifically for the Montenegro Pavilion, carefully considering how its form, materials and lighting would integrate with the existing interior.

Traditional joinery techniques formed the foundation of the fabricated scenic elements, providing the structural quality and detailing required for the installation.

Custom acrylic lighting features were incorporated to introduce depth, illumination and a more dynamic visual character. The interaction between fabricated surfaces, acrylic elements and integrated lighting allowed the exhibit to become a distinctive focal point while remaining connected to the wider pavilion aesthetic.

Detailed scenic finishing completed the installation, ensuring the new elements aligned with the pavilion's existing design language and delivered a cohesive environment for the National Day celebration.

Delivery Highlights

• Bespoke National Day exhibit
• Scenic design and fabrication
• Integration within the existing Montenegro Pavilion
• Custom joinery
• Acrylic fabrication
• Integrated acrylic lighting features
• Contemporary lighting treatments
• Bespoke scenic detailing
• Cultural exhibition environment
• Pavilion enhancement
• On-site installation
• Expo 2020 Dubai delivery

Outcome

The completed exhibit introduced a distinctive new feature to the Montenegro Pavilion while maintaining continuity with the existing environment.

By combining bespoke joinery, acrylic fabrication and integrated lighting, Evolution Scenic created a visually engaging installation that supported the pavilion's National Day celebration and reinforced its cultural presentation to Expo visitors.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's capability to deliver bespoke pavilion enhancements where fabrication, material detailing and integrated lighting must work within an established exhibition design.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Bespoke scenic fabrication, custom joinery, acrylic fabrication, lighting integration, scenic detailing and on-site installation.

Seasonal attractions can combine entertainment with education when the scenic environment is designed to support both storytelling and participation. For Winter City 2023 at Expo City Dubai, Evolution Scenic delivered Santa’s Sustainable House as an immersive festive attraction built around Christmas storytelling, interactive engagement and sustainability.

The experience combined a sustainably built Santa’s House, a fully staged workshop environment, interactive scenic features and educational content. Each element was developed to maintain the warmth and character of a traditional Christmas setting while reflecting Expo City Dubai’s wider commitment to sustainability.

The Challenge

Santa’s Sustainable House needed to work simultaneously as a festive attraction, an interactive visitor experience and an educational environment.

The scenic design had to retain the recognisable visual language of Christmas while also introducing sustainability themes in a way that felt natural and engaging rather than instructional.

As part of Winter City 2023, the attraction also needed to integrate seamlessly with the wider seasonal environment and contribute to a consistent guest journey across Expo City Dubai.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed Santa’s Sustainable House as a themed scenic environment combining sustainable material choices, immersive storytelling and interactive visitor participation.

The house was designed and constructed using eco-friendly materials to align with the sustainability principles of Expo City Dubai.

Inside, a fully staged workshop environment was created with elves and themed scenic details, providing a setting where sustainable practices could be presented through a festive narrative.

Interactive scenic features allowed visitors to engage physically with the environment and explore sustainability themes through hands-on experiences. These elements were developed to support educational content without losing the warmth, humour and visual character expected from a Christmas attraction.

The overall scenic treatment was coordinated with the wider Winter City theme, helping Santa’s Sustainable House feel like an integral part of the seasonal destination rather than a standalone installation.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic fabrication for Winter City 2023.

• Installation at Expo City Dubai.

• Sustainably built Santa’s House.

• Use of eco-friendly materials.

• Fully staged immersive workshop environment.

• Themed elf workshop experience.

• Interactive scenic features.

• Hands-on visitor engagement.

• Sustainability-focused educational content.

• Festive storytelling.

• Integration with the wider Winter City environment.

• Family-focused immersive attraction.

• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

Santa’s Sustainable House created a festive visitor experience that combined Christmas storytelling with sustainability-led education.

The attraction allowed guests to explore environmental themes through an immersive setting rather than through conventional displays alone. The staged workshop, interactive scenic elements and sustainable material approach helped turn the space into both an entertainment feature and a learning experience.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to develop themed environments where scenic fabrication, visitor participation and educational messaging need to work together within a coherent and engaging experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Sustainable scenic fabrication, themed environment development, Santa’s House construction, immersive workshop scenery, interactive scenic features, delivery and installation.

International policy conferences require exhibition environments that can communicate complex ideas clearly while supporting interaction, circulation and a high standard of presentation. For the 18th session of the UN Industrial Development Organization General Conference at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic transformed the atrium into the central exhibition environment for the five-day event.

Held from 3–7 November 2019 under the theme “Industry 2030 – Innovate. Connect. Transform our Future,” the conference focused on innovation and sustainable industrial development. Evolution Scenic’s scope centred on seven themed hubs, interactive digital stations, custom scenic panels, display structures and a dedicated photo gallery, all integrated within the existing atrium environment.

The Challenge

The exhibition needed to present multiple policy themes within one coherent visitor environment while preserving the functionality and circulation of the Emirates Palace atrium.

Seven themed hubs had to communicate different subjects, including Gender, Youth & Entrepreneurship, Circular Economy, Industry 4.0, Industrial Parks, Sustainable Energy and Partnerships.

The exhibition also relied heavily on interactive content, meaning touchscreens, large displays, AI stations, iPads and headsets all needed to be incorporated into the scenic structures cleanly and securely.

A dedicated photo exhibition also required its own display environment, adding another layer to the overall fit-out.

The project was delivered within a tight production timeline, making coordination between fabrication, technology integration and on-site installation essential.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic constructed a series of custom scenic hubs designed around the seven conference themes.

Each hub incorporated bespoke scenic panels and interactive stations tailored to the content being presented. The physical structures were developed to support both branded information and digital interaction without making the exhibition feel visually fragmented.

Touchscreens and large-format displays were integrated into the hubs, alongside mounting systems for AI stations and personal iPads with headsets.

A dedicated photo gallery was also fabricated for Elisabetta Lattanzio Illy’s exhibition, using custom display structures to present the photographic work within a clearly defined gallery setting.

Across the wider atrium, scenic elements were positioned and installed to enhance the visual character of the exhibition while maintaining guest circulation and functionality.

The complete package was coordinated to balance presentation quality, structural integrity and interactive use within the compressed delivery programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Exhibition scenic production for the 18th UNIDO General Conference.

• Event held at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

• Event dates: 3–7 November 2019.

• Theme: Industry 2030 – Innovate. Connect. Transform our Future.

• Seven themed exhibition hubs.

• Gender hub.

• Youth & Entrepreneurship hub.

• Circular Economy hub.

• Industry 4.0 hub.

• Industrial Parks hub.

• Sustainable Energy hub.

• Partnerships hub.

• Custom scenic panels.

• Interactive stations.

• Integrated touchscreens.

• Large-format display screens.

• AI station mounting systems.

• Personal iPad stations.

• Headset integration.

• Dedicated photo gallery fit-out.

• Custom display structures for Elisabetta Lattanzio Illy’s exhibition.

• Atrium transformation.

• Guest-flow considerations.

• Fast-track fabrication and installation.

Outcome

The completed exhibition transformed the Emirates Palace atrium into a structured and engaging environment for the UNIDO General Conference.

The seven themed hubs provided distinct spaces for different areas of discussion, while the integrated digital stations allowed visitors to engage with the content through touchscreens, large displays and personal devices.

The dedicated photo gallery added another layer to the exhibition programme, creating a separate environment for visual storytelling within the wider conference setting.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver content-led exhibition environments where scenic fabrication, digital integration, visitor circulation and multiple thematic narratives need to work together within one coordinated installation.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Exhibition scenic fabrication, themed hubs, interactive stations, custom scenic panels, digital display integration, AI station mounts, iPad and headset installations, photo gallery fit-out, display structures, delivery and installation.