Ideas festivals need environments that encourage conversation, discovery and collaboration among audiences with different interests and backgrounds. For the 2019 Ideas Festival at NYU Abu Dhabi, Tamkeen commissioned Evolution Scenic to create an engaging event environment centred on culture, knowledge and innovation.

The festival welcomed adults, teenagers and young professionals while providing a platform for thinkers, innovators and influencers from the UAE, the GCC and beyond.

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated large-scale artistic installations combining geometric timber structures with vibrant graphics. Multi-functional scenic spaces were also created for discussions, workshops and networking activities.

The Challenge

The event environment needed to appeal to a broad audience while supporting several different forms of participation. Discussions, workshops, networking and informal interaction each required spaces suited to their specific purpose.

The scenic design also needed to communicate Abu Dhabi’s identity as a modern, knowledge-driven capital while celebrating UAE culture and the city’s growing role as a centre for creativity and innovation.

These ideas had to be translated into visually distinctive structures without limiting the flexibility required by the festival programme.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated large-scale art installations using geometric timber structures and vibrant applied graphics.

The combination of three-dimensional forms and bold graphic treatments created a recognisable visual identity for the festival while expressing themes of culture, knowledge and innovation.

Versatile scenic elements were produced to support discussions, workshops and networking activities. These multi-functional environments enabled the event programme to accommodate different formats and audience groups within a coordinated setting.

Thematic features inspired by UAE culture and Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for knowledge and creativity were incorporated throughout the scenic approach.

Detailed fabrication and high-quality finishing ensured the individual installations formed a polished and immersive environment across the festival.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for the Ideas Festival
• Installation at NYU Abu Dhabi
• Large-scale artistic installations
• Geometric timber structures
• Vibrant applied graphics
• Multi-functional festival spaces
• Discussion environments
• Workshop areas
• Networking spaces
• Design for adults and younger audiences
• Integration of UAE cultural themes
• Visual storytelling around knowledge and innovation
• Detailed scenic fabrication
• High-quality finishes
• Venue installation

Outcome

The completed environment supported a varied programme of discussions, workshops and networking while giving the festival a strong visual identity.

Large-scale geometric installations and colourful graphics created distinctive focal points throughout the venue. Flexible scenic spaces allowed different audience groups to participate in the festival’s activities and connect with one another.

Through considered design, specialist timber fabrication and detailed finishing, Evolution Scenic created an environment that reflected the festival’s focus on culture, creativity and knowledge sharing.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic design, large-scale art installations, geometric timber fabrication, graphic integration, multi-functional event spaces, cultural features, finishing and venue installation.

Transforming an open site into a complete entertainment destination requires scenic production to operate at an exceptional scale. For Diriyah Season 2019, the Diriyah Oasis Festival transformed a 130,000-square-metre car park into a fully functioning entertainment hub comprising four major festival zones.

Delivered within an intensive 90-day programme, the destination welcomed more than one million visitors during its two-month run. Evolution Scenic worked alongside local scenic providers to translate creative concepts into immersive environments, large-scale scenic elements, bespoke landscaping and illuminated installations.

The project required coordinated delivery across a vast site, combining specialist fabrication with local collaboration, logistical management and consistent quality control.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was the scale and speed of delivery. A 130,000-square-metre car park needed to become an operational entertainment destination containing four distinctive festival zones within 90 days.

Each zone required its own immersive visual environment while remaining part of the wider Diriyah Oasis identity. Scenic structures, custom props, landscaping, flooring and lighting all needed to be coordinated across the extensive venue.

Delivering this volume of work required Evolution Scenic to collaborate with and manage multiple local scenic providers. The combined teams needed to work efficiently while maintaining consistent fabrication, finishing and installation standards across every zone.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic translated the creative concepts into practical scenic-delivery requirements for the four principal festival zones.

Large-scale scenic elements and custom props were fabricated to establish the individual character of each environment. Bespoke landscaping and flooring treatments helped transform the original car park into a more complete and engaging visitor destination.

Illuminated scenic installations and wider lighting solutions introduced colour, energy and atmosphere across the site, supporting both the visual identity of the zones and the festival’s evening operation.

Evolution Scenic worked closely with local scenic providers, coordinating their specialist capabilities with its own team and overseeing delivery across the project. This multi-company approach enabled production to scale in response to the size of the build while maintaining common quality expectations.

Logistics and installation were managed across all four festival zones, allowing multiple workstreams to progress within the demanding 90-day programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Transformation of a 130,000-square-metre car park
• Intensive 90-day delivery programme
• Four major festival zones
• Immersive scenic environments
• Large-scale scenic fabrication
• Custom props
• Bespoke landscaping
• Festival flooring treatments
• Illuminated scenic installations
• Coordinated lighting solutions
• Management of local scenic providers
• Multi-company production collaboration
• Site-wide logistics and installation
• Two-month public operation
• More than one million visitors

Outcome

Diriyah Oasis opened as the entertainment hub of Diriyah Season 2019 and welcomed more than one million visitors during its two-month operation.

The four completed festival zones transformed the original car park into a varied and visually engaging destination. Scenic fabrication, landscaping, flooring and illuminated features gave each area its own identity while contributing to the atmosphere of the wider festival.

By coordinating multiple local providers and managing simultaneous workstreams across a substantial site, Evolution Scenic delivered the large-scale scenic package within the 90-day programme. The project demonstrated the company’s ability to scale its delivery model for complex festival environments in Saudi Arabia.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic development, large-scale fabrication, custom props, landscaping, flooring, illuminated installations, local-provider management, logistical coordination and site-wide installation.

Luxury opening events require scenic fabrication to complement the character of the venue while introducing distinctive moments of branding, art and guest engagement.

From 20 to 22 January 2023, Atlantis The Royal marked its grand opening on Palm Jumeirah with an exclusive event attended by VIP guests and international celebrities.

Evolution Scenic fabricated and installed a collection of bespoke scenic features across the hotel. The delivery included a large freestanding 818 Tequila bottle sculpture, custom scenic structures, precision metalwork, acrylic and vinyl branding elements and tailored fabric installations.

The Challenge

The scenic package needed to complement the scale and architectural character of Atlantis The Royal without competing with the hotel’s existing design.

Each installation required a refined finish suitable for a luxury environment. This applied equally to sculptural pieces, structural metalwork, branded panels and textile features.

The freestanding 818 Tequila bottle presented a specific fabrication challenge. Its large scale required a lightweight internal form with sufficient reinforcement to remain stable and durable during the event.

Tight production deadlines and late-stage adjustments also required the team to adapt fabrication details while protecting the quality and consistency of the finished installations.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic fabricated a large-scale freestanding sculpture based on an 818 Tequila bottle. The core form was produced from expanded polystyrene and reinforced with fibreglass to combine low weight with greater strength.

Detailed scenic painting recreated the bottle’s visual characteristics and provided a durable finished surface suitable for prominent display.

Additional large-scale scenic structures were produced for locations throughout the hotel. Their proportions, materials and finishes were developed to sit comfortably within the venue’s luxury interiors.

Precision metalwork provided both decorative and functional components across the installation. High-resolution printed panels, acrylic branding features and vinyl graphics introduced visual identity without compromising the overall scenic finish.

Custom drapery and textile installations added softness, texture and depth to selected spaces.

CNC routing and laser-cutting technologies were used where accurate profiles, repeatable components and precise detailing were required. The team adjusted production in response to late changes and completed the scenic package within the available programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic delivery for the Atlantis The Royal grand reveal
• Large freestanding 818 Tequila bottle
• Expanded-polystyrene sculptural core
• Fibreglass reinforcement
• Detailed scenic painting
• Large-scale scenic structures
• Precision metal fabrication
• Decorative and functional metalwork
• High-resolution printed panels
• Acrylic branding elements
• Vinyl graphics
• Custom drapery
• Bespoke textile installations
• CNC-routed components
• Laser-cut detailing
• Response to last-minute adjustments
• Installation across the hotel
• Delivery within a tight programme

Outcome

The completed installations introduced bespoke scenic and branded features throughout Atlantis The Royal while remaining consistent with the hotel’s architectural and interior character.

The freestanding 818 Tequila bottle provided a recognisable sculptural focal point, combining a lightweight fabricated form with fibreglass reinforcement and detailed scenic finishing.

Metalwork, printed panels, acrylic features, vinyl graphics and drapery extended the visual treatment across additional guest areas.

Through coordinated fabrication and responsive production management, Evolution Scenic delivered the scenic package in time for the hotel’s grand-reveal programme.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Large-scale sculpture, expanded-polystyrene fabrication, fibreglass reinforcement, scenic painting, custom structures, precision metalwork, branded panels, vinyl graphics, drapery, CNC production, laser cutting and venue installation.

Festival floats combine storytelling and scenic fabrication with the practical requirements of vehicle integration, transport, assembly and live operation.

For Mansour Festival, held at Zayed Sports Complex in Abu Dhabi from 15 to 17 November 2024, Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated two custom truck-mounted floats featuring characters from the festival.

The floats were developed as prominent visual attractions and mobile platforms for the characters. Lightweight cladding, modular assembly and maintenance access were incorporated into their technical design, allowing the scenic structures to operate effectively throughout the event.

The Challenge

Both floats needed to translate the festival’s characters and visual identity into large three-dimensional scenic structures while remaining suitable for installation onto trucks.

The cladding had to be lightweight and straightforward to assemble on site. It also needed to provide access to the vehicle and technical components so maintenance teams could conduct inspections and repairs when required.

Delayed approvals affected the time available for technical development and production. The project was also delivered alongside other themed builds, creating competing demands on workshop resources and the production schedule.

Despite these constraints, both floats needed to be completed on time without compromising their structural requirements, finish quality or safe operation.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the technical designs required to transform the creative concepts into practical truck-mounted scenic structures.

The float cladding was fabricated using lightweight construction methods to limit unnecessary weight and simplify on-site assembly and disassembly. Removable and accessible sections were incorporated so technical teams could reach vehicle components for maintenance and repairs.

Each float was tailored to the Mansour Festival theme and designed to provide a visible platform for its characters. Scenic forms, finishes and graphic details were coordinated to ensure the completed structures contributed to the wider festival environment.

When approval delays reduced the available production period, the team adapted the technical-design and fabrication programme to maintain progress. Workshop resources were coordinated across concurrent projects to keep production moving towards the required installation date.

Both floats were completed and delivered in time for the festival at Zayed Sports Complex.

Delivery Highlights

• Two custom-designed festival floats
• Truck-mounted scenic structures
• Platforms for Mansour Festival characters
• Lightweight scenic cladding
• Modular on-site assembly
• Efficient disassembly
• Integrated technical-maintenance access
• Custom technical design
• Theme-specific scenic detailing
• Coordination around delayed approvals
• Delivery alongside concurrent themed projects
• Workshop-resource management
• Quality and safety considerations
• On-time completion
• Installation at Zayed Sports Complex

Outcome

The two completed floats became prominent visual attractions at Mansour Festival, providing dedicated platforms for the festival’s characters and reinforcing the event’s identity.

Their lightweight and modular construction supported efficient assembly, while incorporated access points allowed technical teams to inspect and maintain the underlying vehicle systems during the event.

By adapting the production programme around delayed approvals and overlapping workshop schedules, Evolution Scenic delivered both floats on time while maintaining the required scenic and technical standards.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical design, lightweight truck cladding, modular float fabrication, character-themed scenic detailing, maintenance-access integration, production coordination and on-site installation.

Large climate and technology events require environments that can support high-level conference content, major exhibition programmes and efficient visitor movement within one coordinated setting. For UAE Climate Tech 2023 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, Evolution Scenic delivered scenic production across both the conference and exhibition areas for an event bringing together global leaders, innovators and industry experts.

The event featured more than 80 international and local exhibitors, with Evolution Scenic responsible for the main conference stage, scenic backdrops, sponsor booths, exhibitor stands, custom furniture and display units. The wider layout was developed to support visitor flow and exhibitor visibility while maintaining a consistent visual standard across the venue.

The Challenge

UAE Climate Tech needed to function simultaneously as a high-profile conference and a large-scale technology exhibition.

The main stage had to support the opening ceremony, fireside chats and panel discussions, while the exhibition area needed to accommodate more than 80 exhibitors and multiple sponsor stands.

With a large number of individual spaces operating within one venue, the environment required careful coordination to ensure that visitor circulation remained efficient and that exhibitors maintained strong visibility.

The programme also demanded close collaboration and fast execution, with scenic fabrication, furniture, display elements and installation all needing to align with the event schedule.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated scenic package across the conference and exhibition areas.

A custom main stage was designed and constructed for the opening ceremony, fireside chats and panel discussions, supported by scenic backdrops aligned with the wider visual identity of the event.

Sponsor booths and more than 80 exhibitor stands were fabricated and installed across the exhibition floor, creating a structured and consistent environment for international and local participants.

The exhibition layout was developed to support clear guest movement while giving individual exhibitors strong visibility within the overall space.

Custom furniture and display units were also produced to support presentation, hospitality and exhibition functions throughout the venue.

Evolution Scenic worked closely with the client and event partners to coordinate the different scenic workstreams and complete the installation within the required programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for UAE Climate Tech 2023.

• Event held at Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

• Main conference stage.

• Scenic backdrops for opening ceremony and discussions.

• Support for fireside chats and panel sessions.

• Sponsor booth fabrication.

• More than 80 exhibitor stands.

• International and local exhibitor environments.

• Exhibition layout development.

• Visitor-flow planning.

• Exhibitor visibility considerations.

• Bespoke event furniture.

• Custom display units.

• Multi-zone scenic coordination.

• Collaboration with client and event partners.

• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

The completed UAE Climate Tech environment supported both the conference programme and a substantial international exhibition within one coordinated venue.

The main stage provided a strong focal point for formal content, while the exhibition areas created a structured platform for more than 80 exhibitors to present technologies and climate-focused solutions.

The combination of scenic fabrication, layout planning, custom furniture and coordinated installation helped create an environment that was both visually consistent and operationally effective.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver large-scale conference and exhibition environments where staging, sponsor visibility, exhibitor infrastructure, visitor circulation and fast-track installation all need to work together.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Conference stage fabrication, scenic backdrops, sponsor booths, exhibitor stands, exhibition layout, custom furniture, display units, delivery and installation.

Immersive performance environments require scenic elements to do more than create a visual backdrop. They must also support movement, access, live show technology and repeated performance while maintaining a consistent thematic finish. For a winter-themed entertainment event at Warner Bros Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic delivered a custom performance environment combining large-scale scenic fabrication, moving stage elements and detailed scenic finishing.

The project included a rotating stage platform, an eight-metre-high central clock tower, sweeping Art Deco staircases, floating illuminated video screens and integrated performance technology. CNC milling, lightweight scenic construction and specialist scenic painting techniques were used throughout the build to achieve the required level of detail and visual consistency.

The Challenge

The project required several complex scenic and performance elements to operate together within one highly themed environment.

The central clock tower needed to achieve significant scale without making the upper scenic section unnecessarily heavy. The rotating platform had to function as part of the main stage, while the staircases needed to provide both visual impact and practical access.

The side screens also needed to appear visually lightweight while incorporating programmable internal illumination and integrated video content.

Across all of these elements, the finishes had to remain consistent with the venue’s aesthetic, requiring multiple scenic treatments including marble effects, rustic gold detailing, sand-like cement textures and multi-coloured surface treatments.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic fabricated a fully functional rotating platform and integrated it into the main stage, allowing the performance area to support more dynamic staging and movement.

An eight-metre-high central clock tower was built as the principal scenic focal point. To reduce weight at height, the upper section was fabricated from styrofoam and protected with a durable hard coating. Detailed scenic painting was then applied across the structure, including marble effects, rustic gold accents and a multi-coloured rammed finish.

Two sweeping Art Deco staircases were designed and constructed to frame the central stage area while also providing functional performer access.

Custom side screens were developed to create a floating visual effect. These scenic structures incorporated programmable internal illumination together with integrated video panels, allowing them to contribute both architectural form and digital content to the performance environment.

Fog machines, CO2 jets and programmable lighting were integrated into the wider stage environment to increase the range of effects available during live performances.

CNC milling and advanced fabrication techniques were used where required to achieve accurate forms and detailing across the scenic package. Specialist finishes, including sand-like cement textures, marble treatments and metallic highlights, were applied throughout to visually connect the different structures.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic fabrication for a winter-themed Warner Bros entertainment event.

• Fully functional rotating stage platform.

• Integration of the rotating platform into the main stage.

• 8m-high central clock tower.

• Lightweight styrofoam upper clock tower section.

• Durable hard-coated scenic surfaces.

• Detailed scenic painting.

• Marble-effect finishes.

• Rustic gold detailing.

• Multi-coloured rammed-effect treatment.

• Two sweeping Art Deco staircases.

• Functional stage access integrated into scenic structures.

• Custom floating side screens.

• Programmable internal illumination.

• Integrated video panels.

• Fog machine integration.

• CO2 jet integration.

• Programmable stage lighting.

• CNC milling.

• Sand-like cement scenic textures.

• Metallic scenic highlights.

• Large-scale scenic fabrication and installation.

Outcome

The completed Warner Bros Winter Stage created a visually rich and operationally flexible performance environment combining scenic architecture, moving stage elements, integrated screens and live show effects.

The eight-metre clock tower established a strong central focal point, while the sweeping staircases and illuminated side screens extended the visual composition across the stage. The rotating platform introduced movement into the performance environment, and the integrated fog, CO2 and lighting systems supported a wider range of live show moments.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to combine scenic fabrication with moving structures, lightweight construction methods, CNC production and specialist finishing techniques to deliver complex entertainment environments where visual detail and performance functionality must work together.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic fabrication, rotating stage platform, clock tower construction, Art Deco staircases, floating screen structures, lightweight scenic fabrication, CNC milling, scenic painting, specialist finishes, stage technology integration, delivery and installation.