Evolution Scenic illuminated scenic arches framing the HIPA stage at Dubai Opera.

Photography awards require environments that frame creative work with clarity while giving the ceremony an identity of its own.


On 16 November 2023, the 12th season of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award took place at Dubai Opera. Presented under the theme Diversity, the ceremony celebrated achievements in photography before an audience of industry professionals, art enthusiasts and VIP guests.


Evolution Scenic delivered a large-scale scenic package comprising five illuminated arches, a curved stage extension, branded gallery installations, VIP structures, signage and venue-wide flooring.

The Challenge


The scenic environment needed to express the Diversity theme while remaining appropriate to the architecture and formal character of Dubai Opera.


Five arches, each measuring 32 metres long and six metres high, required fabrication, lighting integration and a refined fabric finish. Their scale created significant installation and coordination requirements within the venue.


The curved stage extension had to be installed before the overhead rigging work could proceed. Gallery structures, branding, carpet and PVC flooring then needed to follow in a carefully managed sequence.


All scenic work had to comply with the venue’s health and safety standards. The complete installation also needed to be handed over one day before the ceremony, allowing the production team to conduct its rehearsal.

The Solution


Evolution Scenic fabricated five large-scale arches measuring 32 metres long and six metres high. Each structure was wrapped in high-quality black fabric to create a clean, consistent finish.

RGBW LED strips were integrated into the arches and controlled through a grandMA system, allowing their appearance to respond to the ceremony’s visual treatment.


A curved extension was constructed in front of the existing Dubai Opera stage. Finished with Delta carpet, the extension enlarged the performance area while maintaining a cohesive transition to the venue’s permanent stage.


Custom structures were fabricated for the photography galleries and wrapped with high-resolution HIPA graphics. Additional spray-painted structures and branded features were positioned near the VIP seating areas.


Marlin PVC flooring and carpet were installed throughout the required venue areas, connecting the stage, galleries and guest spaces through a consistent surface treatment.


Installation sequencing was coordinated around the rigging, audiovisual, flooring and graphics workstreams. All scenic elements were completed and handed over the day before the ceremony.

Delivery Highlights


  • Scenic delivery for the 12th HIPA Award Ceremony
  • Installation at Dubai Opera
  • Five large-scale scenic arches
  • Arches measuring 32 metres long and six metres high
  • High-quality black fabric finishes
  • Integrated RGBW LED strips
  • grandMA lighting control
  • Curved extension to the existing stage
  • Delta carpet stage finish
  • Custom photography-gallery structures
  • High-resolution HIPA graphics
  • Spray-painted VIP-area structures
  • Bespoke event signage
  • Marlin PVC flooring
  • High-quality venue carpet
  • Coordination with rigging and audiovisual suppliers
  • Compliance with venue health and safety standards
  • Handover one day before the event
  • Rehearsal-ready installation

Outcome


The completed scenic environment created a consistent visual framework for the ceremony, photography galleries and VIP areas at Dubai Opera.


The five illuminated arches introduced scale and rhythm throughout the venue, while their programmable RGBW lighting supported the event’s changing visual requirements. The curved stage extension provided a polished setting for the formal programme.


Branded gallery structures gave the award-winning photography dedicated presentation areas, and the coordinated flooring and VIP features connected the different guest environments.

By completing the installation one day before the event, Evolution Scenic provided the production team with a fully prepared venue for rehearsals.

Project Ecosystem


Evolution Scenic – Large-scale arch fabrication, black-fabric finishing, curved stage extension, gallery structures, VIP features, branding coordination, flooring and scenic installation.


Evolution Technical – Technical guidance for the event’s rigging and audiovisual delivery.