Cultural festivals require environments that can support many different forms of engagement while maintaining a consistent creative identity. In November 2018, the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development hosted the inaugural Al Burda Festival and Awards Show at Warehouse 421 and the NYU campus in Abu Dhabi.

The event brought together artists and visionaries from across the MENA region for knowledge sharing, interactive workshops, art exhibitions and an evening performance by international artists at the NYU main theatre.

Evolution Scenic provided technical design, structural development and scenic fabrication for the festival. The scope included scenic elements for the main stage, workshop spaces and art galleries, alongside a custom temporary structure for the main plenary and bespoke branded features throughout the event.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed detailed technical construction drawings and established the fabrication requirements necessary to transform the creative brief into buildable scenic elements.

Materials were selected according to the visual, structural and functional needs of each component. This ensured the fabricated elements achieved the required appearance while remaining suitable for their intended environments and uses.

For the main plenary, the team constructed a custom temporary event structure that combined structural performance with considered architectural detailing. Additional scenic elements were fabricated for the main stage, workshop spaces and art galleries, creating distinctive environments for the festival’s different programme areas.

Bespoke branded features, including signage and backdrops, were also produced to strengthen the festival’s identity and maintain visual consistency across the guest experience.

Delivery Highlights

• Technical design and structural development
• Detailed technical construction drawings
• Fabrication planning and material specification
• Scenic fabrication for the main stage
• Scenic environments for workshop spaces
• Fabricated elements for art galleries
• Custom temporary structure for the main plenary
• Bespoke branded features
• Event signage and backdrops
• Delivery across Warehouse 421 and the NYU campus
• Support for the inaugural Al Burda Festival and Awards Show

Outcome

The completed scenic installation supported the festival’s varied cultural programme while maintaining a cohesive visual identity across its principal environments.

Through detailed technical development, considered material selection and specialist fabrication, Evolution Scenic translated the creative brief into functional structures and scenic elements for the main stage, plenary, workshops and galleries.

The project demonstrated the team’s ability to deliver coordinated scenic environments for a multi-venue cultural event, combining structural requirements with the artistic standards expected of an internationally focused festival and awards programme.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical design, construction drawings, structural development, material selection, temporary structures, scenic fabrication, branded elements, signage and backdrops.

Ceremonial events rely on clear visual identity, strong arrival moments and carefully coordinated guest-facing environments. For the Stern Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic delivered a package of bespoke scenic fabrication and branded event elements designed to create a cohesive and high-impact setting for attendees.

The scope included branded walls, photo frames, banners, entrance arches, backdrops, lightboxes, interactive features, TV cladding, majlis backdrops and letter signage. Together, these elements created a consistent visual language across the event while supporting photography, guest engagement and key ceremonial moments.

The Challenge

The event required a coordinated scenic and branding package capable of creating a strong visual presence across multiple guest touchpoints.

The environment needed to support arrival, photography, branded content, multimedia elements and majlis areas while maintaining a consistent identity throughout the venue.

With numerous scenic components forming part of the overall event experience, the challenge was to ensure that walls, arches, backdrops, signage, lightboxes and interactive features worked together as a unified environment rather than as separate installations.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic supplied and installed a range of bespoke scenic and branding elements tailored to the event requirements.

Custom walls were fabricated to provide the foundation for key branding applications and to establish a strong visual backdrop throughout the space.

Entrance arches were created as prominent arrival features, providing a clear branded focal point for guests entering the event. Photo frames and banners were installed to extend the visual identity and create additional guest-facing branding opportunities.

Backdrops and illuminated lightboxes were produced to reinforce the event branding while also creating suitable locations for photography and key event moments.

Interactive elements and TV cladding were integrated into the environment to support multimedia content and increase guest engagement.

Majlis backdrops were also designed and built to create a more refined setting within hospitality areas, while letter signage added further branded detail across the event.

By coordinating fabrication, branding and installation across the different components, Evolution Scenic created a consistent event environment from arrival through to the principal guest areas.

Delivery Highlights

• Bespoke scenic fabrication.

• Branded event walls.

• Custom photo frames.

• Event banners.

• Branded entrance arches.

• Custom backdrops.

• Illuminated lightboxes.

• Interactive event elements.

• TV cladding.

• Majlis backdrops.

• Letter signage.

• Guest-facing branding features.

• Photography backdrops.

• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

The Stern Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was delivered as a visually cohesive event environment combining scenic fabrication, branding and guest-facing installations.

The entrance arches established a strong arrival moment, while backdrops, lightboxes, photo features and signage extended the event identity throughout the venue. Interactive elements and TV cladding added multimedia functionality, while the majlis backdrops created a more refined hospitality setting.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to deliver coordinated scenic and branding packages for ceremonial events where arrival experience, photography, guest engagement and visual consistency all need to work together within one environment.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic fabrication, branded walls, entrance arches, backdrops, lightboxes, photo features, TV cladding, interactive elements, majlis backdrops, letter signage, delivery and installation.

International pavilions require interior environments that communicate identity while supporting the practical demands of exhibitions, events and continuous visitor engagement.

For the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Evolution Scenic delivered a bespoke interior fit-out designed to support the pavilion's presentation of British heritage, culture and innovation.

The environment combined contemporary design with traditional references, creating a setting that could communicate the pavilion's narrative while remaining functional throughout the Expo programme.

Through custom fabrication, carefully selected materials and detailed installation, Evolution Scenic translated the design intent into a finished interior suitable for a high-profile international showcase.

The Challenge

The pavilion required an interior environment capable of representing the United Kingdom on a global stage while balancing visual storytelling with practical functionality.

Bespoke elements needed to reflect both traditional British references and a contemporary design language, while the wider environment had to accommodate exhibitions and events throughout Expo 2020.

With large numbers of visitors experiencing the pavilion, material quality, durability and consistency of finish were also important considerations across the completed interior.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered bespoke interior elements that supported the creative direction and functional requirements of the UK Pavilion.

Custom installations were fabricated to integrate cultural references within a contemporary interior aesthetic, creating visual features that contributed to the wider visitor experience.

Artistic displays were coordinated with functional areas so the pavilion could support both exhibitions and hosted events without compromising its overall visual identity.

Materials were selected to provide the durability required for an extended international exhibition while maintaining the high-quality finish expected of a national pavilion.

From fabrication through to installation, each element was carefully executed to ensure the completed interior aligned with the pavilion's design language and operational purpose.

Delivery Highlights

• Bespoke pavilion interior fit-out
• Custom scenic fabrication
• Bespoke interior installations
• Contemporary interpretation of British cultural references
• Artistic and functional display elements
• Exhibition environment fabrication
• Event-ready interior spaces
• High-quality material finishes
• Fabrication for extended public use
• Detailed on-site installation
• Expo 2020 pavilion delivery

Outcome

The completed interior provided the UK Pavilion with a distinctive environment that supported its cultural and technological narrative while meeting the practical requirements of an international exhibition venue.

Bespoke installations, functional spaces and carefully executed finishes worked together to create an engaging visitor environment capable of supporting exhibitions and events throughout Expo 2020.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to deliver high-profile pavilion interiors where bespoke fabrication, material quality, installation and functionality must work together within a single visitor experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Bespoke interior fabrication, custom installations, exhibition elements, material finishing and on-site 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.

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.

Innovation competitions need event environments that can present complex ideas clearly while encouraging interaction between finalists, judges, industry leaders and visitors. For the FoodTech Challenge 2023 at ADNEC during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated scenic environment for a global competition focused on advancing food technology solutions.

Launched under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and organised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tamkeen, the 2023 edition brought together 12 finalist teams selected from 667 submissions across 79 countries. Evolution Scenic’s scope included a bespoke exhibition showcase, interactive engagement zones, themed branding, a dedicated finalist presentation stage and sustainable scenic fabrication.

The Challenge

The FoodTech Challenge needed to support both exhibition and competition functions within one cohesive environment.

The 12 finalist teams required dedicated spaces to present their food technology innovations, while visitors needed clear opportunities to explore and engage with the solutions on display.

The event also required a formal presentation environment for finalist pitches and an awards ceremony, meaning the scenic package had to move between exhibition, interaction and high-profile stage content without losing visual consistency.

Sustainability was another important consideration, with the material approach needing to reflect the objectives of the wider competition.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated a bespoke exhibition environment tailored to the finalist showcase.

Custom exhibition structures were created to provide each team with a clear and professional platform for presenting its innovation.

Interactive zones were integrated into the wider layout, giving guests opportunities to engage more directly with the technologies and concepts on display.

Themed scenic elements and branding were developed across the event environment to reinforce the FoodTech Challenge identity and connect the exhibition, interaction areas and presentation spaces.

A dedicated awards stage and finalist presentation area were also designed and installed to support live pitches and the closing awards ceremony.

Eco-friendly materials were incorporated into the scenic construction to align the physical environment more closely with the event’s sustainability objectives.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for the FoodTech Challenge 2023.

• Event held at ADNEC during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

• 12 finalist teams.

• Finalists selected from 667 submissions.

• Entries from 79 countries.

• Bespoke exhibition showcase.

• Custom finalist display environments.

• Interactive guest engagement zones.

• Themed event branding.

• Sustainability-led scenic treatment.

• Dedicated finalist presentation stage.

• Awards ceremony environment.

• Sustainable scenic fabrication.

• Eco-friendly material use.

• Exhibition, presentation and interaction zones.

• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

The completed FoodTech Challenge environment created a clear and engaging platform for the 12 finalists to present innovative food technology solutions to an international audience.

The exhibition structures gave each team a defined presentation space, while the interactive zones encouraged greater visitor engagement with the technologies on display. The dedicated presentation and awards stage supported the competitive programme and gave the event a strong central focal point.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver innovation-focused event environments where exhibition fabrication, interactive engagement, stage presentation and sustainability considerations all need to work together within one coordinated scenic package.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Exhibition fabrication, finalist showcase environments, interactive zones, themed scenic branding, presentation stage, awards setup, sustainable material integration, delivery and installation.