Applying for Dubai's inaugural stop-motion animation program: A guide
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced a new initiative, the Harakat Sikka stop-motion animation training course. This free, month-long program is part of the Sikka platform, a Dubai Culture initiative that supports emerging talent across various creative fields.
What is Harakat Sikka?
Harakat Sikka is a practical course aimed at nurturing emerging animators and storytellers in the UAE. The main objective of the program is to develop participants' skills in stop-motion animation and visual storytelling, culminating in the production of original short films to be showcased at the Sikka Art & Design Festival.
Who Can Apply?
The course is open to UAE nationals and residents aged 18 and above. No prior animation experience is required. This initiative welcomes applications from students, artists, filmmakers, designers, and writers who are interested in learning the basics of stop-motion animation.
Course Structure
The course runs from August 18 to September 26, 2025, at House 436 in the Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood. Workshops are conducted three times a week, delivered in both Arabic and English. The course is limited to 10 participants to maintain a focused, small-group environment.
Guided by director-artist Boubaker Boukhari, known for his experimental, folklore-inspired stop-motion techniques, the course covers every stage of animation, from concept development and storyboarding to character design, visual arts, filming, editing, audio recording, distribution strategies, and festival submission processes.
Application Process
To apply for the course, candidates need to submit a short-written response outlining their interest in animation and their reasons for applying. Submission of a CV or creative portfolio is also encouraged if available. The application deadline is August 8, 2025. Selection is based on demonstrated interest in animation and creativity.
Conclusion
This initiative reinforces Dubai’s commitment to fostering sustainable talent in the creative industries and strengthening its status as a global cultural hub. Stop-motion animation, known for its handcrafted appearance, is a filmmaking technique where physical objects are moved slowly between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when played back. Famous films that use this technique include Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit by the UK's Aardman Animations, Coraline, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The course will conclude with a public screening of the participants' short films at the Sikka Art and Design Festival. Apply now through the official Dubai Culture website to be a part of this exciting opportunity!
- The Harakat Sikka course, a month-long initiative by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, aims to nurture UAE-based animators and storytellers in the news field of stop-motion animation.
- The course welcomes applications from UAE residents aged 18 and above, regardless of previous animation experience, across various fields such as education, self-development, personal growth, career development, and home-and-garden.
- Under the guidance of director-artist Boubaker Boukhari, the course covers every stage of animation in both Arabic and English, including learning skills for concept development, storyboarding, character design, visual arts, filming, editing, audio recording, distribution strategies, and festival submission processes.
- Participants of the course, limited to 10, will showcase their original short films at the Sikka Art & Design Festival, contributing to Dubai's commitment to sustainable living and fostering talent in the creative industries.
- To apply for the course, applicants need to submit a written response showcasing their interest in animation alongside a CV or creative portfolio, if available, by the deadline of August 8, 2025.
