Sands of Time, Monumental Sculpture, UAE

Client: Ithra Dubai
Industry: Hospitality, Luxury Lifestyle Hotel
Year: 2024
Location: World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

Services: Art Consultancy and Art Supply

Featured Artists: Art Painting Lab, Adirondeck, Walnut
Total no. of Artworks Delivered: 1

Award: Winner for Commercial Interior Design MENA Awards: ‘Highly Commended Best Use of Art in Interiors Capsule Arts’ 2024. 

Is a project that bridges contemporary artistry and cultural heritage, Capsule Arts was commissioned to create a large-scale, immersive art piece inspired by the natural and cultural landscape of Dubai’s deserts. “Sands of Time” captures the spirit of the rolling sand dunes, drawing upon the timelessness and peaceful essence of the Arabian landscape, while honoring the Bedouin legacy that has shaped the UAE’s identity. The design draws specifically from the undulating, wind-swept forms of dunes near Al Madam, a region known for its red sands and abandoned village gradually consumed by shifting sands. This provides a visual and conceptual foundation, echoing themes of impermanence, beauty, and the natural forces that sculpt the desert. The design journey began with an extensive study of natural dune patterns, tracing how wind and gravity shape sand into mesmerizing forms. Capsule Arts’ design team developed initial sketches, refined them into a digital 3D model, and created a 1:10 maquette to fine-tune the overall form and flow. The final piece integrates seamlessly into the hotel’s curved architectural facade, making the installation an intrinsic part of the space. 

Crafted from a carefully chosen blend of Al Qudra sand and Sweileh sand from Jordan, the sculpture reflects the desert’s natural colors and textures. This blend was selected for its ability to interact with light dynamically, shifting in tone throughout the day to mirror the changing desert landscape. For optimal accuracy and precision, CNC technology was used to cut the sculpture’s framework, while artisans applied intricate hand-carving to create ripple effects that mimic natural sand movements.  

The installation process required meticulous planning and coordination, as individual sculpture pieces, reaching heights of up to 3.8 meters, were delivered before the hotel’s glass facade was sealed. This process involved onsite assembly and finishing, with artists using specialized techniques to apply a custom sand finish, creating a texture that enhances the piece’s organic feel. To address the challenges posed by Dubai’s intense light, a series of lighting studies were conducted throughout the day to ensure consistent aesthetics. The dark tones of Al Qudra sand were balanced with Sweileh sand, which introduces a harmonious color gradient that changes with natural light, creating a captivating interplay of shadows and highlights. 

“Sands of Time” stands as a testament to both cultural and environmental responsibility. Capsule Arts prioritized local sourcing and sustainable practices throughout the project. The sand blend was chosen not only for aesthetic qualities but also for its sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. 

The project involved collaboration with local artisans and support for eco-friendly practices, including minimizing waste and emissions. Recycled and natural materials were employed wherever possible, ensuring that the sculpture remains both environmentally conscious and deeply rooted in the region’s ecological and cultural landscape. 

More than just an installation, “Sands of Time” is an experience for guests, inviting them into an environment that reflects the tranquility, scale, and beauty of Dubai’s natural desert landscapes. As visitors enter One&Only One Za’abeel, they encounter this homage to Dubai’s desert heritage—a powerful, contemporary art piece that serves as a landmark within the urban resort. The installation enhances the resort’s identity as a place of cultural fusion and luxury, drawing on elements of the desert that are emblematic of the UAE. Through Capsule Arts’ expertise and vision, “Sands of Time” becomes more than art; it’s a visual narrative that connects guests to Dubai’s natural and cultural heritage while setting a new standard for large-scale art installations in hospitality.