Shamal Unveils Public Art Tribute at Former Dubai Zoo Site

DUBAI, UAE – Shamal Holding has announced a cultural collaboration with Dubai-based multidisciplinary artist Solimar Miller, transforming the former Dubai Zoo site in Jumeirah 1 into a large-scale public art destination that celebrates the site's natural heritage and historical significance.

The installation features a collection of 12 original artworks created by Miller and displayed across a 710-metre public art canvas surrounding the former zoo site. Inspired by the indigenous flora and fauna that once defined the destination, the project supports Dubai's Public Art Strategy while commemorating one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

The initiative has been delivered through Shamal's Tamayoz programme, which supports emerging creative talent and integrates art and culture into the company's placemaking approach. As part of the collaboration, Miller was commissioned to develop a site-specific artistic concept that reflects the legacy of the former Dubai Zoo while marking its transition into a future residential community.

The former zoo site is being redeveloped into a low-rise residential neighbourhood comprising 90 homes surrounded by landscaped courtyards and green spaces.

Selected for her ecological storytelling and longstanding connection to the UAE's natural environment, Miller created Flora of Light, a collection inspired by the country's indigenous trees, plants and wildlife. The series seeks to establish a visual dialogue between the site's past and future while preserving its place within Dubai's collective memory.

By transforming the site's hoardings into a public gallery, the project contributes to the emirate's ambition of creating an open-air cultural landscape accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Officially unveiled this week, the installation will remain on display for two years, becoming part of the daily experience of those passing through the Jumeirah district.

Commenting on the initiative, Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer at Shamal, said:

“Public art is one of the most powerful ways to embed culture into the DNA of a place. Through Solimar Miller’s work, we invite the community to engage with the story of this site in a meaningful way. The former Dubai Zoo occupies a special place in Dubai’s collective memory, and this collaboration is a way of honouring that legacy while looking ahead to the site’s next chapter.”

Miller, who has lived in Dubai for more than two decades, is known for her environmentally focused artistic practice. Her work frequently explores ecological themes and the preservation of indigenous species, often incorporating natural dyes derived from UAE trees and plants.

Reflecting on the project, Solimar Miller said:

“My process is instinctive, inspired by the UAE’s landscape and wildlife. This series pays tribute to the animals and natural heritage, while reminding us of the importance of conservation. By placing these artworks in a public space, I hope to inspire people to preserve green spaces and natural habitats and celebrate the environment we all share.”

According to Shamal, the future residential community will blend privacy, open spaces and natural elements, creating an environment that reflects both the site's history and its future role within the city.

The project highlights the company's place-led investment approach, integrating cultural and artistic initiatives into developments from the earliest stages to create long-term social, commercial and experiential value.

As Dubai continues to evolve as a global destination for living, working and leisure, the installation serves as a tribute to a landmark that remains deeply connected to the city's collective memory while setting the tone for its next chapter.