Hammour House
Hammour House: A Community Art Project by Ahmed Al Enezi
A one-of-a-kind community art initiative, Hammour House brought together artists, schoolchildren, fishermen, scientists, and the wider public to explore the mysteries of the ocean through art and storytelling.
Curated by Ahmed Al Enezi and inspired by the timeless tale of Abdullah the Fisherman & Abdullah the Merman from 1001 Nights, Hammour House was Expo 2020 Dubai’s artistic response to sustainability and marine conservation.
Through interactive installations, hands-on workshops, and live performances, Hammour House immersed audiences in the beauty of the Arabian Gulf’s marine life, sparking curiosity and action for ocean preservation.
Art Installations
Hammour House featured three major public artworks, each telling a unique story of marine biodiversity, sustainability, and artistic collaboration.
The Tapestry (2021)
A monumental fabric installation crafted by over 4,000 UAE schoolchildren in collaboration with artist Steve Chambers.
Created using Batik-inspired techniques on anatomically accurate marine life outlines.
Assembled into a 4m x 5.2m three-panel artwork, weaving together an underwater scene.
Explores the impact of fast fashion on ocean health.
The Hammour Fish (2021)
A striking sculpture crafted from ghost nets—abandoned fishing nets that pollute oceans and harm marine life.
Created by Australian artist Sue Ryan, inspired by UAE fishermen's stories.
Made from nets recovered by Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers in Australia.
Symbolizes marine conservation and the global impact of ocean pollution.
The Coral Reef (2021)
A living, evolving sculpture representing hope and renewal for marine ecosystems
Built through community workshops, with corals crafted by Expo visitors.
Created using recycled fabric scraps from The Tapestry and materials from Dulsco.
Grew over six months, reflecting the power of collaborative environmental action.
Interactive Public Program
Beyond the art, Hammour House engaged visitors through hands-on experiences designed to inspire action and appreciation for marine conservation.
Artist Takeover Series
Each month, a UAE-based artist led workshops inspired by Hammour House’s themes. Artists included:
Sawsan Al Bahar (October): Exploring home, history, and the sea through drawing.
Zahra Jewanjee (November): Merging science and mysticism in painting.
Jumairy (December): Immersive sound, film, and digital performances.
Khalid Mezaina (January): Textile storytelling and illustration.
Ranim Orouk (February): Digital sculpture inspired by nature.
Poras Dhakan (March): Jewelry-making and photography inspired by marine textures.
Hammour House Music Program
A unique blend of classical instruments, recycled materials, and ambient sea sounds in collaboration with the Centre for Musical Arts (CMA).
February Performance (25th Feb 2022): Student-composed music inspired by the sea.
Earth Hour Performance (26th March 2022): A candlelit orchestral experience, using sustainable instruments.
Creative Workshops & Experiences
Daily Knitting Program: Visitors contributed to a community-made textile artwork depicting marine life.
Coral Sculpting Workshops: Attendees created coral sculptures added to The Coral Reef installation.
Quilting Days: Expert-led quilting sessions weaving ocean-inspired designs.
Why Hammour?
Hammour is more than just a fish—it is a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and interconnectivity.
Hammour fish live in coral reefs, which serve as crucial marine habitats.
In Emirati culture, Hammour is both a delicacy and a metaphor—“He is a big Hammour” refers to an influential person.
Sustainability at its core: Hammour House used recycled materials and promoted marine conservation.
FAQs
🔹 Why is it called Hammour House?
Hammour is a species of grouper fish found in the UAE, living in coral reefs. Because we are inspired by these reefs, we named the project Hammour House!
🔹 Who made the artworks?
The Tapestry: UAE schoolchildren + Steve Chambers.
The Coral Reef: Expo visitors + Camille Despalle de Bearn.
The Hammour Fish: Sue Ryan.
🔹 How was the community involved?
Hammour House brought together schoolchildren, fishermen, scientists, Expo visitors, artists, and the wider community to co-create artworks and learn about marine conservation.
🔹 What happens to Hammour House after Expo?
The project continues at Terra (The Sustainability Pavilion), where its programming and legacy will live on.
🔹 How does Hammour House relate to sustainability?
Themes of marine conservation and overfishing.
Workshops promoting environmental awareness.
Artworks made from recycled and sustainable materials.
🔹 What activities were available on-site?
Daily knitting sessions
Coral art workshops
Artist-led sessions
Music performances
Talks on sustainability and marine life
🔹 Can I take home the art I create?
Yes, except for coral sculptures, which become part of The Coral Reef installation. However, attendees who complete two corals can take one home!
Hammour House: A Legacy of Art, Community, and Conservation
Hammour House was more than an exhibition—it was a movement. By fusing art, storytelling, and environmental awareness, it sparked meaningful conversations, inspired action, and empowered communities. It transformed Expo 2020 Dubai into a space of wonder and collective creation, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated.
Join the conversation. Create your own community art project. Tag us with #HammourHouse!