One hundred illuminated building replicas rose from the stage at Hatta Dam, turning five decades of national development into a synchronised kinetic skyline.

The UAE’s 50th National Day celebration at Hatta used the landscape of Hatta Dam as the setting for a performance tracing the nation’s progress and achievements.


Evolution collaborated with LarMac Projects ME Limited to create 100 telescopic lightboxes based on iconic UAE buildings. Together, the structures formed a scenic narrative of national development rather than a conventional architectural backdrop.


The creative concept relied on movement, scale and illumination. Each structure needed to rise from the stage, maintain the recognisable proportions of its architectural reference and perform as part of a synchronised landscape of light that remained legible across the dam.

The Challenge


Every building required its own visual identity while operating as part of one mechanical system. Taller structures needed up to four telescoping tiers, custom lifting mechanisms and sufficient stability for live performers working nearby.


The mountainous setting introduced high winds, rain and humidity. The scenic elements also had to retract into the stage floor and operate reliably within a live performance where timing and synchronisation were critical.

Massive curved water screen projection system displaying historical UAE documentary visuals

The Solution


Evolution designed, supplied, installed and operated 100 custom lightboxes, each modelled on an iconic UAE building and adjusted to retain relative scale differences within the stage composition.


Heavy-duty industrial tracks and telescopic tower mechanisms allowed the structures to emerge and retract. Multi-tier designs were engineered for taller buildings, translating the varied national skyline into a workable kinetic system.


Independently controlled LEDs created dimensional lighting across each replica. All 100 elements were connected through a single electrical control circuit, allowing colour and sequence changes to be synchronised from a command position approximately 30 metres away.


Structural design, testing and live operation were developed around weather exposure, performer safety and the precision required for the buildings to rise as part of the choreography.

Delivery Highlights


  • One hundred custom telescopic replicas of iconic UAE buildings.
  • Scenic sequence staged on an artificial pool at the edge of Hatta Dam.
  • Up to four telescoping tiers for the tallest building structures.
  • Custom lifting mechanisms and heavy-duty industrial tracks.
  • Independently controlled LED lighting within every lightbox.
  • Synchronised control through one electrical circuit from 30 metres away.
  • Engineering for high winds, rain, humidity and live performer safety.
Monumental floating stage structure built over water for national day theatrical performance

Outcome


The buildings transformed national progress into a live visual event. As the illuminated skyline emerged from the stage, architecture became a moving timeline rather than a static symbol.


The precision of the mechanical and lighting systems allowed 100 individual structures to read as one national image, creating a powerful centrepiece within the Hatta landscape.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

UAE Governement / LarMac Projects ME Limited


Evolution Events: Led project coordination with LarMac Projects ME Limited, production planning, installation sequencing and live scenic operation.


Evolution Scenic: Designed, engineered, fabricated, installed and operated the 100 telescopic building lightboxes and lifting structures.


Evolution Technical: Delivered the LED integration, electrical control, synchronised colour sequences and technical operation of the kinetic skyline.