The UAE has proudly secured a place among the finalists for the Technical Invention Prize (TIP), part of the Middle East debut of World Stage Design (WSD) 2025 in Sharjah.
The TIP recognizes innovative, economical, sustainable, and smart devices developed for theatre, live performances, and the broader entertainment industry. This year, 17 inventions were selected through a stringent jurying process and will be showcased at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) from 18–25 October 2025, coinciding with WSD2025, co-produced by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the International Organisation of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians (OISTAT).
The UAE’s entry, the LED Cue String by Ahana Hatwal, enables stagehands, performers, and technicians to send and receive signals discreetly and instantly during live performances, without distracting the audience.
The winning entries of TIP include:
- Simple Paper Rain Effect – Marshall Kidd, Canada
- Spring-Clamp Tensioning System – Bee Bee Lee, Singapore
- The Flex Booth – Rima Almesri, Greece
“The gadgets and smart solutions submitted were outstanding. The jury, composed of eight leading experts in global performing arts and live events, had a tough task selecting winners and finalists. It’s particularly exciting that a UAE invention is among the finalists in this first-ever Arab-hosted edition of WSD,” said Jacqui George, Project Director, WSD 2025.
WSD2025 also features a Design Exhibition, Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC), TIP, and Scenofest, offering seminars, workshops, performances, and presentations by theatre practitioners worldwide.
