Radisson RED Dubai names first international artist-in-residence in World Art Dubai partnership

Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis has appointed Spanish artist Tom Roy (Antonio Ramirez) as its first international artist-in-residence, following a landmark partnership with World Art Dubai. The move signals a broader commitment to elevating the intersection of hospitality and contemporary art.

The selection was made during World Art Dubai 2025, the region’s largest art fair, which brought together over 400 artists and galleries from 65 countries and attracted more than 11,000 visitors. For Radisson RED Dubai, Roy stood out not only for his distinctive figurative style but also for a personal journey that embodies resilience and authenticity—values the brand seeks to champion.

“This year’s fair was full of breathtaking work, but our decision wasn’t based on the art alone,” said Nina Petridis, general manager at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis. “Tom’s story, spirit, and unapologetic honesty aligned with who we are. That kind of connection can’t be manufactured—it’s either there or it isn’t.”

A former engineer and marketing executive in the European automotive sector, Roy turned to painting after being diagnosed with lymphoma, using art as a form of therapy during treatment. He has since developed a bold, highly recognisable style characterised by vibrant palettes, layered textures, and human figures with exaggerated proportions and postures.

Roy unveiled his commissioned work, Urban Pulse: Collective Energy, at Radisson RED Dubai on July 23. The large-scale piece was designed to reflect the brand’s urban identity, drawing on themes of global connectivity and collective energy. Incorporating disruptive elements that invite interaction, the work is intended to live dynamically within the hotel’s public spaces.

“It was important to me that the art lived within the space, not just on the wall,” said Roy. “I wanted guests to feel like they were inside the story, not just looking at it.”

The partnership reflects Dubai’s rising profile as a regional creative hub. Petridis noted that platforms like World Art Dubai and initiatives such as RED’s artist-in-residence programme align with the UAE’s broader cultural ambitions. “The UAE’s Creative Economy Strategy aims to double the sector’s contribution to GDP to 5 percent by the end of 2025,” she said. “This is not a side conversation anymore—it’s an economic and cultural imperative.”

For Roy, the residency offers an opportunity to connect with new audiences and contribute to the city’s evolving art scene. “Dubai’s art market is still young compared to Europe or China, but that’s what makes it exciting,” he said. “There’s space to build, educate and connect with audiences in new ways. There’s an openness here you don’t find in older markets.”

Hotelier