Festival floats combine storytelling and scenic fabrication with the practical requirements of vehicle integration, transport, assembly and live operation.

For Mansour Festival, held at Zayed Sports Complex in Abu Dhabi from 15 to 17 November 2024, Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated two custom truck-mounted floats featuring characters from the festival.

The floats were developed as prominent visual attractions and mobile platforms for the characters. Lightweight cladding, modular assembly and maintenance access were incorporated into their technical design, allowing the scenic structures to operate effectively throughout the event.

The Challenge

Both floats needed to translate the festival’s characters and visual identity into large three-dimensional scenic structures while remaining suitable for installation onto trucks.

The cladding had to be lightweight and straightforward to assemble on site. It also needed to provide access to the vehicle and technical components so maintenance teams could conduct inspections and repairs when required.

Delayed approvals affected the time available for technical development and production. The project was also delivered alongside other themed builds, creating competing demands on workshop resources and the production schedule.

Despite these constraints, both floats needed to be completed on time without compromising their structural requirements, finish quality or safe operation.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the technical designs required to transform the creative concepts into practical truck-mounted scenic structures.

The float cladding was fabricated using lightweight construction methods to limit unnecessary weight and simplify on-site assembly and disassembly. Removable and accessible sections were incorporated so technical teams could reach vehicle components for maintenance and repairs.

Each float was tailored to the Mansour Festival theme and designed to provide a visible platform for its characters. Scenic forms, finishes and graphic details were coordinated to ensure the completed structures contributed to the wider festival environment.

When approval delays reduced the available production period, the team adapted the technical-design and fabrication programme to maintain progress. Workshop resources were coordinated across concurrent projects to keep production moving towards the required installation date.

Both floats were completed and delivered in time for the festival at Zayed Sports Complex.

Delivery Highlights

• Two custom-designed festival floats
• Truck-mounted scenic structures
• Platforms for Mansour Festival characters
• Lightweight scenic cladding
• Modular on-site assembly
• Efficient disassembly
• Integrated technical-maintenance access
• Custom technical design
• Theme-specific scenic detailing
• Coordination around delayed approvals
• Delivery alongside concurrent themed projects
• Workshop-resource management
• Quality and safety considerations
• On-time completion
• Installation at Zayed Sports Complex

Outcome

The two completed floats became prominent visual attractions at Mansour Festival, providing dedicated platforms for the festival’s characters and reinforcing the event’s identity.

Their lightweight and modular construction supported efficient assembly, while incorporated access points allowed technical teams to inspect and maintain the underlying vehicle systems during the event.

By adapting the production programme around delayed approvals and overlapping workshop schedules, Evolution Scenic delivered both floats on time while maintaining the required scenic and technical standards.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical design, lightweight truck cladding, modular float fabrication, character-themed scenic detailing, maintenance-access integration, production coordination and on-site installation.

Large climate and technology events require environments that can support high-level conference content, major exhibition programmes and efficient visitor movement within one coordinated setting. For UAE Climate Tech 2023 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, Evolution Scenic delivered scenic production across both the conference and exhibition areas for an event bringing together global leaders, innovators and industry experts.

The event featured more than 80 international and local exhibitors, with Evolution Scenic responsible for the main conference stage, scenic backdrops, sponsor booths, exhibitor stands, custom furniture and display units. The wider layout was developed to support visitor flow and exhibitor visibility while maintaining a consistent visual standard across the venue.

The Challenge

UAE Climate Tech needed to function simultaneously as a high-profile conference and a large-scale technology exhibition.

The main stage had to support the opening ceremony, fireside chats and panel discussions, while the exhibition area needed to accommodate more than 80 exhibitors and multiple sponsor stands.

With a large number of individual spaces operating within one venue, the environment required careful coordination to ensure that visitor circulation remained efficient and that exhibitors maintained strong visibility.

The programme also demanded close collaboration and fast execution, with scenic fabrication, furniture, display elements and installation all needing to align with the event schedule.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated scenic package across the conference and exhibition areas.

A custom main stage was designed and constructed for the opening ceremony, fireside chats and panel discussions, supported by scenic backdrops aligned with the wider visual identity of the event.

Sponsor booths and more than 80 exhibitor stands were fabricated and installed across the exhibition floor, creating a structured and consistent environment for international and local participants.

The exhibition layout was developed to support clear guest movement while giving individual exhibitors strong visibility within the overall space.

Custom furniture and display units were also produced to support presentation, hospitality and exhibition functions throughout the venue.

Evolution Scenic worked closely with the client and event partners to coordinate the different scenic workstreams and complete the installation within the required programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for UAE Climate Tech 2023.

• Event held at Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

• Main conference stage.

• Scenic backdrops for opening ceremony and discussions.

• Support for fireside chats and panel sessions.

• Sponsor booth fabrication.

• More than 80 exhibitor stands.

• International and local exhibitor environments.

• Exhibition layout development.

• Visitor-flow planning.

• Exhibitor visibility considerations.

• Bespoke event furniture.

• Custom display units.

• Multi-zone scenic coordination.

• Collaboration with client and event partners.

• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

The completed UAE Climate Tech environment supported both the conference programme and a substantial international exhibition within one coordinated venue.

The main stage provided a strong focal point for formal content, while the exhibition areas created a structured platform for more than 80 exhibitors to present technologies and climate-focused solutions.

The combination of scenic fabrication, layout planning, custom furniture and coordinated installation helped create an environment that was both visually consistent and operationally effective.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver large-scale conference and exhibition environments where staging, sponsor visibility, exhibitor infrastructure, visitor circulation and fast-track installation all need to work together.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Conference stage fabrication, scenic backdrops, sponsor booths, exhibitor stands, exhibition layout, custom furniture, display units, delivery and installation.

Immersive performance environments require scenic elements to do more than create a visual backdrop. They must also support movement, access, live show technology and repeated performance while maintaining a consistent thematic finish. For a winter-themed entertainment event at Warner Bros Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic delivered a custom performance environment combining large-scale scenic fabrication, moving stage elements and detailed scenic finishing.

The project included a rotating stage platform, an eight-metre-high central clock tower, sweeping Art Deco staircases, floating illuminated video screens and integrated performance technology. CNC milling, lightweight scenic construction and specialist scenic painting techniques were used throughout the build to achieve the required level of detail and visual consistency.

The Challenge

The project required several complex scenic and performance elements to operate together within one highly themed environment.

The central clock tower needed to achieve significant scale without making the upper scenic section unnecessarily heavy. The rotating platform had to function as part of the main stage, while the staircases needed to provide both visual impact and practical access.

The side screens also needed to appear visually lightweight while incorporating programmable internal illumination and integrated video content.

Across all of these elements, the finishes had to remain consistent with the venue’s aesthetic, requiring multiple scenic treatments including marble effects, rustic gold detailing, sand-like cement textures and multi-coloured surface treatments.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic fabricated a fully functional rotating platform and integrated it into the main stage, allowing the performance area to support more dynamic staging and movement.

An eight-metre-high central clock tower was built as the principal scenic focal point. To reduce weight at height, the upper section was fabricated from styrofoam and protected with a durable hard coating. Detailed scenic painting was then applied across the structure, including marble effects, rustic gold accents and a multi-coloured rammed finish.

Two sweeping Art Deco staircases were designed and constructed to frame the central stage area while also providing functional performer access.

Custom side screens were developed to create a floating visual effect. These scenic structures incorporated programmable internal illumination together with integrated video panels, allowing them to contribute both architectural form and digital content to the performance environment.

Fog machines, CO2 jets and programmable lighting were integrated into the wider stage environment to increase the range of effects available during live performances.

CNC milling and advanced fabrication techniques were used where required to achieve accurate forms and detailing across the scenic package. Specialist finishes, including sand-like cement textures, marble treatments and metallic highlights, were applied throughout to visually connect the different structures.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic fabrication for a winter-themed Warner Bros entertainment event.

• Fully functional rotating stage platform.

• Integration of the rotating platform into the main stage.

• 8m-high central clock tower.

• Lightweight styrofoam upper clock tower section.

• Durable hard-coated scenic surfaces.

• Detailed scenic painting.

• Marble-effect finishes.

• Rustic gold detailing.

• Multi-coloured rammed-effect treatment.

• Two sweeping Art Deco staircases.

• Functional stage access integrated into scenic structures.

• Custom floating side screens.

• Programmable internal illumination.

• Integrated video panels.

• Fog machine integration.

• CO2 jet integration.

• Programmable stage lighting.

• CNC milling.

• Sand-like cement scenic textures.

• Metallic scenic highlights.

• Large-scale scenic fabrication and installation.

Outcome

The completed Warner Bros Winter Stage created a visually rich and operationally flexible performance environment combining scenic architecture, moving stage elements, integrated screens and live show effects.

The eight-metre clock tower established a strong central focal point, while the sweeping staircases and illuminated side screens extended the visual composition across the stage. The rotating platform introduced movement into the performance environment, and the integrated fog, CO2 and lighting systems supported a wider range of live show moments.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to combine scenic fabrication with moving structures, lightweight construction methods, CNC production and specialist finishing techniques to deliver complex entertainment environments where visual detail and performance functionality must work together.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic fabrication, rotating stage platform, clock tower construction, Art Deco staircases, floating screen structures, lightweight scenic fabrication, CNC milling, scenic painting, specialist finishes, stage technology integration, delivery and installation.

Producing scenic elements for a Cirque du Soleil performance demands an exact balance of artistic interpretation, structural integrity and specialist craftsmanship. For Saudi National Day 2022, Evolution Scenic was entrusted with transforming stage designs by Stéphane Roy into fabricated scenic elements for a live performance in Riyadh.

The project combined metalwork, fibreglass, carpentry, three-dimensional production, scenic painting and specialist finishing. Every component needed to reflect the artistic direction of the show while meeting the practical demands of transportation, installation and live performance.

Evolution Scenic managed the process from technical development and fabrication through to transportation from Jebel Ali in Dubai and installation in Riyadh.

The Challenge

Stéphane Roy’s designs needed to be translated into physical scenic elements without losing their intended scale, character or visual detail. The completed components also had to meet the production standards associated with Cirque du Soleil.

Different fabrication disciplines were required across the project. Metal, fibreglass, carpentry and three-dimensional production techniques needed to be coordinated to deliver bespoke props and structural elements with the necessary strength and visual impact.

The entire scenic package then had to be transported from Evolution Scenic’s facility in Jebel Ali to Riyadh. This required careful logistical coordination to protect the fabricated elements and support an efficient installation upon arrival.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the technical and fabrication requirements needed to transform the supplied stage designs into buildable scenic elements.

Metal fabrication provided strength and structural support, while carpentry and fibreglass production enabled the creation of bespoke forms, surfaces and detailed features. Three-dimensional production techniques were used where complex sculptural components were required.

Custom stage props and structural elements were fabricated to align with the artistic language of the performance. Detailed scenic painting and specialist finishing techniques were then applied to create the required visual character and strengthen the immersive quality of the stage environment.

Once fabrication was complete, Evolution Scenic coordinated the transportation of the scenic package from Jebel Ali, Dubai, to Riyadh. The team also supported the on-site setup and installation, ensuring that the individual elements came together as intended within the finished performance environment.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for Saudi National Day 2022
• Interpretation of stage designs by Stéphane Roy
• Technical development and fabrication planning
• Bespoke scenic elements
• Custom performance props
• Structural scenic components
• Specialist metal fabrication
• Fibreglass production
• Scenic carpentry
• Three-dimensional production techniques
• Detailed scenic painting
• Specialist surface finishes
• Transportation from Jebel Ali to Riyadh
• On-site setup and installation
• Delivery for a Cirque du Soleil performance

Outcome

The completed scenic package transformed the original stage designs into a physical performance environment suited to Cirque du Soleil’s Saudi National Day production.

The combination of structural fabrication, sculptural production, scenic painting and detailed finishing gave each element the strength and visual presence required for the show. Coordinated transportation and installation ensured the scenic components travelled successfully from Dubai to Riyadh and were assembled on site.

The project demonstrated Evolution Scenic’s ability to interpret ambitious creative designs and deliver technically developed scenic elements across multiple fabrication disciplines for a major international live performance.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical development, metal fabrication, fibreglass production, carpentry, three-dimensional production, bespoke props, structural scenic elements, scenic painting, finishing, transportation and installation.

Technology-focused events require environments that communicate innovation while supporting presentations, meetings, hospitality and formal recognition.

On 4 November 2024, the ADNOC ENACT Majlis took place at the ADNOC Business Center in Abu Dhabi. Focused on artificial intelligence and incorporating an awards ceremony, the event required a contemporary environment delivered within a highly compressed programme.

Evolution Scenic created and coordinated curved scenic walls, illuminated features, screen cladding, branded meeting-room backdrops, photography settings and hospitality structures. The complete installation was delivered within two days.

The Challenge

The existing venue needed to be transformed using decorated walls, wide curved screens, entrance features and branded environments without permanent changes to the space.

Only two days were available to complete the build. Scenic fabrication, screen installation, graphics, furniture and first-floor deliveries all needed to be carefully sequenced, leaving little tolerance for delay or rework.

The curved LED screens required custom scenic cladding that followed their form while preserving access and maintaining a refined finish. The different wall features also needed to stand independently and integrate wallpaper, branding and illuminated details.

All construction activity had to comply with the health and safety standards established by the venue and remain within the approved budget.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed freestanding curved walls finished with custom wallpaper and integrated LED strips. The illuminated edges emphasised the geometry of the structures and supported the event’s technology-led visual identity.

Custom cladding was produced around the wide curved LED screens, integrating the technical displays into the wider scenic treatment. The screens were supplied by CITI Company, with Evolution Scenic coordinating their incorporation into the environment.

A dedicated photography stage and branded back wall created a clear setting for guest and event imagery. Additional freestanding wall features were fabricated for branding and decorative use throughout the venue.

Meeting rooms were fitted with customised backdrops aligned with the event theme. Furniture was incorporated to create a more refined and functional setting for discussions and guest interaction.

Hospitality areas were defined using additional freestanding walls, creating professional and welcoming spaces without requiring permanent venue construction.

Graphics produced by Zenith Printing were coordinated with the scenic structures, while Maestra supported scenic deliveries to the venue’s first floor. Detailed sequencing enabled the combined teams to complete the installation within the two-day programme.

Delivery Highlights

• Two-day venue build
• Installation at the ADNOC Business Center
• Custom curved scenic walls
• Wallpaper wall finishes
• Integrated LED-strip effects
• Cladding for wide curved LED screens
• Screen integration coordinated with CITI Company
• Branded photography stage
• Custom photography back wall
• Freestanding decorative features
• Branded wall installations
• Custom meeting-room backdrops
• Furniture integration
• Freestanding hospitality walls
• Graphics coordination with Zenith Printing
• First-floor delivery coordination with Maestra
• Delivery within the approved budget
• Compliance with venue health and safety requirements

Outcome

The completed environment transformed the existing business-centre spaces into a coordinated setting for the ADNOC ENACT Majlis and its artificial-intelligence awards programme.

Curved walls, illuminated edges and integrated screens established a contemporary visual identity, while meeting-room backdrops and hospitality structures supported the event’s practical requirements.

The photography stage and branded wall features extended the identity across guest-facing areas. Through close coordination between the scenic, screen, graphics and delivery teams, the full installation was completed within the two-day timeframe.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic development, curved wall fabrication, LED integration, screen cladding, photography environment, meeting-room backdrops, hospitality structures, supplier coordination and on-site installation.

Seasonal activations at major public destinations require scenic environments that are immediately recognisable, highly immersive and capable of engaging visitors across a wide range of ages. For XMAS @ EXPO in December 2021, Evolution Scenic helped transform Expo 2020 Dubai into a large-scale festive destination through themed scenic fabrication, interactive family experiences and illuminated installations.

The scope included a 20-metre Christmas tree, custom marketplace chalets, giant nutcracker figures, a festive transformation of the Opti-Robot, Santa’s House, an Elf Workshop, activity zones and atmospheric lighting. Because installation took place while Expo 2020 was open to the public, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team also worked in custom elf uniforms, turning the build process itself into part of the visitor experience.

The Challenge

XMAS @ EXPO required a major festive transformation to be delivered within an operational Expo environment.

The scenic package needed to create a strong Christmas identity across multiple installations while supporting both visual spectacle and interactive family activity. Large-scale decorative elements, themed architecture, workshop spaces and activity zones all had to contribute to one consistent festive environment.

A further challenge was that installation took place during the live operating period of Expo 2020. The scenic team therefore needed to work within a public-facing environment where visitors could see the build progressing.

Rather than allowing the installation process to feel separate from the activation, the team adopted custom Santa’s elf uniforms, helping integrate the on-site build into the wider festive experience.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated package of themed scenic fabrication and immersive installations across the festive environment.

A major focal point was the 20-metre Christmas tree, establishing a strong visual landmark within the activation.

A festive boulevard and marketplace were created using custom-built chalets designed to house seasonal treats and merchandise. These structures helped establish the character of a traditional Christmas market while providing practical spaces for vendors and visitors.

Large decorative scenic features included giant nutcracker figures positioned at the entrance, creating a clear arrival moment. The existing Opti-Robot was also transformed for the season through the addition of reindeer antlers, bringing a familiar Expo feature into the Christmas theme.

Santa’s House and the Elf Workshop were developed as immersive environments with animated workshop scenes and themed characters, creating a more narrative-driven visitor experience.

Additional activity areas supported family participation through features including a climbing wall, festive crafts and seasonal storytelling sessions.

Warm lighting was integrated across the installations to strengthen the atmosphere and visually connect the different scenic environments after dark.

During installation, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team worked in custom elf uniforms. Visitors regularly stopped to photograph and film the team at work, turning the build process into an unexpected element of the activation and generating strong social media engagement.

Delivery Highlights

• Festive scenic production for XMAS @ EXPO.
• Installation at Expo 2020 Dubai.
• 20m-high Christmas tree.
• Custom-built festive marketplace chalets.
• Christmas boulevard environment.
• Giant nutcracker entrance figures.
• Festive transformation of the Opti-Robot.
• Custom reindeer antlers.
• Immersive Santa’s House.
• Themed Elf Workshop.
• Animated workshop scenes.
• Interactive family activity areas.
• Climbing wall.
• Festive craft activities.
• Seasonal storytelling areas.
• Integrated warm scenic lighting.
• Installation undertaken while Expo 2020 remained operational.
• Custom elf uniforms for the Evolution Scenic installation team.
• Strong visitor and social media engagement during the build.

Outcome

XMAS @ EXPO transformed the wider Expo environment into a recognisable festive destination combining large-scale scenic landmarks, themed architecture and interactive family experiences.

The Christmas tree, marketplace, nutcrackers, Santa’s House and Elf Workshop created the primary visual and narrative elements, while activity zones and lighting extended the experience beyond static decoration.

The live installation process also became part of the activation itself. With the scenic team dressed as elves while working in front of visitors, the build attracted significant attention, with guests stopping to take photographs and videos that were widely shared on social media.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver immersive seasonal environments within live public venues, where fabrication, installation, visitor interaction and operational constraints all need to be considered as part of the overall experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Themed scenic fabrication, festive structures, marketplace chalets, large-scale scenic features, Santa’s House, Elf Workshop, family activity environments, lighting integration, live-site installation and delivery.