An international art collective that began in Japan more than 20 years ago, teamLab, has become renowned globally for its innovative digital installations, with immensely popular locations all over the world, from its native Japan to China, the USA, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. With the collective opening its latest museum in Abu Dhabi – a 17,000 sq m multisensory experience on Saadiyat Island – Miral, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), ensured that the opening was marked in style, engaging HQ Worldwide Shows (HQWS) to produce a spectacular inauguration ceremony.
Reflecting on the task of conceiving and delivering the Grand Opening for teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, HQWS Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer, Katie Veira, wound back the clocks on the project. “The brief called for two distinct events on the same evening – an exclusive experience for 250 Royal and VVIP guests, followed by a larger event for 600 VIPs, media, and influencers,” she recalled. “We worked closely with the client to develop a range of creative approaches, engaging key stakeholders to align on direction, format, and expectations for this landmark moment.”
Based on the theme ‘The Spark of Curiosity’, the event featured an impressive blend of technical innovation and artistic vision, including large-scale approach to event lighting and laser mapping installations that dramatically illuminated the architectural landmarks of the Zayed National Museum, the Abrahamic Family House, and the Natural History Museum. Also included were an immersive arrival experience introducing guests to the vision for the Saadiyat Cultural District, a 15-minute inauguration show, a tour of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and a post-tour reflection lounge experience.
The HQWS team began the project with an in-depth immersion phase, developing a deep understanding of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the broader cultural and geographic context of the Saadiyat Cultural District.
“With clearly defined objectives and success metrics, we then entered a collaborative envisioning phase, where our creative, technical, and operational teams explored and shared a range of ideas,” Veira explained to TPiMEA. “Concepts and variations were developed and refined in dialogue with the client, culminating in two final detailed concept presentations for selection and approval.”
With the concepts finalised, the HQWS team entered full-scale planning, detailing every element across creative, production, and logistics. “This included developing technical drawings, schedules, and procurement briefs to align all third-party collaborators and suppliers,” Veira commented.
HQWS engaged a range of technical and production partners, including: Bild Studios, which oversaw projection mapping and visual content; Lighting Designer, Durham Marenghi; Creative Technology Middle East (CTME), which supplied lighting and video; drone show provider, Lumasky; Kvant for lasers, water screens and fountains; Flash Art for pyrotechnics; Blowfish for Music Production; Clair Global for audio design and supply; and Cue2Cue for show-calling and stage management.
VK International handled scenic and build; with Brand InStyle for branding and graphics; FLOW for power and distribution; Wicked for temporary structures; Al Laith for scaffolding and platforms; Byrne Equipment Rental and Mahraj for site infrastructure; Eversafe for health and safety; ARGA for traffic management; AB Transport; G4S Security; as well as Studio Waldemeyer for light art installation.
“Creative development then moved into scripting, storyboarding, audio and visual production, with previsualisation and animatic development throughout for continuous review and feedback,” Veira continued, recalling the creative process. “In parallel, our design teams developed technical drawing, visuals, specifications for all physical elements – from stage and scenic to signage, furnishing, invitations, and branded gifts. Simultaneously, dedicated teams planned and managed invitations and RSVPs, logistics, protocol, security, catering, and on-site hospitality.”
Fabrication was overseen by the HQWS production team, with on-site infrastructure and show build led by the site management team. Technical setup and rehearsals began a week prior to show, with full dress rehearsals over the final two days.
Photos: HQ Worldwide Shows
