A talented child artist has impressed her teachers and local authorities by painting the UAE flag to mark the 32nd National Day.
Eight-year-old Farah Wael Hamdan, a third-grade schoolgirl in the National Charity School, asked all 25 of her classmates to sign the painting before she dedicated it to the President, government and people of the UAE.
The young Jordanian, who is originally from Palestine, circulated it among her classmates and inscribed it with the message 'Long Live the Union of our Emirates'.
Farah said: "I wanted to observe the National Day in my own way, so I painted the flag in a special drawing and passed it to my classmates who all signed it. I dedicate the painting to President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, government, all nationals and expatriates living in the UAE. I wish them all the best and a prosperous future."
Dubai Municipality has recently chosen Farah as one of their 'Enviro-Spellathon' ambassadors for 2003-04 in recognition of her efforts in art and environmental awareness.
She was rewarded a certificate, a special badge of an Enviro-Spellathon Ambassador, a schoolbag and huge poster on environmental issues.
Farah has completed nine paintings using oils, acrylic paints, but her most striking artwork has been done using some recycled materials such as saw dust and wooden off-cuts.
"My paintings are about different occasions and themes such as UAE National Day, striving for a clean environment and seeking peace in Palestine."
She has visited a number of renowned artists and painters in the UAE, who all encouraged her to pursue her brilliant work.
"They said they loved my work and gave me books and magazines so that I could read and learn more about art and painting. They also advised me to visit as many exhibitions and museums as possible."
Gulf News
