Saturday, Sep 06, 2014
Dubai: Brand Dubai, an initiative launched by the Government of Dubai Media Office, in collaboration with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and a host of young artists, has created a giant mural covering the hoardings of the construction site of Union House in Jumeirah Road.
The initiative comes in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to turn Dubai into an open air gallery, highlighting the unique character of the city as one of the world’s fastest growing and culturally diverse cities and emphasising the creative aspect of Dubai’s achievements in all fields.
At six metres in height and over 300 metres wide, the project is part of “Dubai Speaks to You” and the product of a cooperation between Brand Dubai and RTA to implements ideas and initiatives that enrich Dubai’s artistic landscape and features.
The mural offers a panoramic view, reflecting the monumental role played by the building that marks the birthplace of the United Arab Emirates 43 years ago. The giant wall painting has in its middle the famous photograph of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the rulers of the Emirates, taken when the agreement to form the UAE was signed. Moreover, the colours of the UAE flag — green, white, red — influenced the colours chosen for the mural.
The mural also includes a painting of the UAE flag where the first verses of the national anthem are written in Arabic calligraphy to emphasise its Arabic cultural identity. Other cultural Emirati elements such as horses and falcons were included in the mural, preserving aspects of Bedouin cultural heritage and emphasising the fact that art has a significant message that goes far beyond its role of beautification.
Mona Al Merri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said: “This move responds to the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who assured during his meeting with UAE’s talented artists while launching the “Dubai Speaks to You” project that the United Arab Emirates fosters best talents in the region, calling on them to contribute in turning Dubai into an open air gallery.
Mona added: “Dubai Speaks to You” aims to launch a series of distinguished initiatives that highlight the unique character of Dubai as a fast growing and culturally diversified city.”
Mona explained that “Dubai Speaks to You” supports Dubai’s message to the world and introduces Dubai as a multicultural city with expatriates from around the world. These communities contribute to making Dubai a rich cultural mosaic.
About future “Dubai Speaks to You” projects, Mona said that the upcoming phase will witness the inauguration of several projects in collaboration with major developers and talented artists. Brand Dubai has agreed with real-estate developers on many projects and ideas, and the standards to manage and implement these projects had been approved.
Staff Report
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