Dubai turning Dubai into open air gallery

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 Sheikh Mohammed 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 most fastest-growing and culturally diverse cities and emphasising the creative aspect of Dubai’s achievements in all fields.

At a height of six-metres and over 300 metres width, the project is part of ‘Dubai Speaks to You’ and the product of a sincere cooperation between Brand Dubai and RTA to implements ideas and initiatives that shall enrich Dubai’s artistic landscape and features.

The mural painting 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 late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, late Sheikh 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 and blue, 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 emphasize the 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 Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said: "This move responds to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed 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.

Al Marri added: ‘Dubai Speaks to You’ aims to launch a pack of distinguished initiatives that highlight the unique characters of Dubai as a vast growing and culturally diversified city.

Mona Al Marri 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 ‘Dubai Speaks to You’ future projects of, Al Marri assured that the upcoming phase will witness 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.

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