Picture perfect in love for the UAE
II took this picture because i love the ocean and the flags together. and it’s also the flag of my country so it means a lot to me. it makes me happy.” Latifa Al Mutawa, 7, UAE,
n an artistic nod to the UAE on its National Day, students and parents from the Universal American School (UAS) Dubai are exhibiting a range of personal photos to showcase their appreciation for the country.
Sixty-five photo prints which were taken on a trip to the Flag Garden on Kite Beach will be on display at the school’s campus till December 7.
The snaps were captured by Emirati and non-Emirati students from Grades 2 to 12, along with their parents. From close ups of the famous four-coloured UAE flag to a sea of flags set against the backdrop of a local mosque, the images represent how they view and honour the UAE as a first or second home.
The exhibition is curated by Ghia Haddad and Aida Alawar — both parents of UAS students and members of the school’s Fine Arts Booster Club.
Haddad said the exhibition was a way of honouring the UAE through art rather than words.
“We wanted to translate the feel of UAE national day through something visual. This was a chance for the children to capture their feelings in a picture,” she told Khaleej Times.
With the recent Lourve Abu Dhabi opening cementing the country’s commitment to creative arts, she said it was a perfect time
I choose this picture for the national day because it it shows the spirit of my country. this weekend we will raise the flag at home and we will sing the national anthem too.” Abdulla anoohi, 9, UAE
I wanted to get involved with this because i like to see how Emirati celebrate the national day. i have been here for 9 years and i usually celebrate with friends.” Ramzi nahas, 12, Lebanon
I really like photography and i wanted to do a nice project to celebrate the national day. For me, showing appreciation through art means more to me than just saying thank you.” Meraj Popal, 11, Afghanistan
for students to tap into their artistic side too.
Around 16 students and parents have taken part in the exhibition and once it concludes, the prints will be decorated throughout the school — with some even being auctioned off too to fund further initiatives in the school as well as charities.
Speaking to Khaleej Times,OB Sealey, highschool principal, said allowing students to express their National Day gratitude through art this year has been very “powerful and potent”.
“The UAE is a very forward thinking place and art has the ability to allow students to connect with a feeling in the way other academics can’t. This is their own work, they own it and it gives them a sense of pride for their country (the UAE) and their contribution to it.”
The students
When Khaleej Times asked the participating students why they wanted to express their appreciation for the UAE through photos, the answers varied.
For 16-year-old Emirati Majed Albanna, it was a way of “putting my personality into my pride”.
“Being Emirati I wanted to do something for my country that was artistic because I have a passion for art. For me, my photo represents pride for where I am from, but for others it is a pride for their second home.”
And Grade 12 student Zeid Jaouni — who has six pictures on display for the exhibition — said although he is half Palestinian and half Jordanian, the UAE National Day is an important day for him.
“I have been here all my life so the country means a lot to me. This is my way of giving back that appreciation through art. I really appreciate all the hard work everyone puts in to helping develop this country.” For Grade 11 student Fay Khales, she had no doubt in taking part in the exhibit.
“I have lived in Dubai for 15 years so I identify with this place a lot. The subjects I take in school do not allow me to participate in art but by people able to snap my picture in honour of the UAE, I feel blessed. I am originally from New Zealand and Palestine so the UAE national day reminds me of how united we are.”