Hearing impaired imbibe UAE history at Qasr Al Watan

ABU DHABI: In honour of Arab Deaf Week and in a bid to contribute to and enable the deaf community in the UAE, Qasr Al Watan invited a group of people from the UAE Deaf Association to explore the history, traditions and journey of the UAE through an immersive Arabic-sl (Arabic Sign Language) tour of the Palace of The Nation.

The tour took the group on an enriching journey into the vast collection of cultural artefacts, art and rare manuscripts that the Palace houses. They were able to learn about the UAE’S system of governance and the nation’s founding fathers, and had exclusive access to rooms that were once reserved for foreign dignitaries.

The tour also gave them a deeper understanding of Qasr Al Watan’s artistry, as they observed how traditional Arabian art and Islamic geometrical patterns have been infused as an integral aspect of the Palace’s design.

The deaf community holds a prominent place in the UAE’S list of priorities; and as the cultural landmark that reflects the UAE’S governing traditions and values, Qasr Al Watan was proud to provide this community with the opportunity to bask in the Palace’s architectural marvels, artistic wonders and historical legacy.

Recently, Qasr Al Watan, one of the only working palaces of its kind in the world, welcomed a host of Uae-based artists and art students from La PAROLE Art Gallery and New York University Abu Dhabi. The unique painting sessions, which took place on March 25 and 26 respectively, saw the participation of 16 up-and-coming artists.

In a bid to preserve and promote culture, artistry and local talent, artists were – for the first time ever – invited to the Palace of the Nation with their canvas, paint, and tools. The up-and-coming artists created their very own Qasr Al Watan masterpieces that will later be on display at the Palace of the Nation. The artists found their spot inside the Palace’s walls and channelled the inspiration from the traditional Arabian art and Islamic geometrical patterns before going on to reflect their personal artistic interpretations of the Palace of the Nation on canvas.

Claude Habib, renowned international artist and founder of La PAROLE Art Gallery, participated in the sessions alongside a group of her art students who relished the opportunity to create artwork in a uniquely inspirational setting.