Egyptian artist’s special tribute to Sheikh Zayed
abu dhabi — Diaa Allam is an Egyptian artist with the UAE in his heart. To commemorate the 100th birthday of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the artist did a unique calligraphy work by making the portrait of the visionary leader with Arabic letters.
“This calligraphy work is my tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed. I have also written quotes said by Sheikh Zayed about the youth being the hope of the future,” he told Khaleej Times during an event held by Emirates Foundation and PepsiCo in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The Fujairah-born and Ajman-settled artist prefers being a free bird. The 36-year-old contemporary Arabic calligraphy artist quit his secure job as urban planner with Ajman Municipality to concentrate more on the art form and spread it globally.
“I resigned last year to dedicate my full attention to this art. It’s been a year since I took that big step. I have no regrets as I love my calligraphy and wanted to focus more. I wanted to have the freedom to travel and do events outside the UAE. You can’t have this freedom with a steady job. So, I set myself free,” he said.
With an aim to spread the Arabic calligraphy to newer areas, he did live
I resigned last year to dedicate my full attention to this art. I have no regrets as I love my calligraphy and wanted to focus more.”
Diaa Allam, Artist
drawing in London. “Soon I will be having another event abroad.” Allam urged youngsters to experience things in life in which they actually believed. “Take risks if it is worth it. Take experience and decide what you actually want to do in life,” he said. This sort of confidence reflects the new line of thought among the youth in the country.
Opportunity for talented residents
Meanwhile, Emirates Foundation and PepsiCo signed an agreement to carry out initiatives for empowerment of youth in the UAE. The entities launched ‘Art of Zayed’ competition to mark the 100th birthday of Sheikh Zayed. The contest encourages residents to commemorate the ‘Year of Zayed’ through artworks, music and poetry.
PepsiCo president (Middle East and North Africa) Omar Farid said the ‘Art of Zayed’ competition provided an opportunity to develop talented residents, using their creative capabilities to honour the values and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed through artwork, music, and poetry. “We are proud to support and nurture Emirati youth through several of the Emirates Foundation’s key initiatives,” Farid said.
Emirates Foundation CEO Maytha Al Habsi said partnerships with the private sector helps to provide bigger opportunities for Emiratis. As per the deal, Emirati youth will be offered opportunities in PepsiCo, from internships to mentoring and job shadowing.
ashwani@khaeejtimes.com