14-m long Zayed mural for second edition of Al Ydar

dubai — A 140-metre long mural will be created as part of ‘Al Ydar’ initiative to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment, and wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has launched the second edition of the initiative that celebrates Sheikh Zayed and his devoted efforts to establishing the UAE and ensuring its prosperity. It also celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s local and international achievements, particularly in terms of investing in the youth, as well as his values and passion for progress.

Sheikha Manal said: “The launch of the project comes in line with our commitment to encourage creativity amongst the youth, by providing a platform for the new generation to express themselves and their ideas. It is also an opportunity for UAE citizens and residents to learn about the Founding Father’s journey and the UAE’s achievements.”

Al Maha Al Bastaki, director of The Cultural Office of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “This year’s ‘Al Ydar’ project is a special edition, which celebrates the life of the late Sheikh Zayed and the ‘Year of Zayed’ by highlighting the values instilled in the Emirati people by our Founding Father, through a remarkable artwork.”

Female students from the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University in Dubai are set to create the mural, which will be displayed for a year on the outer wall of Dubai Ladies Club. The mural will be displayed from August 6, which coincides with the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s Accession Day.

The mural will depict Sheikh Zayed’s values, including wisdom, respect, sustainability and human development. Combining Arabic and English letters in a motif, the designs are inspired by the traditional Sadu patterns that represent the UAE’s diverse society. The artwork also celebrates the country’s urban development through illustrations of historic and modern landmarks in the UAE.—