‘Al Ydar’ mural marks Sheikh Zayed’s Accession Day

In commemoration of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s Accession Day on August 6, 1966, The Cultural Office of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the completion of the second edition of the 140-metre ‘Al Ydar’ mural, launched this year in line with the ‘Year of Zayed’. The artwork has been created in collaboration with Zayed University in Dubai and with the support of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE). The mural, which will be displayed for a year on the outer wall of Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeirah, features various works of art exploring the journey and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed.

22 female students from the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University in Dubai were involved in the ‘Al Ydar’ initiative. The project was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and the UAE Gender Balance Council, and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, on May 6, to mark 100 years since the birth of the UAE’s Founding Father, and to celebrate the ‘Year of Zayed’.

The mural’s artwork conveys four main themes, inspired by the nation’s Founding Father’s values and interests –  wisdom, respect, sustainability and human development.

 

Zayed’s achievements are a source of inspiration for innovators

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the achievements and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan continue to inspire innovators to create outstanding works of art, such as the ‘Al Ydar’ mural that has been created by Zayed University students over the expanse of one month. This work is a result of Sheikh Zayed’s efforts to educate Emiratis and support Emirati women by providing them with the tools and skills they need to excel and succeed across all fields.

Her Highness praised Zayed University for its support and participation in the initiative, and the female students who created this work of art. Her Highness highlighted her commitment to encouraging young talent to showcase their abilities through the cultural and artistic initiatives organised by The Cultural Office of Her Highness Sheikha Manal, and demonstrate the importance of art in society.

Her Highness also highlighted the importance of providing locals, residents, and visitors to the UAE with the opportunity to view the mural’s exceptional artwork and all that it depicts from Sheikh Zayed’s life and legacy. Her Highness said that Sheikh Zayed’s leadership skills, and the importance he placed on education, healthcare, the environment, the economy, culture and heritage, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid formed the foundation for the development of a modern nation, one that is now among the world’s most developed nations thanks to the guidance of its wise leadership.

 

A unique edition

Al Maha Al Bastaki, the Director of The Cultural Office, praised Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s commitment to the arts, and her patronage of young artists of various age groups, especially adolescents and children, by way of numerous projects and initiatives.

The Director of The Cultural Office said: “We are pleased with the ‘Year of Zayed’ mural, which has proved to be a unique edition of the ‘Al Ydar’ initiative, celebrating our nation’s late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This year’s edition commemorates his legacy and celebrates his accomplishments, as it reinforces the values he instilled within his people.”

She continued: “‘Al Ydar’ is in line with The Cultural Office’s longstanding commitment to encouraging artists in the UAE to tap into their creativity and explore their artistic potential. Initiatives as such play a vital role in harnessing the development of young female artists’ skills and assets by providing them with the opportunity to actively contribute to the country’s arts and culture scene.”

 

Part of the educational course

The ‘Al Ydar’ initiative is part of the students’ educational programme, prior to their graduation. The 140-metre tall mural is composed of six connected sections, each of which features a collection of paintings and drawings inspired by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, including wisdom, respect, sustainability and human development.

The first section of the mural focuses on the desert, from which the late Sheikh Zayed created a new beginning for the UAE. The second depicts the palm fronds and explores their value to the late Sheikh Zayed, who used them as the foundation of his agricultural and environmental vision. The third section of the mural depicts a falconry expedition, highlighting the falcon’s significance in Emirati culture as a symbol of national identity, pride and courage. The fourth section portrays the trees and leaves of Al Ghaf, an integral part of the UAE’s history and heritage, while the fifth explores the UAE’s renaissance and growth. The sixth and final section of ‘Al Ydar’ highlights the vast expanse of the sea, representing the endless future possibilities for the nation, yet to come. The works of art in the six sections portray various elements of the country’s progress since its establishment, including the UAE’s advanced infrastructure, buildings and unique landmarks.

The participation of 22 female Emirati artists

22 female students from the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University in Dubai were involved in the ‘Al Ydar’ initiative, including Alia Ali Mohammed Bindamithan Alqemzi, Amira Nasser Abdulla Mohammad Albastaki, Asmaa Salem Essa Mohamed Alabbar Alsuwaidi, Ayesha Essa Mohamed Jasem Belremaitha Al Muhairi, Ayesha Hussain Ali Essa Mohammad, Deemah Yahya Mohammed Saif Belhesa, Fatma Saeed Mohammad Ali, Fatma Saeed Rashed Harib Almehairi, Ghaya Salim Zayed Khalifa Alteneiji, Hassana Jalal Abdulrahman Ahmad Arif, Hessa Abdulkarim Ismail AlFahim, Hessa Sayed Mohammad Sayed Yousef Mohammad Alhashimi, Khawla Saeed Salim Alsurour Almheiri, Maitha Ali Mohammed Bindamithan Alqemzi, Maitha Mohammad Abdulla Abdulrahman Al Mohammad, Malina Server, Maryem Sultan Ali Ibrahim Almannaee, Mouza Ali Abdulla Hassan Albedwawi, Rafiaa Hussein Bolad Alnassar, Reem Mahmood Abdulla Abdulrahim Al Zarooni, Shaikha Abdulla Abdulrazzaq Abdulla Al Awadhi, and Shaikha Ibrahim Mohammed Abdulla Alhosani.

The students worked under the supervision of a number of the college’s faculty members, including Stefan Messam, Alanood Bukhammas, and Danah Nassief.