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Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Mural, mural on the wall makes Dubai the prettiest city of all
Public art is a core element of Dubai's broader arts ecosystem. Through diverse projects, the emirate continues to showcase its undeniable appeal and the vibrancy of its art scene, projecting its diverse and exceptional aesthetic side. Dubai is home to inspiring works, installations and murals that support the strength of its Public Art Strategy – an initiative to transform the city into an open-air art gallery, accessible to all. The vision aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which seeks to achieve sustainable urban development centered around people, while reinforcing the emirate's position as a priority destination for living, working and leisure, as well as being a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. Through the mural projects being implemented across various areas in the city, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) aims to support creatives and talent, ignite their innovation, and enable them to contribute to turning Dubai's neighbourhoods, public spaces and districts, into inspiring cultural and tourism destinations. The murals reflect the emirate's distinct identity and fosters a civil and interactive space between artists and audiences, from numerous nationalities and cultures. It also helps establish a sustainable environment that encourages artists to pursue their passion, express themselves, engage with the community, raise public artistic taste, and beautify living and working areas. The initiative is in line with the goals of Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy and supports Dubai Culture's sectoral priorities and responsibilities in strengthening cultural and creative industries. Recently, the Authority completed the presentation of a wide range of mural artworks. Ahmed Amine Aitouche at work. Among the most notable projects is the heritage-inspired, gypsum mural adorning the facade of the Al Safa Art and Design Library, created by Lebanese artist Chafa Ghaddar. The work depicts the city's diversity and vibrancy, reimagining the original architecture of the library and showcasing the aesthetic and precision of Islamic ornamentation that once adorned the building before it underwent comprehensive restoration. Ghaddar used the classic Azulejos ceramic technique - a key element of Portuguese architectural styling influenced by Islamic, Chinese, and Spanish art. In another case, UAE-based Argentinian Yubran Gosne (aka Sanctum), created the mural 'The Tide' in Umm Suqeim Park, drawing on the movement of waves and the meeting of water and sand, echoing Dubai's deep-rooted connection to the sea. It consists of a large four-part panel using shades of green, blue and turquoise to express the relationship between water and land. Meanwhile, Algerian artist Ahmed Amine Aitouche (Sneak Hotep) is responsible for the mural 'Amalgamation' in Nad Al Sheba Park, made up of three surfaces seamlessly painted to appear as one. Through it, the artist reflects how Dubai embodies cultural coexistence and balance between tradition and modernity, freedom and discipline, and how the balance contributes to both urban and social growth. Set in Abu Hail Park, Aitouche's 'Epitome' is a silent message for all striving to become better versions of themselves every day. One of the earliest permanent public artworks in Al Quoz Creative Zone was 'Unified', a collaborative mural by Tunisian calligraffiti artist Karim Jabbari and American designer Jaime Brown. Created five years ago, the piece signalled a shift in the district's evolution from an industrial zone to a cultural destination. Inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, the mural reflects on how art transcends language and background to bring people together. Developed through on-site improvisation and community dialogue, it fuses Arabic calligraphy and contemporary design, capturing the spirit of Al Quoz Creative Zone as a place where heritage and innovation meet in public and for general view. Chafa Ghaddar before her installation. During the Sikka Art and Design Festival, a flagship initiative under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai Culture presents a collection of inspiring murals that provide a platform for artists to express their visions and perspectives, every year. The 13th edition of the festival, held last February in the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, featured 13 murals distinguished by their artistic styles and innovative ideas. Through colour, movement and form, the artworks explored themes central to the city's ongoing social and cultural evolution, including the role of Emirati women in shaping its identity. Murals are one of the most expressive elements of Dubai's modern cultural landscape. They bridge eras, perspectives and communities. Dubai Culture, as a body which promotes this form of art among many others, continues its work in public spaces with governmental initiatives that support new districts and neighbourhoods, presenting fresh surfaces for artists to explore. The artworks that ensue undoubtedly bring colour to the city, create enduring moments of connection and provide memorable experiences. According to AI, murals, which are large artworks painted directly onto walls, can play a significant role in a city's identity and culture. They can express community history and values, and also help preserve local traditions. They add colour, texture, and dimension to buildings, streets and public areas, making them more inviting and visually appealing. This, in turn, improves the quality of life for the community and helps attract visitors, which have positive social and economic benefits for the community. Cities with significant mural art often become tourist destinations. Murals also bring people together, creating a sense of community. Many murals are created through collaborative efforts that involve local artists, residents and community organisations. The collaborative process helps build relationships, fosters a sense of ownership over public spaces, and inspires pride in community.
What's On
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
12 fantastic things to do in Dubai this weekend: May 30 to June 1
Another weekend, another things to do in Dubai this weekend listing… The transition between May and June – there's loads of things to do this weekend in Dubai, from discovering new foodie concepts to pampering yourself, getting stuck into a workshop, partying hard and shopping, shopping, shopping till you drop. These are all the best things to do in Dubai this weekend. Friday, May 30 Kick off the weekend with a party Word is out – Salmon Guru is turning 3 and hosting the most epic party one can think of. For one night only, the bar is flying in the teams from Salmon Guru Madrid and Milano for an epic guest shift, with limited-edition drinks and the launch of a bold new food and cocktail menu. Salmon Guru, The Opus by Omniyat, Fri, May 30, from 9pm, Tel: (0) 52 814 9537, @salmongurudubai Tuck into a wine and cheese night Jones the Grocer hosts a 'Cheese, Grape & Jazz' night every Friday from 7pm till closing. Two and a half hours of free flowing wine and a hot bites board, all for just Dhs199. Upgrade for Dhs50 for a curated charcuterie board. Jones the Grocer, across various locations, 7.30pm till closing, Dhs199, @jonesthegrocer Go summer shopping Dubai's biggest shopping weekend is back – this is the most exciting weekend for shoppers with the season's biggest-ever discounts of up to 90 per cent. Running from May 3o to June 1, this is the hotly-anticipated 3 day super sale – a citywide slash of up to 90 per cent at some of the most famous retail names. Read more here. Stock up on (gourmet) snacks for the weekend Odeon's gourmet store section is what dreams are truly made of. Stocked to the top with French goods, from different kids of chocolate, candy, crisps, spreads and condiments to fresh seafood, freshly-baked bread, cured meat cuts, cheeses, dairy products and more. You want it, they have it. Odeon, Jumeirah, daily, 8am to 10pm, Tel: ( 0) 4 340 2272, @odeondubai Saturday, May 31 Indulge in a supper club Supper club ETT HEM by The Curry Bureau brought to you by Chef Vikram, is hosting a supper club table this May 31. How many supper clubs is too many? We don't know but we also don't believe in that philosophy. DM to reserve your spot. ETT HEM by The Curry Bureau, Sat, May 31, 8pm, @etthembytcb Do a fun workshop Taking place at the Tashkeel Markerspace, day one of this three-day workshop will take you into fresco painting, with a deep dive into traditional and conceptual fresco techniques. From layering lime and sand to preparing natural pigments, students will experience fresco as a physical, chemical, and poetic phenomenon. The Art of Fresco: History, Technique, and Contemporary Exploration with Chafa Ghaddar, Tashkeel Markerspace, Alserkal Avenue, Sat, May 31, 10am to 2pm, @tashkeelstudio Pamper yourself Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah is offering a wellness daycation with a 60-minute bespoke Aromatherapy Massage, complimentary access to all the spa facilities, the beach and the leisure pools. Perfect for some weekend TLC. Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah, Sat to Sun, Dhs980 per guest, Tel: (0) 4 366 6818, @talisespa Welcome the sunset with a night swim Post sundown, Cloud 22 at Atlantis the Royal is inviting guests for a dip in its iconic sky pool. The Moonlight Sessions, as it is aptly named, has returned. The deal takes place from Thursday to Saturday, from 7pm to 11pm. Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, 7pm to 11pm, Thurs to Sat, prices from Dhs300. Tel: (0)4 426 2700. @cloud22dubai Sunday, June 1 Check out the brand-new Culinara Culinara Social Dining is the latest addition to The Link's foodie offerings, and an interesting departure from the ethos of the venue so far, with 12 curated, homegrown concepts filling the space. Discover the lineup here. Culinara Social Dining, The Link, One&Only One Za'abeel, @culinaradubai Live it up at Sky2.0 one last time Beloved nightlife spot Sky2.0 is bidding farewell to Dubai this weekend, and you can't miss this epic closing night. After six years, it's time to say goodbye to one of our favourites. Show up – one last time. Sky2.0, D3, May 29, 30, 31, from 10.30pm, Tel: (0) 58 633 3633, @sky2.0dubai Try a boujee Sunday Roast MìMì Meì Faìr has a new Sunday Roast, but with a Cantonese twist – apple wood-r oast ed peking duck carved tableside, paired with handmade pancakes, a selection of refined starters, signature sides, and optional Oscietra or Beluga caviar for those feeling indulgent. MìMì Meì Faìr, Address Residences Dubai Opera, Sun, from 12pm, Dhs188, Tel: (0) 4 570 0825, @mimimeifairdubai Sip and paint Head over to La Cantine Beach where you can wind down the weekend with a curated sip and paint experience led by Dubai's premier creative workshop company, Design & Dine The package includes a professionally guided painting session and two beverages, set against the golden tones of sunset by the shore. La Cantine Beach, Delano Dubai, Bluewaters Island, Sun, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs299, Tel: (0) 4 556 6255, @lacantinebeachdubai Images: Supplied
