Dubai: As part of the 'National Month' campaign celebrations in Dubai launched by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has unveiled a large-scale artwork on the fa§ade of The Gate Building, the Centre's iconic landmark.
According to Emirates News Agency, Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, expressed pride in the renewed partnership with DIFC for the third consecutive year, marking key national occasions through creative works. These initiatives express deep gratitude to the founding leaders Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, who laid the foundations of the Union. Al Suwaidi specifically extended her appreciation to Emirati artist Ahmed BaFadhl for his design that captures feelings of belonging and pride in the UAE's identity.
Al Suwaidi further explained that the artwork reflects the enduring legacy and vision that continue to shape the UAE. It integrates portraits of the Founding Fathers with artistic elements that signify the UAE's progress in science and space, embodying the spirit of today's achievements and tomorrow's ambitions. The collaboration with DIFC underscores Brand Dubai's belief in art as a powerful communication tool that conveys national and human values, connects generations to their history, and inspires the community to advance the nation's progress.
Alya Al Zarouni, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai International Financial Centre, remarked on DIFC's delight in collaborating with Brand Dubai to honor the Founding Fathers' legacy. The artwork on The Gate Building symbolizes how economic leadership and innovation are anchored in robust national foundations. It reflects DIFC's pivotal role in Dubai's vision for progress and its pioneering spirit to inspire future generations.
She added that the campaign's creative initiatives, from murals to community events, have become potent symbols of the Union's spirit. They aim to strengthen the younger generations' connection to the nation's history and values, showcasing Dubai's unique approach to celebrating national occasions by merging art and identity, the past and the future.
The artwork, towering 50 meters high on The Gate Building in DIFC, features a backdrop with symbolic elements such as the Hope Probe, Etihad-SAT, Rashid Rover 2, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's Rashid Rover. These symbols represent the UAE's continuous drive for progress from the Union's founding to advancements in space exploration, reflecting its commitment to creativity and innovation.
The campaign's events and activations will continue across Dubai, forming a collective tribute that reflects the unity of Emirati society and its enduring bond with the nation's leadership and rich heritage.
Emirati artist Ahmed BaFadhl, an architect and visual creator, has a deep connection to the UAE's landscape and heritage. Influenced by his late grandfather, BaFadhl developed a style blending simplicity with imagination. He began with pencil and coffee sketches and later transitioned to digital art, bridging calm and complexity to create visual worlds that express emotion and national identity through a distinctly Emirati perspective.