DMT Collaborates With Mubadala And ADEK To Expand Abu Dhabi Canvas Initiative Showcasing Local Art And Heritage

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has teamed up with Mubadala, through the Mubadala Foundation, Ma’an, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), to enhance public spaces in the capital. This collaboration aims to expand the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative by integrating art into various city infrastructures. The project will feature artworks on Delivery Riders Hubs, public murals, crosswalks, and utility boxes in Rabdan and other locations.

By incorporating art into urban infrastructure, these organisations aim to beautify public spaces while celebrating the UAE's cultural heritage using local talent. Dr Salem Al Kaabi from DMT stated that this partnership will infuse art into everyday infrastructures, creating vibrant spaces that resonate with the community. "These projects aim to create additional vibrant, engaging spaces that resonate with our community and reflect our shared values through the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative while celebrating the UAE’s rich cultural and artistic heritage," he said.

Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi from ADEK highlighted how this initiative celebrates student talents. He expressed pride in seeing Emirati students transform Abu Dhabi into a living gallery showcasing national culture. "This joint initiative celebrates the artistic talents of our students and encourages them to fully realise their potential through art," he noted. The collaboration underscores a commitment to empower students and position Abu Dhabi as a hub for creativity.

Delivery Riders Hubs are strategically placed across Abu Dhabi as vital service points for delivery drivers. These hubs represent a joint effort to enhance urban infrastructure while promoting community enrichment through art. They provide essential amenities like shaded seating, air-conditioning, drinking water facilities, and phone charging stations for delivery personnel.

In Rabdan, five Emirati artists will showcase their work on 17 murals, 26 crosswalks, and 15 utility boxes. Abdulla Al Mansouri’s designs include eight pedestrian crosswalks featuring traditional Arabic coffee pots and cups, along with playful Emirati children on utility boxes. Mohammed Al Jneibi’s art adorns two crosswalks with horses in geometric patterns.

Ahmad Al Ali’s work will appear on eight crosswalks with abstract falcon designs and 16 murals depicting UAE culture like pearl diving and astronomy. Mohammed Al Shamsi’s contributions include eight crosswalks featuring traditional dhows and utility boxes showcasing an Emirati family. Aysha Al Hamrani’s work includes modern Emirati people on utility boxes and a mural of an Emirati girl surrounded by elements of UAE heritage.

Commitment to Cultural Vibrancy

Mansour Al Ketbi from Mubadala expressed pride in partnering on initiatives that enhance Abu Dhabi's cultural vibrancy while inspiring the community through rich cultural expressions. "We are proud to be a partner on these impactful initiatives that reflect our continued commitment to enhance the cultural vibrancy of Abu Dhabi while inspiring the community through expressions of our rich cultural heritage," he stated.

The Delivery Riders Hubs will feature unique designs chosen from over 1,000 artworks by students from various schools. These artworks were part of the National Art Expressions exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat organised by ADEK. The exhibition provided a platform for students to express national identity and values through art.

Homaid Al Shimmari from Mubadala expressed excitement about partnering with DMT and ADEK to enhance Abu Dhabi's appearance through art. "We are excited to partner with the DMT and ADEK to enhance the face of Abu Dhabi through art," he said. These initiatives support art in the community while caring for service providers.

This collaborative effort not only enriches public spaces but also empowers local artists and students by providing them platforms for creative expression. By integrating art into everyday environments, it fosters a sense of community pride while highlighting UAE's rich cultural tapestry.

With inputs from WAM