Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs has launched the second edition of the ‘Al Ydar’ initiative.
Female students from the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University in Dubai will create a 140 metre long mural which will be displayed for a year on the outer wall of Dubai Ladies Club from 6th August 2018. It coincides with the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed’s Accession Day.
Sheikha Manal said the second edition of the ‘Al Ydar’ initiative celebrates the late Sheikh Zayed and his devoted efforts to establishing the UAE and ensuring its prosperity. It also celebrates the late Sheikh Zayed’s local and international achievements.
She 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. It is also an opportunity for UAE citizens and residents to learn about the Founding Father’s journey and the UAE’s achievements. This will be communicated through a large scale piece of art. It will be displayed for a full year on the outer wall of Dubai Ladies Club to serve as a form of open museum for the public and art enthusiasts of all age groups.”
The Director of The Cultural Office of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Maha Al Bastaki 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.”
She said, “We are very pleased to be collaborating with Zayed University and would like to thank them for hosting a summer course for students to implement this cultural initiative. The project will be factored into their credit hours which accentuates its significance in their overall college educational programme.”
