In a powerful testament to unity, collaboration, and artistic vision, five UAE-based artists have come together to create Union of Artists, a landmark public artwork now standing proudly in Al Hudaiba Park opposite the Etihad Museum. What began as a single-artist open call during Art Dubai 2023 evolved into a bold and inspiring collaborative proposal, reflecting the very essence of the UAE’s identity, strength through unity.
The project forms part of Dubai Culture’s multi-year Public Art Strategy, a transformative initiative aimed at enriching the city’s public spaces with thought-provoking artistic experiences. From more than 250 applicants, artists Afra Al Dhaheri, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Asma Belhamar, and Khalid Albanna were shortlisted. But instead of competing individually, the five creatives challenged the format and chose to merge their voices into one shared artistic statement.
Their proposal, Union of Artists, was unanimously embraced by the jury, an outcome that reinforces the belief that collective creativity can transcend individual expression.
A Sculpture Rooted in Heritage and Symbolism
The monumental artwork features seven vertical pillars, a design inspired by traditional Emirati Areesh—structures built from palm fronds tied together to create shelter and community gathering spaces. Here, the Areesh becomes a poetic metaphor, reimagined as a symbol of the seven Emirates, each standing tall yet interwoven, supporting and strengthening one another.
The artists describe the sculpture as a celebration of unity:
“Collaboration is the cornerstone of creativity. This work reflects our shared artistic practices and the beauty that emerges when we create together.”
Standing against the backdrop of the historic Union House, the sculpture creates an emotional dialogue between past and present, heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
Five Artists, One Vision
Each contributor brought a distinct imprint to the final work: Khalid Albanna inspired the sculpture’s height and scale, drawn from his initial concept of a boat’s sail, a symbol of movement, voyage, and aspiration. Afra Al Dhaheri’s practice is echoed in the marble-like textures and surface treatment. Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim left his unmistakable mark with signature patterns adorning the pillars. Asma Belhamar infused architectural motifs into the form, grounding the sculpture in spatial awareness. Shaikha Al Mazrou contributed her exploration of tension, structure, and the interplay between form and content. Together, their practices intertwine seamlessly, creating an artwork that feels both deeply personal and profoundly collective.
A Public Artwork With a Cultural Mission
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, reflected on the impact of the collaboration: “The artists succeeded in expressing the essence of the Union in a contemporary artistic language. This creative cooperation embodies the spirit of the local community and showcases authentic values and heritage.”
Union of Artists marks the first major commission unveiled under the Dubai Public Art initiative, delivered in collaboration with Art Dubai and partner cultural institutions including Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, and Tashkeel. The initiative aims to transform Dubai into an open-air global art capital, where public spaces become living, accessible canvases for creative exploration.
A New Cultural Landmark for Dubai
More than a sculpture, Union of Artists is a powerful symbol of the UAE’s collective identity, a reflection of how diverse voices, ideas, and generations come together to build a unified artistic and cultural narrative. It stands as a tribute not only to the five artists but also to the broader creative community they represent.
As Dubai continues its journey to enrich cultural life and expand its global artistic footprint, this landmark commission sets a bold precedent for future collaborative public artworks across the emirate.
