Dubai is currently showcasing a large-scale public art installation on the Dubai Metro Red Line, honoring the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Founding Fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The project, launched by Brand Dubai, features impactful imagery of the late leaders alongside verses from a poem penned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Ruler of Dubai. This tribute is part of the city’s broader ‘National Month’ celebrations and the ongoing #ZayedAndRashid campaign, aiming to reinforce national identity throughout the emirate.
The artwork spans the entire length of the Red Line, from Centrepoint station to Expo 2020 station, ensuring visibility to the metro’s substantial daily ridership, which includes both commuters and tourists. According to Brand Dubai, the initiative seeks to remind residents and visitors of the leadership, unity, and commitment to progress that characterized the UAE’s early development.
Strengthening National Identity Through Public Art
The installation is a collaborative effort between Brand Dubai and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, stated the project aligns with the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is a continuation of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign. She emphasized that recognizing the Founding Fathers and their core values remains central to the UAE’s cultural fabric and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
The choice of the Dubai Metro as the location is particularly significant. Al Suwaidi highlighted that the metro system, a symbol of Dubai’s modern infrastructure and sustainability efforts, provides a fitting backdrop for honoring the nation’s history. The blend of past and present aims to showcase a cohesive narrative of growth and development.
RTA’s Role in Cultural Preservation
Fatma Al Khumiri, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication at RTA, underscored the organization’s commitment to fostering national pride through its public transport network. The RTA views the metro not merely as a transportation system, but as a communal space that connects communities. This installation represents an expansion of this role, actively contributing to cultural preservation and awareness.
Additionally, Al Khumiri noted that integrating the images of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid with the metro’s contemporary design embodies Dubai’s unique approach to balancing tradition and innovation. This synergy is seen as defining the city’s ongoing expansion and success.
National Month Celebrations and the #ZayedAndRashid Campaign
This Metro installation is one of several initiatives planned by Brand Dubai for ‘National Month’, which runs until December 2nd. Other prominent events include the popular Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach and a large-scale artwork displayed on The Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre. The aim is to create a widespread and immersive experience for residents and visitors, encouraging engagement with the UAE’s national story.
The #ZayedAndRashid campaign encourages public participation and sharing of experiences related to the founding leaders. Social media engagement using the hashtag is being tracked and used to amplify the message of gratitude and remembrance. The campaign’s second year signals its increasing importance within Dubai’s cultural calendar.
The broader context of this celebration ties into the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its cultural foundations as it diversifies its economy and welcomes increasing numbers of international residents and tourists. Experts suggest that promoting UAE heritage is crucial for maintaining social cohesion and a sense of collective identity amidst rapid change.
While the installation on the Dubai Metro is currently temporary, its success may influence future plans to incorporate similar tributes into other public spaces. The RTA and Brand Dubai have not yet announced any definitive extensions for the artwork, but public reception will likely play a role in future decisions. Further developments regarding permanent displays of historical significance across Dubai’s infrastructure are anticipated in the coming months, with a potential focus on the upcoming 50th National Day celebrations.
