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In Abu Dhabi, art has moved beyond the galleries or museum walls and now lives in streets, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. They have turned ordinary city corners into a visual spectacle, evoking curiosity and building connection. Through large-scale murals and subtle artistic touches, the city has become a canvas where culture, identity, and daily life intersect.<\/p>\n
According to Noor Shamma, acting executive director of the Marketing and Communications Sector at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the initiative is based on the belief that art can enhance quality of life and strengthen a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe launched Abu Dhabi Canvas to transform everyday spaces such as residential areas, shopping centres and bus shelters into engaging artistic experiences that encourage meaningful interaction and cultural appreciation,\u201d she said. \u201cSimply put, it reflects our belief in art as a unifying force.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.<\/a><\/p>\n Since its launch, more than 400 artworks have been displayed across 130 locations in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region. Over 100 Emirati and locally based artists have contributed, collectively spending about 17,000 hours on projects covering nearly 7,800 square metres.<\/p>\n Shamma noted that public response has been overwhelmingly: \u201cThe strong public engagement we have seen reassures us that people value seeing art integrated into their daily environments,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n The selection of artists and artworks follows a curated process. Each piece must meet the initiative\u2019s themes, including community, mobility, culture, sustainability, growth and urban planning, while respecting the UAE\u2019s heritage and identity.<\/p>\n \u201cArtworks are not selected only for their visual impact,\u201d Shamma explained. \u201cThey are chosen for their ability to enrich public spaces and create moments of connection, reflection and dialogue among residents and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n Ensuring the participation of Emirati and UAE-based artists remains vital to the initiative. \u201cHaving a strong pool of local artists is central to our vision, as their work reflects authentic stories connected to place and people,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n While Abu Dhabi Canvas is led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, its implementation is supported by collaboration with several entities, including Mubadala through the Mubadala Foundation in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution \u2013 Ma\u2019an, as well as the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge and other affiliates.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative is seeing art come to life across crosswalks, utility boxes and bus shelters,\u201d Shamma said. \u201cThis would not have been possible without the commitment of our partners and artists.\u201d<\/p>\n Abu Dhabi\u2019s extreme summer temperatures posed a challenge during the implementation of the project. \u201cManaging weather conditions requires careful planning to ensure the safety of artists and workers,\u201d Shamma noted. \u201cThat is why much of the painting and installation work is scheduled during cooler months, using durable materials that can withstand the climate.\u201d<\/p>\n Voice of the city<\/p>\n For Emirati artist Ahmed Al Mehairi, participating in Abu Dhabi Canvas was an opportunity to use public space as a storytelling medium. \u201cI see walls as the true voice of a city\u2019s culture,\u201d he said. \u201cThey reflect pride, joy and identity. Through my work, I wanted to introduce an element that sparks curiosity and invites people to question and explore the meaning behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n Al Mehairi added that his inspiration stemmed from Abu Dhabi\u2019s balance between heritage and progress. \u201cNo matter how far we advance, authenticity remains the foundation of everything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Emirati visual artist Farah Falaknazi described the experience as deeply fulfilling. \u201cWhen the work moved from concept to reality, it exceeded my expectations,\u201d she said. \u201cWorking on site gives you a completely different feeling and allows you to add details that enhance the final piece.\u201d<\/p>\n Falaknazi, whose works often draw inspiration from nature and sustainability, believes public art plays a vital role in shaping cities. \u201cPublic art gives a place its own character,\u201d she said. \u201cIt strengthens emotional connections, improves wellbeing and supports local artists. Sometimes, a single artwork can communicate more powerfully than an entire media campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n For Ghaith Al Roubi, his concept aimed to create a quiet dialogue between past and present, bringing heritage and modernity together without visual excess. \u201cI wanted the viewer to see Abu Dhabi as I feel it, a city that balances authenticity, simplicity and progress at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n Emirati artist Sultan Al Hashemi described his participation in Abu Dhabi Canvas as both personal and meaningful. Having grown up in the capital, he saw the initiative as an opportunity to contribute to the city that shaped his identity.<\/p>\n \u201cAbu Dhabi is my city. I was raised here, and I wanted to leave a mark that reflects my connection to it,\u201d Al Hashemi said. \u201cThis project gave me the chance to highlight its heritage, architectural character and everyday beauty through art.\u201d<\/p>\n Al Hashemi\u2019s artistic journey began at an early age, progressing from pencil drawings to working with brushes, paints and spray techniques, before expanding into large-scale public artworks. He believes that artistic expression is driven more by vision than by tools. \u201cArt depends on the person more than the materials,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat matters is how clearly the idea and emotion are communicated.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/fallbackPlaceholder-D4jFxx4n.jpg\")
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