In a collaborative effort aimed at further enriching the capital’s public spaces, The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has partnered with Mubadala, through the Mubadala Foundation and its partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, and Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), to expand the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative.
The new project will feature artworks on Delivery Riders Hubs as well as public murals, crosswalks, and utility boxes in the Rabdan district and several other locations around the emirate. By incorporating art into the city's infrastructure, the organisations aim to enhance the aesthetic of public spaces while celebrating the UAE’s rich culture and heritage using local creative talent.
His Excellency Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at DMT, said: “Through our partnership the Mubadala Foundation and ADEK, we will further enhance our city’s public spaces by infusing art into everyday infrastructures. 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.”
The Delivery Riders Hubs, strategically located across Abu Dhabi, not only serve as vital service points for delivery drivers but also represent a joint effort to enhance urban infrastructure while promoting community enrichment through art. They are equipped with essential amenities such as shaded seating, air-conditioning, drinking water facilities, and phone charging stations, ensuring a comfortable environment for delivery personnel as they serve the community.
His Excellency Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Undersecretary at ADEK, said: “This joint initiative celebrates the artistic talents of our students and encourages them to fully realise their potential through art. We are proud to see the next generation of Emirati students contribute to transforming Abu Dhabi’s landscape into a vibrant living gallery that showcases our national culture and heritage. This unique collaboration underscores a shared commitment to empower students, support talent, and position Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for creativity and cultural expression.”
His Excellency Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate and Human Capital Officer at Mubadala, said: “We are excited to partner with the DMT and ADEK to enhance the face of Abu Dhabi through art. These joint initiatives allow us to continue to support art in the community while caring for service providers."
Mansour Al Ketbi, Deputy Chief Corporate and Human Capital Officer of Digital and Corporate Services at Mubadala, said: “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.”
Each Delivery Riders Hub will be adorned by unique designs, starting with four pieces selected from a pool of 1,000 artworks by public, charter, and private school students. The artworks were featured in the National Art Expressions exhibition, held at Manarat Al Saadiyat and organised by ADEK. The exhibition provided a platform for students to express national identity, values, and Emirati heritage through art. The hubs, along with the featured works, will be built by Mubadala, ensuring top-quality standards and design.
The student’s artworks that were chosen to celebrate the rich tapestry of Emirati culture and heritage were from across private, charter and public schools include Shawq Faraj, a Grade 7 student from Al Riyadh Charter School’s portrait of a majestic falcon, embodying resilience and grace, Fatima Saif Alkaabi, a Grade 8 student from Al Fauaah School’s portrait of an Emirati girl in traditional attire, Khawla Alkhoori, a Grade 12 students, ADNOC School Sas Al Nakhl’s artwork of a traditional wind tower, and Fatima Al Harbi, Grade 9, Al Ittihad National Private School’s artwork of a traditional Emirati door.
In Rabdan, an array of artworks by five Emirati artists will be showcased across 17 murals, 26 crosswalks, and 15 utility boxes. These will offer residents a dynamic visual experience that blends storytelling with everyday urban elements while celebrating local artistry.
The artworks are designed to integrate seamlessly into public spaces, providing both aesthetic appeal and a deeper connection to the nation’s traditions and values. Artist Abdulla Al Mansouri’s work will be incorporated into eight pedestrian crosswalks, including four with traditional Arabic coffee pot and cup, and five utility boxes featuring playful Emirati children in various activities. Mohammed Al Jneibi’s art will adorn two pedestrian crosswalks with a design of horses with a geometric pattern. Ahmad Al Ali’s work will feature on eight pedestrian crosswalks, including one with an abstract design of falcons, and 16 murals, six of which depict elements of UAE’s culture and heritage, such as pearl diving, astronomy, and education. Artist Mohammed Al Shamsi’s work will feature on eight pedestrian crosswalks, including four depicting a traditional dhow, and five utility boxes showcasing an Emirati family. Finally, artist Aysha Al Hamrani’s work will be incorporated on five utility boxes depicting modern Emirati people and one mural of an Emirati girl surrounded by elements of UAE heritage, including falcons, gazelles, dhows, and palm trees.
This collaborative initiative reflects a joint dedication to fostering inclusive and enriching public spaces across Abu Dhabi. By integrating captivating artworks, the projects not only enhance the city’s urban infrastructure but also cultivate a deeper sense of community pride and cultural identity.
