DIFC Gate #ZayedAndRashid artist honours leaders

Brand Dubai unveiled an artwork at the DIFC Gate to honour the visionary legacy of the UAE's Founding Fathers, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign. 

The campaign was created to celebrate national occasions and capture the patriotic sentiment amongst the public as they celebrate another momentous year of nationhood. 

Coinciding with Flag Day and Eid Al Etihad, the #ZayedAndRashid campaign marks a period of national celebration across the UAE. 

The tribute, in the form of a towering 50-metre portrait of the two leaders, depicts them against the backdrop of the modern UAE they envisioned when the country was still in its formative years. 

The artwork features images originally captured by photographer Ramesh Shukla, who was deeply inspired by Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and their vision for the young nation. 

In an interview with Dubai Eye's Business Breakfast on Friday, Mr. Shukla recounted taking the iconic picture in 1971 and expressed gratitude to the UAE's leaders and their vision for the country. 

The image was taken on a single reflex camera and is a 50-millimeter negative. The renowned photographer said he hopes to bring back analogue photography in the age of computerisation. 

Mr. Shukla's son, Neel Shukra, who is gallery owner, artist, and consultant, told the Business Breakfast the process of enlarging the image to 50 metres was complex. 

"We had only 72 hours to have this design produced and installed. [There was also the] humidity factor...because the building actually has humidity level. So we had to be very mindful about when we could install this piece," Neel Shukra said.

He added the faces of His Highnesses alone were six metres. Neel had to do eight tests to make sure the faces were accurate from a distance, using a " a lot of technology to bring them life in this scale. 

The warmth with which the two leaders welcomed him into the community left a lasting impression on Shukla, inspiring his lifelong dedication to documenting their leadership and legacy. His iconic pictures of UAE leaders also chronicle the country’s remarkable transformation over half a century while celebrating its history and heritage. 

The backdrop for the artwork was designed by Emirati artist Maitha Demithan, who specialises in a novel technique that blends key aspects of art and photography to render striking three-dimensional imagery on a two-dimensional plane. Demithan has previously exhibited her work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Venice, London, Paris, and Korea, including at Abu Dhabi Art (2011), Art Dubai (2012–14), and Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art in Korea (2012). 

The Director of Brand Dubai, Shaima Al Suwaidi, said: “The DIFC installation symbolises the oneness of purpose that has epitomised the UAE’s nation-building effort from the very outset. All around the country, the sense of occasion is simply unmistakable, with cultural showcases and spontaneous festivities marking the occasion as the nation celebrates Eid Al Etihad and Flag Day. The artwork highlights the visionary leaders and their enduring values that will continue to inspire our younger generations far into the future.”

Saleh Al Akrabi, Chief Real Estate Officer, DIFC Investments Ltd, said: “DIFC is delighted to be working with Brand Dubai to celebrate the achievements of the UAE’s leadership and Founding Fathers through this UAE Flag Day installation on the beautiful DIFC Gate building. Our leaders are our role models in work, innovation and patriotism. DIFC would not be among the world’s leading global financial centres without the vision of our leadership.”