Dubai: As part of the Open Air Museum project, which aims to transform Dubai’s cityscape into an outdoor art gallery, the façade of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs headquarters in Al Jafliya is now adorned with the poems of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The verses, across the headquarters’ main entrance, have been designed by Emirati calligrapher Narjes Noureddine. As part of the project, Major General Mohammad Ahmed Al Merri, director-general of the GDRFA, inaugurated an exhibition by the reception of the headquarters, displaying 14 other calligraphic works by Noureddine.
This is the second consecutive year that the GDRFA is taking part in the Dubai Open Air Museum project. Last year, the headquarters’ façade was decked with a large painting by Dr Najat Makki, a luminary in the local contemporary art scene. During Tuesday’s event, Maj Gen Al Merri honoured Dr Najat, along with five other photographers who took part in the project.
Maj Gen Al Merri said that Dubai places great importance on art and architecture, which add a new dimension to the emirate of Dubai, and enhance its image as a global hub.
“Initiatives such as this give the city its own character and make it one of the unique cities in the world,” Maj Gen Al Merri said. “It also encourages us to reach our goals and embrace creativity and innovation.”
The Open Air Museum initiative was launched last year by Shaikh Mohammad. The project was introduced under the Dubai Media Office’s marketing team, Brand Dubai. By collaborating with property developers, the initiative gives local artists the chance to showcase their works in prime locations across the city.
