World's longest painting on display at Al Qasba

Sharjah:  A Saudi Arabian artist who has travelled to more than 120 countries to showcase the world's longest painting, "Love and Peace," is now in Sharjah.

Abdul Adeem Al Dhaman, the founder of the Art of Innovation establishment in Saudi Arabia, has brought his painting to Al Qasba that measures 250 metres by one metre.

"The actual painting is now 500 metres, but I only brought half of it to Sharjah," said Al Dhaman.

The painting was inaugurated on Wednesday evening by Abdullah Al Owais, Director of Department of Culture and Information.

"The idea came because I wanted to spread the awareness of peace among people in all the different countries. The initial painting started in Saudi Arabia in 2006, and every time I showcased it another country the canvas was extended."

The painting has been displayed in 280 countries, including the United States, UK, Brazil and Spain. After the UAE, the painting will then be showcased in Mauritania and Egypt.

"Every country the painting has been to, artists, students and members of the public paint their impression or message about peace," he said.

Al Dhaman explained that there are three types of messages in the painting.

"There are words of love and peace, then there are passages from the Quran, and finally the perception of peace from the youth.

Plan

"The painting will be sent to a number of countries until 2011, and I expect that by then it will reach 1,000 metres in length."

Once the painting is completed, Al Dhaman said he will either auction it and all the proceeds will go to charity, or divide it into many charity organisations across Saudi Arabia. "They can then have the right to auction it off for themselves."

The world's longest painting will be displayed until Saturday along the canal at Al Qasba, opposite block A.

Visitors can talk with the artists on saturday from 10am to 12pm.

Visitors interested in painting on the canvas can inquire at the customer service counter to collect their paints and brushes.