World's largest mural to showcase UAE growth

In a country that is planning the world's tallest building and a series of mammoth off-shore tourist attractions, it is only fitting that the UAE also looks set to create one of the biggest pieces of public artwork ever made.

Especially when you consider that the work, a 1,500-foot mural, will represent the rapid development of the country into one of the leading players in the region.

The artist bidding to put together the massive mural is Liaqat Ali Khan, a prominent Pakistani artist who has painted more than 1,000 official portraits of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is behind many public works commemorating National Day and Accession Day.

Abu Dhabi corniche has been earmarked as the provisional location of the mural, which would be constructed in weather-resistant plywood.

Once completed, it is expected to go into the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest mural. However, it is all subject to official approval and financial backing.

Khan spoke to Gulf News about the idea which sprang from his own amazement at the UAE's rapidly developing infrastructure.

"I have been here for more than two decades and have seen the swift change in the lifestyle of not only nationals, but expatriates too. I think the UAE is unique in the world for having witnessed such a fast development, one that has led to the prosperity of the country and its people," said Khan, who has recently completed his 1,006th portrait of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Khan is thought to have done the largest number of portraits of any head of state and his latest oil painting, a 32-foot portrait of the President on horseback has been displayed near the Milco Company just beyond Maqta Bridge in Abu Dhabi, as part of the National Day celebrations.

He is planning to submit Mural plans in December, and says that work could begin as early as January.