Watch: Abu Dhabi students create giant collage of Sheikh Zayed from news clippings

Abu Dhabi: A group of young students attending a summer camp in Abu Dhabi has created a massive collage of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The artwork, measuring 5mx4m and composed entirely of Arabic newspaper clippings, is now eyeing record books. The clippings featured stories and images reflecting the life, achievements, and legacy of Sheikh Zayed, as well as the formation and progress of the UAE.

Crafted in just two hours by 12 children aged between nine and 12, the project was completed on the penultimate day of a10-day summer camp recently conducted by the Indian Islamic Centre (IIC).

The Indian expat students from different schools pieced together articles and images depicting the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed, as well as the journey of the UAE. The clippings were reproduced from Arabic news reports sourced from the Internet and the library of the Indian Islamic Centre, the organisers said.

“This is believed to be the largest student-created collage of Sheikh Zayed completed in such a short time,” said Mohammed Hidayatullah, general secretary of the IIC. He added that the initiative aimed to inspire national pride and creative expression among the youth.

Saila Suhail, a grade six student at Abu Dhabi Indian School, Muroor, was excited about the opportunity to work on the project.

“We used Arabic newspaper cuttings that told the story of Sheikh Zayed’s life, the formation of the UAE, and its achievements. Although we had limited time, our team worked well together, sharing ideas and arranging the pieces carefully. This project helped me learn more about Sheikh Zayed’s vision and the progress of our country. It was a valuable and memorable experience for me,” said Saila.

Muhammed Sahal, a grade seven student at The Model School Abu Dhabi, said it was an inspiring experience.

“It was an inspiring experience. As the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed’s legacy represents unity, vision, and leadership. While assembling the collage, I explored various images and symbols that reflect his contributions to the nation. This artistic process not only enhanced my creativity but also deepened my appreciation for his role in shaping the UAE. It was a memorable project that allowed me to honour a great leader through visual expression,” he added.

The students were guided by Advocate Bilal Mohammed, chief mentor of the Insight Summer Camp, Indian artist and Asia Book of Records holder Jaseem Rahman and fellow mentor Abdul Shukoor. It was held in collaboration with Penskill Training Academy.

The finished piece was unveiled at a special ceremony in the Centre’s main hall, led by Georgy George, First Secretary for Coordination and Community Affairs at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Among the guests was First Warrant Officer Aesha Ali Al Shehhi from Abu Dhabi Community Police.

The event was attended by notable community leaders, dignitaries, and representatives from various Indian organisations across Abu Dhabi, including the Indian Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam, Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre, among others.

The collage is currently on display at the Abu Dhabi Indian Islamic Centre, where it continues to attract admiration as a tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy and the creative spirit of the youth.