Free art workshops across Abu Dhabi to celebrate National Day and empower People of Determination
Abu Dhabi will host a series of free art workshops at five cultural and heritage sites from 1 to 9 November, bringing together people with disabilities, artists and the general public to mark the country’s 55th National Day. The initiative, named Khat Wa Khuyoot, is organised by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the Founder’s Office.
A platform for inclusion
Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan, acting director-general of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said that individuals with disabilities should be seen as “partners and creators” rather than merely participants. “The impact of the initiative extends beyond the workshops themselves,” he added.
The term “People of Determination” is the official designation used in the United Arab Emirates for people with disabilities.
Artists and values
Eleven artists will lead workshops covering painting, digital art, Arabic calligraphy and design, among other disciplines. Open art spaces will also allow visitors to draw and create alongside others. Each workshop is built around one of seven values associated with the late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: wisdom, respect, human development, determination, sustainability, unity and generosity. Every artist has selected one of these values as the foundation for their workshop.
Venues and participation
The workshops will take place in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra region. Venues include Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Cultural Foundation, Qasr Al Muwaiji and Al Dhafra Fort. Only adults may take part, but participants are not required to live in the emirate. Attendance is free, but places are limited and registration is mandatory through the project’s website.
Dr. Hamad Mohammed Soudin, an executive director at the Department of Culture and Tourism, described art as “a shared language” that can strengthen bonds between people.
After the event, organisers plan to document participants’ work, digitise a selection of the pieces and explore the possibility of developing them into art products that could be showcased at future national events.
