Dubai has rolled out a striking new installation to mark the UAE National Month, and it’s already turning into one of the city’s most talked-about tributes. An 82-metre ground artwork, crafted entirely from multicoloured gravel, now sits opposite Dubai Frame — and it features a joint portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The 82-metre ground artwork in Dubai adds a powerful visual moment to December, a month where the city comes alive with patriotic displays, cultural experiences, and community gatherings. This installation stands out not just for its size, but for its sentiment. It honours two leaders whose vision, character, and values shaped the early years of the nation.
The artwork is positioned at a roundabout near Zabeel Park, one of the busiest and most iconic spots in the city. Whether someone is passing by on foot, driving along Sheikh Zayed Road, or exploring the Dubai Frame, the installation is hard to miss.
Brand Dubai joins hands with Dubai Municipality to unveil installation featuring joint portrait of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid. Part of the National Month celebrations, installation spanning diameter of 82 metres is located opposite the Dubai Frame. #ZayedandRashid… pic.twitter.com/w9v5wT8qGF
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 30, 2025
A Tribute Designed to Be Seen From Above
Dubai’s love for aerial-friendly landmarks is well known. From Palm Jumeirah to the Dubai Frame, the city often builds with the sky in mind. This artwork fits into that same philosophy. Its scale and circular design make it best viewed from above, where the full portrait of the founding fathers appears in clear detail.
The installation uses carefully layered coloured gravel to shape the faces of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, capturing their expressions in a way that feels both artistic and precise. It is rare to see such large-format ground art in the city, and its presence adds a fresh creative dimension to Dubai’s public art landscape.
Residents have already started sharing early drone shots online, capturing the artwork framed against the lush green backdrop of Zabeel Park and the towering Dubai Frame behind it.
Part of the Second Edition of the Zayed & Rashid Campaign
The artwork supports the second edition of the Zayed and Rashid Campaign, launched under the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The campaign aims to highlight the legacy of the founding fathers and encourage people across the UAE to reflect on the principles that guided the nation’s earliest developments.
The installation was created by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality. Both teams worked together to deliver a project that blends creativity, national pride, and craftsmanship.
Brand Dubai has been behind many citywide installations — from seasonal décor to large murals — but this tribute stands out for its scale and emotional impact. It’s rare to see an artwork that connects the early history of the country with such a prominent modern landmark.
Location Near the Dubai Frame Matters
Choosing a site opposite the Dubai Frame was intentional. The Frame itself tells the story of Dubai’s evolution — one side capturing Old Dubai and the other looking toward the city’s futuristic skyline. Placing the founders’ portrait here creates a symbolic narrative: a journey from the country’s earliest achievements to its modern ambitions.
The location also makes it easy for residents and tourists to engage with the artwork. The roundabout is a high-traffic area, with many people visiting Zabeel Park, attending community events, or simply exploring the attractions around the Frame.
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Celebrating the Legacy of Two Visionary Leaders
Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid remain deeply respected figures across the UAE. Their approach to nation-building was rooted in generosity, long-term planning, and a sincere belief in the potential of their people. The installation encourages the community to reflect on those values — wisdom, humility, ambition, and unity — which continue to influence the country’s growth today.
The timing of the tribute adds to its meaning. National Month celebrations bring out strong emotions across the country, from traditional performances to firework displays and family-friendly events. This artwork becomes part of that narrative, offering a cultural moment that feels grounded, reflective, and accessible to all.
Locals who grew up seeing images of the founding fathers at schools, majlises, and government buildings will feel a sense of familiarity when passing this installation. At the same time, new residents and visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the people who shaped the UAE’s identity.
Community Engagement and Public Response
Since its unveiling, the artwork has drawn attention from families, photographers, content creators, and commuters who often look for new places to explore during the National Day season. Public art has always played a role in shaping Dubai’s cultural identity, and this piece adds another noteworthy stop for residents seeking meaningful places to visit.
The installation also encourages conversations around heritage. People are pausing, photographing, and sharing it — not just for how it looks, but for what it represents. It’s also expected to become a stop for school visits and heritage tours during December.
A New Cultural Place for National Month
Every year, Dubai introduces new attractions and installations that become part of the National Day experience. This 82-metre tribute adds a fresh highlight to the city’s list of must-see spots during December. It is an innovative, bold, and heritage-respecting blend of creativity and urban design that feels distinctly Dubai.
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