On the occasion of the 51st UAE National Day, a Guinness Record was set in the Abu Dhabi Theatre as part of one of the most momentous events in UAE art history. In many ways, the two-day art festival by Artscrafts, Ehtifal Al Emarat, was a joy for all art enthusiasts.
Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, officially opened the event. He was grateful to the crew for having the vision that made the event possible. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Abdul Rahman Al Moalla attended the official opening ceremony as the chief guest. The opening event with a star-studded lineup was graceful and lovely.
A unique art show, including the works of 51 eminent painters from various UAE emirates, was also hosted by Ehtifal Al Emarat. The event was made more beautiful with live paintings and cultural performances. The joining of 65 nations to commemorate the National Day of the UAE was described by Anil Kejriwal, founder, and CEO of Artscrafts, as nothing less than a dream realized. He expressed gratitude to his team, who had worked tirelessly for months to make the event successful. He emphasized the outstanding support he had received from all sponsors, notably First Abu Dhabi Bank.
The festival’s attractions were the Guinness World Record Attempt and the 51-meter-long painting known as Jumbo 51. These two attractions, which attracted a sizable crowd to the Abu Dhabi theatre, resulted from a concept by Raisa Mariam Rajan. “I’ve always wanted to build a significant product. Anil invited me to serve as the event’s director. Thus, this was the ideal scenario. My idea became a reality because we were fortunate to be in the right place and at the right moment. The effort of integrating so many different ethnicities under one roof was enormous. The success of this event is nothing but passion and sheer hard work.”
Ahmed Baharoon, executive director of environment information, science outreach management sector at EAD, added: “Art is a language that can move us emotionally in indescribable ways. It is a powerful tool that allows people of all ages to express themselves in a liberating and inspiring manner. Sustainable art has become a popular form of expression, and in Abu Dhabi, there have been exhibitions to showcase art that is created from recycled materials. You can find statues made from plastic or robots composed of recycled metals. Such art pieces are aesthetically pleasing and preserve the environment at the same time. This theme is what we are celebrating here today.”
There were 65 participants from various countries in the Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in an art lesson. Kejriwal, Rajan, and Dr. Devisree S hold the record. The focus of the art session was using eco-friendly materials to create a 3D effect of fabric on canvas. Sustainability was highly valued by Ehtifal Al Emarat, and as a result, the painting’s 51-meter theme was similarly concerned with sustainability.
Three experts who connected art, life, and sustainability participated in the panel discussion, which was moderated by Dr. Mubeena Iqbal. Vandana Sudhir, the main speaker at the closing event on December 4, spoke on a panel and discussed the importance of cultivating a sustainable attitude. In Abu Dhabi, Maitha Al Hameli, an environment department representative, discussed the UAE government’s crucial role in promoting sustainable lifestyles. Professor and legal director at Gulf Oil and Gas LLC Deb P. Choudhury spoke about how corporations could foster a more sustainable way of life.
The enormous success of Ehtifal Al Emarat symbolizes the coming together of countries from all over the world to celebrate their ties to the UAE.