Renowned contemporary artist Sacha Jafri has been granted a momentous opportunity by the British Crown to create a masterpiece for the ruling family of Dubai. This historic undertaking, titled “King Charles III Coronation,” was initiated during the official Coronation celebrations at the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates in May 2023. Recognized as the “World Artist Of The Year,” Sacha Jafri, a British artist based in Dubai, commenced the creation of this extraordinary painting, which will serve as a deeply personal gift to the ruling family of Dubai from the British government, set to be presented in June of the same year.
The launch of this project was graced by the presence of distinguished individuals, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, HE Simon Penney, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the MENA Region, South East Asia, and British Consul General to Dubai, and HE Edward Hobart, the British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Jafri’s commissioned artwork, a grand-scale canvas measuring 3 x 3 meters, encapsulates the essence of King Charles III’s reign, highlighting his sense of duty and his visionary aspirations for the United Kingdom. The painting also delves into the King’s humanity, showcasing his vulnerability, faith, dedication to conservation and transformative endeavors, as well as his steadfast advocacy as a “defender of all faiths.”
Moreover, Jafri’s creation pays homage to King Charles III’s profound affection for the United Arab Emirates and his close association with the diverse faiths and architectural heritage prevalent in the region. Having made numerous visits, the King has fostered a deep and personal connection with the Muslim faith, the people, and the royal families of the UAE, all of which are palpable in Jafri’s highly emotive artwork.
Reflecting on this historic commission, Jafri expressed his profound gratitude, stating, “To be entrusted with the creation of this incredibly significant painting is a tremendous honor for me. I have cultivated a special love and enduring personal relationship with the British Royal family, having collaborated closely with both HRH King Charles III and HRH Prince William on their charitable endeavors, both domestically and internationally, for over 15 years. Being able to encapsulate King Charles III’s philosophies, concerns, passions, and personal visions of the past, present, and future in a gift from the British Crown to the ruling family of Dubai holds immense personal significance to me and undoubtedly marks a pinnacle in my career.”
“As a British artist who has resided in Dubai for over a decade and shares longstanding connections with both Charles and William, as well as members of the Dubai royal family, it is a distinct privilege for me to bring together my two favorite countries in the world – the UK and the UAE. This painting, which symbolizes the convergence of their shared visions for the future, leading up to COP28, holds historic and hopeful significance. It represents not only the unification of the UK and the UAE but also the unity of humanity as a whole. Our world teeters on the precipice of discord, disconnection, and profound challenges such as climate change, food security, humanitarian crises, and sustainability. However, I firmly believe that COP28 will mark a turning point towards a better future for the children of our world. It is my heartfelt desire that this painting not only reflects this pivotal change but also serves as a catalyst for the imperative transformations we must undertake,” concluded Sacha Jafri.