Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has unveiled a striking visual installation along the Dubai Metro’s Red Line, paying tribute to the UAE’s Founding Fathers. The artwork features prominent images of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, accompanied by verses from a poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
A Tribute Across the City’s Metro
Created in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the installation stretches from Centrepoint station to Expo 2020 station. It serves as a daily reminder for thousands of commuters of the founders’ vision and commitment to progress. This initiative is a key part of Dubai’s ‘National Month’ celebrations and the ongoing #ZayedAndRashid campaign, which aims to honour the values that shaped the nation.
Honouring an Enduring Legacy
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, explained that the installation is part of the second edition of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign, held under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. “This initiative honours the Founding Fathers and highlights the values they championed, values that remain central to the UAE’s identity and continue to inspire generations,” she said.
Al Suwaidi noted that the Dubai Metro is a fitting platform for the tribute, as it symbolises the city’s modernity and sustainability. “Showcasing the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid here connects the nation’s roots with its forward-looking vision,” she added.
Reinforcing National Identity Through Transport
Fatma Al Khumiri, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication at RTA, stated that the project aligns with the RTA’s mission to reinforce national identity through its public transport network, which serves millions of people annually. “The Metro has become more than a transport system. It is a shared space that brings communities together,” Al Khumiri said. She added that decorating the trains with images of the Founding Fathers highlights the union of tradition and innovation that defines Dubai’s growth.
Wider National Month Celebrations
This visual tribute is one of several major activities organised by Brand Dubai for ‘National Month’. Other highlights include the popular Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim Beach and a 50-metre artwork in Dubai pays tribute to UAE Founding Fathers for National Month on The Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre. A variety of cultural and community events are also running across the city until 2 December.
Now in its second year, ‘National Month’ celebrates Dubai’s cultural diversity while providing residents and visitors opportunities to engage with the UAE’s national story. The public is encouraged to participate by sharing their moments and reflections using the hashtag #ZayedAndRashid.
