Dubai International Art Symposium’s artists paint Sheikh Mohammed’s Humanitarian Tweets

The Dubai International Art Symposium 2015 kicked-off this Tuesday with tremendous success, courtesy the organizers Rashid Centre for Disabled, UAE’s favourite special needs school established in 1994. ‘DIAS’ as it is fondly called is in its second session this year following an epic showcase in 2013 which paid tribute to the art of Salvador Dali.   This year’s special theme entitled “Colored Tweets” honors the Humanitarian tweets of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness’s tweets are well-worthy of being honored through this symposium in which more than 26 renowned artists from 16 different countries- international as well as famed home-grown talent from the Emirates join together to literally “transform” Sheikh Mohammed’s tweets into spectacular works of art.

Participating artists include Elena Shapovalova (Russia), May Al Saad (Kuwait), Salman Al-Malek (Qatar), Maha Khoury (Jordan), Irene Harto Lopez (Spain), Bahram Hajou (Germany) and several more. Ali Al Ameri, Art Director of DIAS remarked that he had full confidence in these talented and extremely gifted artists and could envision grand masterpieces taking form through this symposium. Mariam Othman, Director General Rashid Centre for Disabled said, “There have been several art shows and symposiums, but DIAS 2015 is truly uniquely different! Sheikh Mohammed’s humanitarian tweets inspire a humanitarian spirit in all of us, the spirit of oneness and giving, joining together for a special cause… a purpose!”

HH Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Acting Chairman of Rashid Centre for Disabled, Chairman of Dubai International Art Symposium honored all participating artists at the grand opening ceremony held on 14^th April at Rashid’s premises. Sheikh Juma said, “Dubai International Art Symposium, since its inception has been dedicated to the aesthetic and humanitarian cause and continues through the efforts of participating artists from all over the world. The humanitarian tweets of Sheikh Mohammed reflect the spirit of beautiful noble values adopted by the United Arab Emirates. His tweets illuminate the path of charity and humanitarian work, and urge kindness and humility, emphasizing humanitarian values for current and future generations.”

Dr. Ayman Al Baya’a, United Nations Ambassador also attended the event. Baya’a is a well-known philanthropist who supports humanitarian causes. Dr.Al Baya’a said, “To be a goodwill ambassador, for any charitable or humanitarian organization, whether local or global, you need to have values, human vision, approach and role models,” adding that “Rashid Centre for the Disabled will also be publishing Sheikh Mohammed’s humanitarian tweets as a book in several languages entitled “Glimpses of Mohammed Bin Rashid Tweets”. Baya’a said that “The United Nations, and all Ambassadors of goodwill, are very inspired by the thoughts, visions and tweets of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which urge humanitarian and global charitable work, and do not differentiate between religion, race, or color. United Nations and the whole world is grateful to His Highness because of his leadership and humanitarian policies, and that charity and relief know no geographic boundaries.”

Georges Bechara, Managing Director of Zenith – strategic partner for DIAS said that, “Zenith is strategic partner for DIAS for the 2^nd year in a row due to the forum’s core belief in the importance of culture and arts, in the deepening of human communication and promoting understanding between cultures and people”. Bechara stressed that, “Colored tweets created by the artists represent a message of love, respect, and appreciation for His Highness’s humanitarian tweets. Sheikh Mohammed’s tweets represent the current humanitarian trends, global nature of the vision and wise ideas illuminating the way for people.”

Stenham Asset Management supported Rashid Centre for DIAS 2015. London-based Stenham Asset Management is one of the industry’s most experienced managers of absolute return portfolios, with a track record spanning more than 25 years.  Stenham has been forging long term relationships in the Middle East for a number of years and this partnership with the Rashid Center for the Disabled further strengthens Stenham’s approach to corporate social responsibility.  “We understand the importance of healthcare in society; managing a dedicated product tapping into the ongoing structural theme of improving global healthcare.  As investor appeal for this sector is expected to continue, we are extremely pleased to be able to give something back to the community,” Stenham Asset Management CEO Damian Brannan says.   “The Rashid Center for the Disabled is striving to improve the lives of children across the region and we hope our partnership can further assist the centre in its admirable work”.

The forum will run for a week until 20^th April and since for 21 of the artists this is their very first visit to Dubai, DIAS has arranged various exciting activities and a city tour of Dubai for them to enjoy. The artists were invited by Mr.Ahmed Al Serkal to dine at Al Serkal Avenue Majlis. And, will be enjoying delicious cuisine at Reem Al Bawadi’s branches as well as tours offered by Wonder Bus and Big Bus. Mr.Ahmed Al Yafai will play host to the artists for a night’s stay at Liwa, Abu Dhabi. These activities and more are being held to entertain the artists as well as allow them to experience Dubai.

Many of the attendees of DIAS’s opening ceremony said the highlight of the event “Colored Tweets” as a theme is most perfect and that Sheikh Mohammed is the ideal role-model for humanitarian causes. This could probably be Rashid’s best event till date and Dubai’s unsurpassable art symposium for a good cause.