Representing national identity and creativity in presenting local heritage through a contemporary visual language, the “Emirati Art at ME” exhibition, currently held at the ME by Melia Dubai Hotel under the supervision of Emirati art curator Abdullah Khalid Al Shamsi, brings together four Emirati artists whose works vary between embroidery, textiles, painting, and photography: Maitha Abdullah Al Rumaithi, Fares Al Hammadi, Elham Khairallah, and Dana Hesham Al Janibi.

The curator, Abdullah Khalid Al Shamsi, explained to “Emarat Al Youm” that the exhibition, which opened on June 26 and runs until August 28, and was visited by the director of the Dubai Press Club, Maryam Al Mulla, represents the first event of the new exhibition series “Midad” that he will oversee. This series attracts Emirati artists from various creative fields aiming to highlight contemporary Emirati arts and the creators’ keenness to develop artistic narratives that express contemporary reality while celebrating national identity and the cultural heritage of society. The name “Midad” was chosen for the series due to its sensory meaning in Arabic, signifying “extension” and the connection between the past, present, and future.

Regarding the selection of participating artists, he pointed out criteria such as the excellence of the artist’s works, their unique artistic imprint away from common trends, reflecting their effort and skill in expression. The exhibition is distinguished by the diversity of artistic schools among the participating artists. Besides focusing on arts derived from traditional crafts linked to women in Emirati society, such as spinning, weaving, and Al Sadu, there are paintings and photographs that narrate stories from the heart of the community. The exhibition combines artists who have previously held several exhibitions and those less frequently appearing, contributing to creating communication and exchange of experiences among them.

Al Shamsi mentioned that the choice of the exhibition venue also carries significant meaning, as the ME by Melia Dubai Hotel is distinguished by its unique design by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, famous for architectural icons worldwide. He clarified that the exhibition represents the first Emirati exhibition hosted by the hotel after it had hosted exhibitions of foreign artists. The idea was warmly welcomed by the venue’s management and visitors of various nationalities who expressed admiration for the displayed works and their presentation of life features in the UAE and its cultural and social heritage.

Al Shamsi indicated that the upcoming period will witness the organization of more exhibitions under the title “Midad” in different areas to highlight more Emirati artistic and creative experiences.

The exhibition includes four different artistic experiences, each reflecting its owner’s vision and unique imprint. Artist Maitha Abdullah Al Rumaithi, a cinematographer and director, adds visual depth and emotional breath to her works, presenting fleeting moments and daily rituals through her lens, weaving visual stories that reflect the spirit of the UAE and simultaneously embody shared human experiences transcending borders and cultures. Fares Al Hammadi, a visual artist, trainer, and founder of Fares Al Hammadi Fine Arts Studio, is known for his expressive oil portraits and nature-inspired works. His work relies on traditional techniques and pigment extraction, combining academic and emotional dimensions to enrich his paintings with layers of identity, memory, and skilled craftsmanship.

Visual artist and researcher Elham Khairallah, co-founder of the “Sajadna” Textile Center, focuses her works on preserving and reimagining traditional crafts. Her works explore themes of women, environment, and heritage across generations through tangible forms, transforming textiles into a living dialogue between past and present. Embroidery artist Dana Hesham Al Janibi employs thread as a means of visual expression, turning precise stitches into works pulsating with geometry, rhythm, and architectural structure. Dana reintroduces embroidery in her contemporary paintings as a modern visual art full of intimacy and loaded with deep personal layers and meanings.

• Maitha Abdullah Al Rumaithi is a cinematographer and director who adds visual depth and emotional breath to her works.
• Fares Al Hammadi is a visual artist and trainer known for his expressive oil portraits and nature-inspired works.
• Elham Khairallah explores themes of women, environment, and heritage across generations, transforming textiles into a living dialogue between past and present.