Sand art festival nears finale after making waves
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the Emirates International Sand Sculpture Festival until Friday evening at the Abu Dhabi Corniche where it has been drawing a large number of residents and tourists over the past two weeks.
Around 9 artists including Emiratis and foreigners have displayed their amazing skill to give beautiful form to sand at the festival organised by Emirates Heritage Club and the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City. The broader theme of the event is heritage and the accomplishments of the UAE, said a statement issued by Emirates Heritage Club.
The artists have recreated the magic of Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Al Jahili Fort and also etched portraits of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Another attractive theme of the event is Sheikh Zayed's famous quote: "Give me a plant, I will give you civilisation."
Sand replicas of Emirates Palace, Al Hosn Fort, Bu Tinah Island and an Etihad Airways plane are among other attractions.
The sculptors will complete their works on Thursday but the exhibition will continue until Friday evening, the organisers said.
Apart from two Emirati sculptors, seven others from Brazil, Holland, Australia, South Africa, Syria, Egypt and Latvia have used the sand as a medium of expression during the past two weeks.
Emirati artist Shady Al Matroushi, carving the outline of a horse on the sand, said he had liked sand sculptures since childhood. "It was my childhood habit."
Al Matroushi reminisced how he would go to the beach and create sculptures of shark and other fish. "My family also liked it. I am very happy to join the festival which helps to improve my artistic skills," he said.
Emirati artist Mohammad Abdullah Bu Lahya, who created a dolphin, said the appreciation from the visitors had been a big boost. "This is a humble work we are doing to introduce our country's culture and heritage to others," he said.
Dr Emad Khatr, a medical practitioner at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said he had visited the festival venue along with his family. "I like these type of artworks. I found many tourists from different countries at the festival, enjoying the work," he said.
Sinan Subeih Al Ausy, an Iraqi sculptor, said it was his first exposure in the UAE. The creations of the artists had literally decorated the Corniche, he said. Such efforts would attract more visitors to the UAE, he added.
Many foreign tourists also enjoyed the creativity on sand. Many hotels have been bringing their guests to the festival by bus.
Apart from the sand sculptures, there is also an area for children to try their hand at art. They can dance, draw and paint at the kids corner. A heritage souk is also selling souvenirs reflecting the UAE's heritage. Traditional decorations like henna painting are also on offer.