• About 100 parking meters in Dubai have been enlivened with 15 artworks inspired by the themes of diversity and tolerance. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National
    About 100 parking meters in Dubai have been enlivened with 15 artworks inspired by the themes of diversity and tolerance. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The colourful makeover comes as part of a campaign by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the government, and the Roads and Transport Authority
    The colourful makeover comes as part of a campaign by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the government, and the Roads and Transport Authority
  • There are 15 dazzling designs on display
    There are 15 dazzling designs on display
  • Russian dolls, handheld video games and greetings in various languages can be seen on the strategically placed meters
    Russian dolls, handheld video games and greetings in various languages can be seen on the strategically placed meters
  • They have been painted on by a mix of Emirati and other resident artists
    They have been painted on by a mix of Emirati and other resident artists
  • The project was part of the wider #DubaiSpeaksToYou initiative, which aims to transform the city into an urban canvas for art and creativity
    The project was part of the wider #DubaiSpeaksToYou initiative, which aims to transform the city into an urban canvas for art and creativity
  • Six artists were involved
    Six artists were involved
  • The parking meters can be found across Jumeirah, Dubai Media City and Al Mustaqbal Street
    The parking meters can be found across Jumeirah, Dubai Media City and Al Mustaqbal Street
  • “The project is also part of our efforts to use art to forge a positive identity for various neighbourhoods in our city,” said Shaima Al Suwaidi, Brand Dubai city branding manager
    “The project is also part of our efforts to use art to forge a positive identity for various neighbourhoods in our city,” said Shaima Al Suwaidi, Brand Dubai city branding manager
  • The artwork features motifs and icons that highlight Dubai’s multicultural character, as well as its identity and values
    The artwork features motifs and icons that highlight Dubai’s multicultural character, as well as its identity and values
  • Some are inspired by the city itself, but also other cultural referneces important to the people who live here
    Some are inspired by the city itself, but also other cultural referneces important to the people who live here
  • The project gives a splash of colour to these urban areas
    The project gives a splash of colour to these urban areas
  • Handheld video games are represented
    Handheld video games are represented
  • It highlights Dubai's inclusive nature
    It highlights Dubai's inclusive nature
  • Keep a look out for the colourful parking meters while you're out and about
    Keep a look out for the colourful parking meters while you're out and about

Art

Artists paint parking meters in Dubai to add splash of colour to a diverse city – in pictures

Spot the brightly hued meters in Jumeirah, Media City and Al Mustaqbal Street

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

March 12, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Six artists have given 100 parking meters in Jumeirah, Dubai Media City and Al Mustaqbal Street a colourful makeover, as part of a campaign by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the government, and the Roads and Transport Authority.

There are 15 dazzling designs on display, each celebrating themes of diversity and tolerance.

Russian dolls, handheld video games and greetings in various languages can be seen on the strategically placed meters, painted on by a mix of Emirati and other resident artists.

The National's Christopher Whiteoak took a series of photos of the artworks, which can be seen in the gallery above and video below.

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Art