• Art installation ‘The Seed’, designed by Es Devlin, is open to the public at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. All images courtesy of the Organising Committee of the Official 49th UAE National Day
    Art installation ‘The Seed’, designed by Es Devlin, is open to the public at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. All images courtesy of the Organising Committee of the Official 49th UAE National Day
  • The work was used as the centrepiece for this year's National Day show in the capital.
    The work was used as the centrepiece for this year's National Day show in the capital.
  • The glowing cube was centre-stage during the event, accompanied with fireworks and performances on its surrounding platform.
    The glowing cube was centre-stage during the event, accompanied with fireworks and performances on its surrounding platform.
  • Designer Devlin is known for melding light, video, language and music in her spectacular creations.
    Designer Devlin is known for melding light, video, language and music in her spectacular creations.
  • 'The Seed' is just the latest addition to Devlin’s expansive body of work, which includes stages for opera houses and theatres, concert sets for big names like Kanye West and U2.
    'The Seed' is just the latest addition to Devlin’s expansive body of work, which includes stages for opera houses and theatres, concert sets for big names like Kanye West and U2.
  • Now that it is open to the public, visitors can witness the work of kinetic art in action from December 14 to January 30.
    Now that it is open to the public, visitors can witness the work of kinetic art in action from December 14 to January 30.
  • The installation is set amid the mangroves in Jubail. Proceeds from the tickets will go towards a conservation project for the mangroves.
    The installation is set amid the mangroves in Jubail. Proceeds from the tickets will go towards a conservation project for the mangroves.
  • The work features lighting projects and sound elements, and can be viewed throughout the week from 5pm to 8pm.
    The work features lighting projects and sound elements, and can be viewed throughout the week from 5pm to 8pm.
  • Art installation ‘The Seed’ is on view from Monday, December 14 to Saturday, January 30.
    Art installation ‘The Seed’ is on view from Monday, December 14 to Saturday, January 30.
  • Conceptualised around the mangrove tree and nature, 'Seeds of the Union' was also livestreamed on television.
    Conceptualised around the mangrove tree and nature, 'Seeds of the Union' was also livestreamed on television.

Art

'The Seed': centrepiece of UAE National Day show to become public artwork

The art installation was used in this year's National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi

Alexandra Chaves
Alexandra Chaves

December 14, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

The centrepiece of this year's UAE National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi – a luminous rotating cube called The Seed – is now a public artwork.

Located in Jubail Mangrove Park, the installation is the work of renowned British artist and set designer Es Devlin, known for melding light, video, language and music in her spectacular creations.

On December 2, the show Seeds of the Union was attended by UAE leaders exclusively due to safety reasons. Conceptualised around the mangrove tree and nature, hence the title, the show was also livestreamed on television.

The glowing cube was centre-stage during the event, accompanied with fireworks and performances on its surrounding platform, while projections relating to the UAE’s history flashed on the spinning object’s surface.

The show also acknowledged frontline workers in the Covid-19 pandemic, with narrations from a Filipina nurse and an Emirati policeman sharing the experiences and challenges they faced in 2020.

Voices of Maj Hazza Al Mansouri, the UAE’s first astronaut, and Chaica Al Qassimi, an Emirati Special Olympics martial arts athlete, were also played.

Now that it is open to the public, visitors can witness the work of kinetic art in action from Monday, December 14, to Saturday, January 30, during the evening. The daily capacity is at 400 people per day. Proceeds from the ticket price, which range from Dh15 to Dh30, will be directed to a conservation project for the mangroves.

Performers participate in the ‘Seeds of the Union’ show, during the official 49th UAE National Day Celebrations, at Jubail Mangrove Park. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Performers participate in the ‘Seeds of the Union’ show, during the official 49th UAE National Day Celebrations, at Jubail Mangrove Park. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The Seed is just the latest addition to Devlin's expansive body of work, which includes stages for opera houses and theatres, concert sets for big names such as Kanye West and U2, as well as architectural runways for fashion shows and immersive installations.

In 2018, she was tasked with developing the UK Pavilion for Expo 2020, postponed to next year due to the pandemic. She is the first woman to be commissioned by the UK to design a pavilion since 1851.

More information is available atFor more information, visit uaenationalday.ae

Scroll through to the gallery to see more from the UAE National Day show 'Seeds of the Union':

  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attends the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attends the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, attend the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, attend the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • A rotating cube was the centrepiece of the show, with images projected on to it. Courtesy: UAE National Day
    A rotating cube was the centrepiece of the show, with images projected on to it. Courtesy: UAE National Day
  • Images are projected on to a rotating cube as part of the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show held in Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Images are projected on to a rotating cube as part of the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show held in Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stands for the national anthem and sings its verses during the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show. Courtesy: UAE National Day
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stands for the national anthem and sings its verses during the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show. Courtesy: UAE National Day
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attends the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attends the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attend the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park along with the Rulers of the emirates. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attend the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park along with the Rulers of the emirates. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Images of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, former Dubai Ruler, are shown during the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    Images of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, former Dubai Ruler, are shown during the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • The launch of the Soyuz rocket carrying the first Emirati astronaut is shown during the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    The launch of the Soyuz rocket carrying the first Emirati astronaut is shown during the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show at Jubail Mangrove Park. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • People take part in the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show held in Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
    People take part in the 'Seeds of the Union' National Day show held in Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
  • Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, left, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attend the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day Celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, left, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attend the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day Celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, watch the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, watch the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior (R), arrives at the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day Celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Seen with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior (R), arrives at the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day Celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Seen with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and other dignitaries, watch the performance of 'Seeds of the Union' during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and other dignitaries, watch the performance of 'Seeds of the Union' during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, right, and other dignitaries, watch the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, right, and other dignitaries, watch the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikhs and dignitaries attend the ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikhs and dignitaries attend the ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • General view of the show ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Ismaeel Al Zaher / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    General view of the show ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Ismaeel Al Zaher / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
  • Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah, watch the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
    Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah, watch the performance of ‘Seeds of the Union’ during the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations at Jubail Mangrove Park. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
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