Life of Sheikh Zayed depicted in series of paintings

A painting of Sheikh Zayed by artist Akbar Saheb. They will be part of the exhibition of Mr Saheb’s work at the Ramadan Night Market in Dubai. Courtesy Akbar Saheb

DUBAI // The life of the nation’s first President and Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, is depicted in a series of paintings due to be displayed at a Ramadan Night Market in Dubai in a fortnight’s time.

The 38 artworks, one for each year of Sheikh Zayed’s rule, were created by Dubai-based artist Akbar Saheb and will be displayed at Zabeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, from July 17-27.

Mr Saheb said the oil and acrylic paintings were created in homage to Sheikh Zayed. “I came to Dubai in 1996 and every day I read in the newspaper a story about Sheikh Zayed and how he improved the UAE.

“After that I got more excited to read about him so I bought many books and started to study [his life] for six months. I decided to do life story paintings about his life.”

The Indian artist began working on the paintings in 1997, with one planned for every year Sheikh Zayed, who became Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and President in 1971, was in power. However, he stopped painting in 2004 when Sheikh Zayed died.

“Every painting has his face and a subject about how he worked for the country, how he helped other countries and how he respects other religions,” said Mr Saheb. “After I painted the first six or seven in 1997, I thought someone should build a Sheikh Zayed Museum and keep these paintings in it because many people come to UAE from all over the world, so they can know how he improved the country.”

The series is described as a visual tribute that tells the story of how Sheikh Zayed was a leader who not only helped to give the UAE a strong global presence but also brought the people of the Emirates together.

Mr Saheb’s artistic talent also extends to portraits of other members of the UAE’s Ruling families.

In one painting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, features next to a map of the world with the UAE flag prominent in the centre in tribute to Dubai’s Expo 2020 win.

The market exhibition, open 8pm to 2am daily, also includes portraits of the current President, Sheikh Khalifa, next to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

“I did one painting of Sheikh Khalifa and I want to do more about him in the future,” said Mr Saheb.

“It is one painting because when he became a President, his first job was completing his father’s project.”

The artist also created a series depicting the Ruler of Dubai, called Visions. “I did seven paintings because he likes the number seven.”

Art lovers are invited to attend the Ramadan Night Market to see Mr Saheb’s creations, that each measure 4.5ft x 6ft, although only prints will be on display as the originals are safely stored away. “Maybe the original one would be damaged and then I can’t do anything,” said Mr Saheb, adding prints will be available for sale, but serious art lovers can also make an offer for the canvas originals.

“The prints are for sale, but whoever seriously wants to buy my original paintings can contact my manager.”

The limited edition prints are available in three different sizes.

“The price of a single small size is about Dh800, one square metre costs Dh1,300 and the original size Dh2,200,” said Ram Kumar, the manager of 71 Arts company, who added the 38 canvas originals will only be sold as a set. “If we find the right buyer we will sell them – all the paintings together – with a cost Dh38 million.”

A spokeswoman for the Ramadan Night market said the event is unique to Dubai, with abayas, health and beauty products, jewellery, food, a Majlis and a kids play area all spread over five pavilions.

“This is the first night market during the holy month of Ramadan. The market was launched in 2012.

In the first year we had 50,000 visitors; in the next year we had 100,000 people and we are expecting more this year.”