Abu Dhabi Launches Inclusive Art Initiative Celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s Legacy and Values.
Abu Dhabi: Art will take centre stage in Abu Dhabi this November as People of Determination, professional artists and members of the public come together for nine days of creative workshops celebrating the UAE’s 55th National Day.
The initiative, titled Khat Wa Khuyoot, will run from November 1 to 9, offering free art workshops across five cultural and heritage locations in Abu Dhabi.
Organised by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Founder’s Office, the programme aims to promote inclusion, creativity and community participation.
The initiative brings together individuals with disabilities, officially referred to as People of Determination in the UAE, and members of the wider community through shared artistic experiences.
Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Acting Director-General of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, emphasised that the programme seeks to recognise People of Determination as active contributors to the creative process.
He said they should be regarded as “partners and creators”, rather than simply participants in organised activities.
“The impact of the initiative extends beyond the workshops themselves,” he added.
Eleven artists to lead workshops inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values
A total of 11 artists will conduct workshops covering a range of creative disciplines, including painting, digital art, Arabic calligraphy and design.
Visitors will also have access to open art spaces where they can draw, experiment with different techniques and create artwork alongside other participants.
The workshops will draw inspiration from seven values associated with the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
These values are:
- Wisdom
- Respect
- Human development
- Determination
- Sustainability
- Unity
- Generosity
Each participating artist has selected one of these principles as the central theme for their workshop, encouraging participants to express its meaning through art.
Art as a shared language connecting communities
The activities will be hosted across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra region, bringing the initiative to different communities throughout the emirate.
Participating cultural and heritage venues include Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Cultural Foundation, Qasr Al Muwaiji and Al Dhafra Fort.
The programme is designed to encourage interaction between artists, People of Determination and the wider public, using creative expression to build understanding and strengthen social connections.
Dr Hamad Mohammed Soudin, an executive director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of artistic activities in bringing people together.
He described art as “a shared language” capable of strengthening relationships and creating meaningful connections between individuals from different backgrounds.
Who can participate and how to register?
The workshops are open to adults, including those who live outside Abu Dhabi.
Participation is free, although advance registration is required because places are limited.
Key details:
- Event: Khat Wa Khuyoot
- Dates: November 1–9, 2026
- Locations: Cultural and heritage venues across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
- Eligibility: Adults, including non-residents of Abu Dhabi
- Entry fee: Free
- Registration: Mandatory through the initiative’s official website
Artwork could feature at future national events
The organisers intend to extend the impact of Khat Wa Khuyoot beyond the nine-day programme.
Following the workshops, participants’ artwork will be documented, with selected creations digitised for potential future use.
Organisers will also explore opportunities to transform some of the pieces into artistic products that could be displayed at upcoming national events.
Through this approach, the initiative aims to give greater visibility to participants’ creativity while continuing to celebrate the values of inclusion, collaboration and community engagement associated with Sheikh Zayed’s legacy.
