Dubai: The Zayed and Rashid Mural, recognized as the world’s largest mosaic, has been unveiled in Hatta. This monumental artwork is the result of a collaboration between Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Recognized as the world’s largest mosaic art installation by Guinness World Records, the mural pays homage to the UAE’s founding fathers, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
This initiative is part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign, which honors key national events from Flag Day on November 3 to the 53rd National Day on December 2.
The mural spans 2,198.7 square meters on the Hatta Dam Waterfalls slope, depicting a historic photograph of the founding fathers from the UAE’s early days. It replaces a previous mural that also celebrated the nation’s leaders.
This iconic artwork is a highlight of the Dubai Street Museum project, launched in 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to showcase Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and aspirations through public art.
جدارية #زايدوراشد في حتا تدخل موسوعة غينيس للأرقام القياسية
Zayed and Rashid Mural in Hatta got Guinness World Record: Largest Mosaic Pane#ZayedAndRashid @DEWAOfficial pic.twitter.com/N68T90vrh7
— Brand Dubai (@BrandDubai) November 25, 2024
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasized the mural’s role in enhancing Hatta’s status as a key tourist and investment destination, preserving its natural beauty and heritage. He noted that this collaboration aligns with Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to celebrate the UAE’s founding values and legacy.
Al Tayer also highlighted ongoing projects at Hatta Dam, such as the 250MW pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant, a GCC-first initiative supporting Dubai’s sustainability goals and the UAE’s 2050 carbon neutrality target.
Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, expressed gratitude to DEWA for its continued collaboration with Brand Dubai on transformative public art projects. She noted that the Zayed and Rashid Mural underscores the UAE’s cultural identity and history, paying tribute to its founding fathers’ visionary leadership, which continues to inspire future generations.
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, explained that the mural embodies the spirit of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign and reflects the nation’s enduring values.
As part of the Dubai Street Museum initiative, the project transforms public spaces into cultural landmarks, enriching visitors’ experiences and telling the UAE’s story in compelling ways.
The project, led by Russian artist Sergey Korbasov, involved over 100 artisans from around the world who handcrafted the mosaic using 1.2 million pieces, each measuring 5 x 5 cm, over four months.
Incorporating natural materials such as rocks and soil from the Hatta region, the mural harmonizes with its surroundings, set against the dramatic Hajar Mountains.
The cascading waterfall further enhances the installation’s beauty, while the mosaic’s colors, inspired by traditional Emirati attire, add historical and emotional depth to this remarkable tribute.