Arab Heritage
Everything from oil and pearls to Arabic calligraphy inspires Emirati Jamal Habroush Al Suwaidi. A must-see piece when you’re at Dubai International Airport is Love-Red. As the title implies, the artist’s passion for his native tongue inspires this calligraphy installation which reads “hobb” (the root verb for the world love, in Arabic). Standing at around 12 feet high, the piece is a powerful and imposing statement in pillar box red, dominating the space while travellers weave their way around the work.
Concourse D, Terminal 1.
Emirati culture
“My Dallah” is possibly the perfect welcome when you arrive in Dubai. The striking mustard yellow installation of an abstract Arabian coffee pot and cup is situated in Terminal 3 Arrivals. The piece (also by Emirati artist Al Suwaidi) towers above those arriving in Dubai, and represents the Emirati values of kindness and hospitality. The name of the piece (“dallah”) is the Arabic phonetic pronunciation for the words “coffee pot” in Arabic. The piece offers a hearty, personal welcome for those arriving into the city, and a hint at the hospitality that awaits.
Arrivals, Terminal 3.
Sporting legends
The work “Brilliance” by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej examines a key cultural aspect of Dubai’s (and the region’s) heritage: horsemanship. From the success of Goldophin to the annual Dubai World Cup held at Meydan Racecourse, horses have become a key part of the social and sporting fabric of the city. With this piece, the artist depicts the abstract idea of motion, through the apparent movement of two horses, racing across the main section of the work simultaneously. Bold colours also feature strongly, with rich reds, purples and blues depicting what the artist describes as “a hidden brilliance of glory”.
Al Majlis VIP Facility, Terminal 3.
Next-gen artists
Emirati artist Abdullah Lutfi is one of the most exciting new artists in the Arab world. Chosen to exhibit at Dubai International Airport, his pop artwork is inspired by life in Dubai and is definitely worth stopping off to see. The installation is a huge 46-metre piece lines the corridor between Concourse B and C.
