Dubai’s DIFC Display Honors UAE’s Founding Fathers with #ZayedAndRashid Campaign. Dubai, a city known for its awe-inspiring architecture and vibrant cultural scene, recently unveiled a remarkable tribute to the nation’s founding fathers. The stunning display on the iconic DIFC Gate Building, visible to locals and visitors alike, pays homage to the remarkable contributions of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum—two monumental figures in the UAE’s establishment.
This tribute is part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign, which was launched with much fanfare in October 2024. Spearheaded by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), the campaign is designed to honor the UAE’s history while strengthening the sense of national identity among its citizens and residents.
Sheikh Hamdan’s Drone Footage
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, shared a breathtaking drone video on his Instagram, offering his 16.7 million followers a bird’s-eye view of the iconic display. The video begins by soaring over the magnificent Emirates Towers before making its way towards the heart of Dubai’s financial district—the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
As the drone approaches the DIFC Gate Building, the visuals shift to focus on the grand display on the building’s façade. The striking tribute features large-scale images of the two revered leaders—Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid—capturing their historic contributions to the founding of the UAE. The video offers a stunning aerial perspective of the display, showcasing its scale and beauty. This technological marvel highlights the deep respect and admiration the people of Dubai and the UAE have for their founding fathers, reinforcing the values of unity, strength, and vision that the nation holds dear.
Significance of the #ZayedAndRashid Campaign
The #ZayedAndRashid campaign is more than just a display of images on a building—it is a national initiative launched under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. This campaign is a multi-faceted effort aimed at celebrating the enduring legacy of the UAE’s founding fathers and at reinforcing the country’s national identity.
The #ZayedAndRashid campaign focuses on several key objectives:
- Commemorating the Founders’ Legacy: The initiative seeks to highlight the historical role played by Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid in the formation of the UAE. Their leadership, vision, and perseverance in creating a unified nation have left an indelible mark on the UAE’s growth and development.
- Fostering National Pride: At its core, the campaign is about instilling pride in the nation’s history, achievements, and rich heritage. By focusing on the contributions of the founding fathers, the campaign aims to remind UAE citizens and residents of the nation’s deep-rooted values, unity, and cultural diversity.
- Encouraging Unity and Cohesion: The campaign also encourages the Emirati people and residents to come together to celebrate the UAE’s achievements. It strengthens the bond between the government and its people by celebrating the shared values and vision that have driven the country’s success.
Campaign Partners and Collaboration
The #ZayedAndRashid campaign is a collaborative effort between the government, semi-government bodies, and private sector organizations. In total, 16 different entities have come together to support this campaign, showcasing the united front that the UAE presents to the world.
These entities include prominent institutions across various sectors, from cultural organizations to governmental offices, all working in unison to ensure the campaign reaches its full potential. The initiative has received widespread support, reflecting the nation’s shared commitment to honoring its past while building a brighter future.
Celebrating UAE Heritage
One of the campaign’s key goals is to emphasize the cultural diversity and historical achievements of the UAE, and this is evident in the wide array of events organized as part of the initiative. The campaign is perfectly timed to coincide with two significant national observances: UAE Flag Day and Union Day.
UAE Flag Day is celebrated on November 3rd each year, and it is a time for the nation to reflect on its unity under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed, who envisioned a unified and prosperous nation. During this time, government buildings across the country are adorned with the national flag, and citizens join together in celebration.
Union Day, which falls on December 2nd, marks the anniversary of the UAE’s founding in 1971. This day commemorates the formal establishment of the United Arab Emirates, bringing together the seven emirates into one cohesive state.
Events Organized Under the #ZayedAndRashid Campaign
As part of the campaign, several unique events are being organized in Dubai and across the UAE to highlight the country’s cultural richness and historical achievements. These events will showcase the vibrant arts scene, historical landmarks, and the country’s unwavering commitment to innovation.
Here are some examples of the events being held as part of the initiative:
- Cultural Performances and Festivals: Throughout the campaign, cultural performances reflecting the UAE’s heritage, including music, dance, and art exhibitions, will take place at various locations in Dubai. These performances will emphasize the country’s deep-rooted traditions and customs.
- Public Lectures and Discussions: Thought leaders and historians will come together for public lectures to discuss the UAE’s journey from its founding to the present day. These sessions will explore how the vision of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid shaped the nation and its continued progress.
- Art Installations and Exhibitions: Several art exhibitions will be held to showcase artworks that reflect the history and legacy of the UAE. These exhibitions aim to provide a deeper understanding of the nation’s cultural identity.
- Virtual Experiences: For those unable to attend in person, virtual experiences will be offered, giving people from around the world the opportunity to explore the UAE’s history, culture, and the significance of its founding fathers.
Glimpse of Dubai’s Financial Heart
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a globally recognized financial hub that attracts businesses from all over the world. Known for its modern architecture, the DIFC has become a symbol of Dubai’s growing influence in the global economy.
The DIFC Gate Building, in particular, stands as a landmark in the city, drawing attention from both tourists and business professionals. Its location in the heart of Dubai’s financial district makes it an ideal setting for such a monumental tribute. The large-scale display on its façade has quickly become a point of interest for visitors and an integral part of Dubai’s cultural landscape.
Conclusion
The #ZayedAndRashid campaign is not just about remembering the past—it’s about honoring the UAE’s rich history while celebrating the country’s progress and achievements. Through stunning visuals, cultural events, and community participation, this initiative brings the UAE’s founding fathers into the hearts of the people, fostering a sense of unity, pride, and a shared vision for the future.
