Abu Dhabi
Zayed Authority for People of Determination, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Founder’s Office, is organizing “Khat Wa Khuyoot”, a community art initiative celebrating the UAE’s 55th Union Day
Organized by Zayed Authority for People of Determination, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the Founder’s Office
Featuring 11 artists through creative workshops and open art spaces across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region
Zayed Authority for People of Determination, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Founder’s Office, is organizing “Khat Wa Khuyoot”, a community art initiative celebrating the UAE’s 55th Union Day. Running from 1 to 15 November 2026 across five cultural and heritage destinations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the initiative aims to promote inclusion and community engagement through art. It provides creative spaces that bring together People of Determination, artists, and community members from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities in a shared experience celebrating the values of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, while reinforcing their place in the collective consciousness through contemporary artistic expression.
The initiative embraces art and culture as universal languages that foster communication and connection among community members. Through a series of interactive art workshops led by 11 artists, alongside open art spaces where visitors can participate in drawing and creating artworks, the initiative offers an inspiring environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences. Participants will have opportunities to learn, experiment, express their perspectives, and work side by side to produce artworks reflecting human diversity and a shared sense of national belonging.
His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Acting Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, emphasized that the “Khat Wa Khuyoot” initiative demonstrates the importance of leveraging art and culture to strengthen community participation and build bridges of communication among different segments of society. He noted that the initiative places People of Determination at the heart of the creative experience, recognizing them as partners, creators, and contributors to artistic works that reflect their talents, perspectives, and sense of belonging to the nation.
His Excellency added: “The initiative aligns with Zayed Authority for People of Determination’s commitment to empowering People of Determination, strengthening their active participation in cultural and community activities, and creating new opportunities for their talents and abilities to flourish. Drawing inspiration from the values of the late Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, represents a continuation of a deeply rooted national legacy, presented to future generations through a contemporary language that transforms art into a shared space where people of different cultures and abilities come together around common values that unite us as one nation.”
H.E. Al Humaidan further highlighted that bringing People of Determination together with artists and community members in a shared artistic experience creates broader opportunities for interaction and knowledge exchange, while showcasing their creative talents and capabilities. He stressed that the initiative’s true impact extends beyond the workshops themselves, contributing to a community experience that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and strengthens the presence of People of Determination within the cultural and artistic landscape.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Hamad Mohammed Soudin, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said:
“We continue our fruitful collaboration with Zayed Authority for People of Determination and the Founder’s Office in organizing initiatives that reflect our commitment to social responsibility, empowering People of Determination, enabling their active participation in cultural and recreational experiences, and providing opportunities for them to express their exceptional talents and abilities.
“The ‘Khat Wa Khuyoot’ initiative embodies our belief in the role of culture and the arts in enhancing the quality of life of People of Determination, serving as a shared language that strengthens communication, fosters connection, and reinforces bonds among community members.
“Across five cultural and heritage destinations in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region, the initiative brings together People of Determination, artists, and the public through shared interactive artistic experiences that promote inclusion and community engagement.
“Celebrating the UAE’s 55th Union Day, the initiative draws inspiration from the values that shaped the vision and approach of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, translating them into contemporary creative experiences through which participants express their pride in these values in their own distinctive ways.”
“Khat Wa Khuyoot” places the seven core values that shaped the life and leadership philosophy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, at the center of its artistic experiences. Each artist draws inspiration from one of these values: respect, human development, determination, sustainability, unity, and generosity—to develop the concept of their workshop and guide participants in expressing these values through their own artistic styles and perspectives.
In doing so, the initiative transforms national and humanitarian values from inherited principles into living creative experiences. People of Determination and community members are encouraged to connect the nation’s heritage with their personal experiences, within an inclusive framework that brings together Emirati identity, cultural diversity, and contemporary creativity.
The workshops cover a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, digital art, Arabic calligraphy, design, and other creative practices, depending on the nature of each workshop and the specialization of the participating artist. This diversity enables participants to explore different artistic fields and develop their own creative works.
Some workshops require no prior artistic experience, focusing instead on providing opportunities for individuals who wish to engage in a shared creative journey, discover their abilities, and express their ideas through art.
The initiative will take place at five cultural and heritage destinations across three regions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: Manarat Al Saadiyat and the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi City; Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain Region; and Al Dhafra Fort and Al Mirfa Library in Al Dhafra Region.
These venues will host artist-led workshops alongside open art spaces, allowing members of the public to participate in creating artworks during designated visiting hours.
On days when no artist-led workshops are scheduled, the open art spaces will remain accessible to visitors, with a representative from Zayed Authority for People of Determination available to assist them throughout their creative experience. All necessary art materials will also be provided.
Completed artworks will be preserved and collected, with selected pieces digitized and further developed into artistic products that embody the values inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, while highlighting participants’ creativity and the diversity of their experiences.
The initiative welcomes adult participants from both within and outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. All workshops are offered free of charge, subject to capacity limits and the specific participation requirements of each workshop.
Those interested in participating can view the workshop schedule, participating artists, available places, and registration details through the initiative’s website: khatkhyoot.ae. Registration will be confirmed upon receipt of a confirmation email.
From Artistic Experiences to a Sustainable Creative Legacy
The outcomes of “Khat Wa Khuyoot” extend beyond its workshops and artistic activities. The initiative also includes documenting participants’ experiences and artworks, digitizing selected pieces, and exploring opportunities to develop them into artistic products inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values, with the aim of showcasing and promoting them at future national and community events.
This approach seeks to highlight the creativity of People of Determination, artists, and community members, transforming the outcomes of the initiative into collaborative artworks that carry a shared creative identity and ensure its impact continues beyond the conclusion of its activities.
It also creates opportunities to present national and humanitarian values through contemporary creative expressions that reflect participants’ experiences and perspectives, while connecting younger generations with the UAE’s rich cultural and humanitarian heritage.
The initiative embodies a shared vision of art as an inclusive space accessible to all, a means of fostering mutual understanding and community connection, and a platform for showcasing talents and celebrating Zayed’s values.
Taking place on a national occasion that brings together Emirati citizens and residents around the principles of unity, belonging, diversity, and solidarity, “Khat Wa Khuyoot” aspires to create a lasting artistic and community legacy whose impact will extend to future occasions and events.
Initiative Locations and Public Visiting Hours
The “Khat Wa Khuyoot” initiative will welcome visitors at participating cultural and heritage venues during designated dates and times throughout October and November 2026.
For details on workshop schedules, participating artists, available places, participation requirements, and registration, please visit the initiative’s official website:
Official Website http://khatwakhyoot.ae/
Featuring 11 artists through creative workshops and open art spaces across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region
Zayed Authority for People of Determination, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Founder’s Office, is organizing “Khat Wa Khuyoot”, a community art initiative celebrating the UAE’s 55th Union Day. Running from 1 to 15 November 2026 across five cultural and heritage destinations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the initiative aims to promote inclusion and community engagement through art. It provides creative spaces that bring together People of Determination, artists, and community members from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities in a shared experience celebrating the values of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, while reinforcing their place in the collective consciousness through contemporary artistic expression.
The initiative embraces art and culture as universal languages that foster communication and connection among community members. Through a series of interactive art workshops led by 11 artists, alongside open art spaces where visitors can participate in drawing and creating artworks, the initiative offers an inspiring environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences. Participants will have opportunities to learn, experiment, express their perspectives, and work side by side to produce artworks reflecting human diversity and a shared sense of national belonging.
His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Acting Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, emphasized that the “Khat Wa Khuyoot” initiative demonstrates the importance of leveraging art and culture to strengthen community participation and build bridges of communication among different segments of society. He noted that the initiative places People of Determination at the heart of the creative experience, recognizing them as partners, creators, and contributors to artistic works that reflect their talents, perspectives, and sense of belonging to the nation.
His Excellency added: “The initiative aligns with Zayed Authority for People of Determination’s commitment to empowering People of Determination, strengthening their active participation in cultural and community activities, and creating new opportunities for their talents and abilities to flourish. Drawing inspiration from the values of the late Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace, represents a continuation of a deeply rooted national legacy, presented to future generations through a contemporary language that transforms art into a shared space where people of different cultures and abilities come together around common values that unite us as one nation.”
H.E. Al Humaidan further highlighted that bringing People of Determination together with artists and community members in a shared artistic experience creates broader opportunities for interaction and knowledge exchange, while showcasing their creative talents and capabilities. He stressed that the initiative’s true impact extends beyond the workshops themselves, contributing to a community experience that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion, and strengthens the presence of People of Determination within the cultural and artistic landscape.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Hamad Mohammed Soudin, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said:
“We continue our fruitful collaboration with Zayed Authority for People of Determination and the Founder’s Office in organizing initiatives that reflect our commitment to social responsibility, empowering People of Determination, enabling their active participation in cultural and recreational experiences, and providing opportunities for them to express their exceptional talents and abilities.
“The ‘Khat Wa Khuyoot’ initiative embodies our belief in the role of culture and the arts in enhancing the quality of life of People of Determination, serving as a shared language that strengthens communication, fosters connection, and reinforces bonds among community members.
“Across five cultural and heritage destinations in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region, and Al Dhafra Region, the initiative brings together People of Determination, artists, and the public through shared interactive artistic experiences that promote inclusion and community engagement.
“Celebrating the UAE’s 55th Union Day, the initiative draws inspiration from the values that shaped the vision and approach of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, translating them into contemporary creative experiences through which participants express their pride in these values in their own distinctive ways.”
“Khat Wa Khuyoot” places the seven core values that shaped the life and leadership philosophy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, at the center of its artistic experiences. Each artist draws inspiration from one of these values: respect, human development, determination, sustainability, unity, and generosity—to develop the concept of their workshop and guide participants in expressing these values through their own artistic styles and perspectives.
In doing so, the initiative transforms national and humanitarian values from inherited principles into living creative experiences. People of Determination and community members are encouraged to connect the nation’s heritage with their personal experiences, within an inclusive framework that brings together Emirati identity, cultural diversity, and contemporary creativity.
The workshops cover a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, digital art, Arabic calligraphy, design, and other creative practices, depending on the nature of each workshop and the specialization of the participating artist. This diversity enables participants to explore different artistic fields and develop their own creative works.
Some workshops require no prior artistic experience, focusing instead on providing opportunities for individuals who wish to engage in a shared creative journey, discover their abilities, and express their ideas through art.
The initiative will take place at five cultural and heritage destinations across three regions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: Manarat Al Saadiyat and the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi City; Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain Region; and Al Dhafra Fort and Al Mirfa Library in Al Dhafra Region.
These venues will host artist-led workshops alongside open art spaces, allowing members of the public to participate in creating artworks during designated visiting hours.
On days when no artist-led workshops are scheduled, the open art spaces will remain accessible to visitors, with a representative from Zayed Authority for People of Determination available to assist them throughout their creative experience. All necessary art materials will also be provided.
Completed artworks will be preserved and collected, with selected pieces digitized and further developed into artistic products that embody the values inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, while highlighting participants’ creativity and the diversity of their experiences.
The initiative welcomes adult participants from both within and outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. All workshops are offered free of charge, subject to capacity limits and the specific participation requirements of each workshop.
Those interested in participating can view the workshop schedule, participating artists, available places, and registration details through the initiative’s website: khatkhyoot.ae. Registration will be confirmed upon receipt of a confirmation email.
From Artistic Experiences to a Sustainable Creative Legacy
The outcomes of “Khat Wa Khuyoot” extend beyond its workshops and artistic activities. The initiative also includes documenting participants’ experiences and artworks, digitizing selected pieces, and exploring opportunities to develop them into artistic products inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values, with the aim of showcasing and promoting them at future national and community events.
This approach seeks to highlight the creativity of People of Determination, artists, and community members, transforming the outcomes of the initiative into collaborative artworks that carry a shared creative identity and ensure its impact continues beyond the conclusion of its activities.
It also creates opportunities to present national and humanitarian values through contemporary creative expressions that reflect participants’ experiences and perspectives, while connecting younger generations with the UAE’s rich cultural and humanitarian heritage.
The initiative embodies a shared vision of art as an inclusive space accessible to all, a means of fostering mutual understanding and community connection, and a platform for showcasing talents and celebrating Zayed’s values.
Taking place on a national occasion that brings together Emirati citizens and residents around the principles of unity, belonging, diversity, and solidarity, “Khat Wa Khuyoot” aspires to create a lasting artistic and community legacy whose impact will extend to future occasions and events.
Initiative Locations and Public Visiting Hours
The “Khat Wa Khuyoot” initiative will welcome visitors at participating cultural and heritage venues during designated dates and times throughout October and November 2026.
For details on workshop schedules, participating artists, available places, participation requirements, and registration, please visit the initiative’s official website:
Official Website http://khatwakhyoot.ae/
Page Last Update: 28 October 2026