‘For the Good of Tomorrow’: An artwork celebrating the UAE’s 50th anniversary and journey

In conjunction with the celebrations of the UAE’s 50th National Day, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with Dubai Holding and Tashkeel, launched a creative artwork titled ‘For the Good of Tomorrow’ in commemoration of the UAE’s achievements over the past 50 years and reflecting its vision for a brighter tomorrow. The beautiful artwork highlights many of Dubai Holding’s iconic developments and its skyline defining landmarks of Dubai.
‘For the Good of Tomorrow’ is a 133-metre visual artwork created by Emirati artist duo Alia and Maitha Damithan presented on an eco-friendly billboard created by Dubai Holding on Umm Suqeim Street to be an urban art gallery space.
The illustration narrates the impressive development of the UAE over the past 50 years in four evocative chapters – environment, trade, urban development and space exploration. Beginning with a single ghaf tree among the dunes, the work tells the nation’s journey from the symbol of a sailboat (referencing pearl diving and trading that contributed to the country’s prosperity and stability), and the growth of agriculture towards the emergence of urban development and modernity across the UAE; finally reaching the UAE mission to explore Mars with the Hope Probe; representing the UAE’s vision for the future, highlighting its track of achievements nationally and for the good of all humanity.
Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed that celebrating the UAE National Day embodies sentiments of pride, loyalty and belonging to the land and the country, saying: “The artwork reflects Dubai Culture’s celebration of the UAE’s heritage and present as well as the Authority’s efforts to inspire generations by making culture and art in public spaces accessible to everyone, while supporting creative talents in the emirate by providing an innovative platform to share their creations with the wider public.”
Kharbash added: “Through this creative artwork, we celebrate the UAE, shedding light on the dialogue between the past, present and future, and sharing the inspiring story of our country with residents and visitors. The artwork also reflects our keenness to support our local creative talents and inspire the future generation of artists For the Good of Tomorrow.”
Alia and Maitha Demithan are an artist duo with a passion for experimental design. They emphasise the changing parameters of the design process in their work and use various means to communicate a message. They are both members of Tashkeel.
Khalid Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Holding, said: “‘For the Good of Tomorrow’ is a remarkable expression of the UAE’s 50-year growth journey, paying tribute to the many historic achievements over the years. We are excited to be supporting the work of local artists and helping advance the thriving arts and culture scene in Dubai. This artwork is a terrific addition to Dubai’s urban landscape and complements a number of Dubai Holding’s landmarks and communities along Umm Suqeim and the wider area, such as Madinat Jumeirah, Madinat Jumeirah Living, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to name a few.”

Al Malik added: “Everything we do at Dubai Holding is ‘For the Good of Tomorrow’. As such, we are proud to build on our long track record of initiatives aimed at fostering appreciation for the arts and enriching Dubai’s social fabric; these include Dubai Walls, Souk Seven, Sculpture Park in Jaddaf Waterfront and various art and street art festivals hosted across Dubai Holding’s leisure and entertainment destinations.”
This artwork collaboration comes after a successful partnership between Dubai Culture and Dubai Holding that took place earlier this year bringing the two entities together to support the cultural and creative community of Hatta through a series of initiatives for Hattawi youth and entrepreneurs.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, Deputy Director of Tashkeel stated that a core part of Tashkeel’s mission is to encourage artists and designers in the UAE to push the boundaries of creativity, adding: “Founded by Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Tashkeel has been nurturing practitioners for almost 14 years from its two locations in Dubai. Tashkeel is honoured to facilitate this unique opportunity for members Alia and Maitha Damithan, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UAE on such a monumental scale. The duo’s distinctive style and technical skill are evident in this thoughtful work that illustrates the country’s rapid progress over half a century. We sincerely hope that this commission becomes a milestone in Alia and Maitha’s careers as professional artists and serves as inspiration to all that anything is possible.”
This joint venture is in line with Dubai Culture’s vision to cement Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. It also aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which aims to make the emirate the global capital of the creative economy by 2025.