A mural celebrating the launch of the UAE’s ‘Hope Probe’ Mission to Mars has been unveiled in the historical Al Fahidi neighbourhood.

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Developed by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in cooperation with Art Painting Lab, the mural is a part of the Create Together campaign, which  was launched in March 2020 to help people stay creative under lockdown during the pandemic.

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The mural was created by designer Amna Basheer and rising Emirati artist Reem Al Mazrouei. It features an Emirati girl floating in space wearing celebratory jewelry and Arab astronomer Ibn Yunus looking towards the red planet, marking the Arab World’s first mission to Mars.

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It was painted in three days in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district, an ideal location due to the district’s importance in the representation of the city’s heritage. The mural is also a dedication to the UAE’s past and symbolizes its bright future.

In a statement to The National, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said, “The launch of Hope probe, the first Arab mission to Mars to study its weather and atmosphere, is a source of pride for all of us showing what creative minds and talent of our Emirati brothers and sisters have accomplished over six years of perseverance and hard work. This is a historic moment that we have all looked forward to and will cherish forever.”

She added, “Dubai Culture is seeking, through the mural in Al Fahidi’s historical neighborhood, to celebrate the Hope Probe as a wonderful achievement in UAE history that promises to inspire future generations.”

Cover image credit: @Artpaintinglab