Boxpark Unveils ‘One Nation’: A Landmark Art Takeover Celebrating The 54th Eid Al Etihad
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Boxpark by Dubai Retail, Dubai’s contemporary urban destination, will mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad with ‘One Nation’, a large-scale art takeover that turns the destination into an open-air gallery celebrating Emirati creativity, identity and national unity.
Leading this artistic showcase is acclaimed Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, best known for designing the calligraphy on the façade of the Museum of the Future, who will present a limited-time kinetic sculpture from 28 November until the end of December. The initiative also features two permanent murals by Emirati artists Rashid Al Mulla and Noor Al Khamiri.
As Boxpark continues its journey toward becoming one of the city’s emerging art-forward destinations, ‘One Nation’ marks the beginning of a series of creative activations that will bring local talent to the forefront.
‘One Nation’ highlights the UAE’s evolving creative landscape while honouring its rich heritage, inviting both residents and visitors to explore an artistic journey shaped by culture, colour and contemporary expression. Using the destination’s distinctive industrial design as the canvas, each artist will bring a unique perspective that embodies national pride through expressive techniques and vibrant colour palettes.
Featured Artists and Installations
A Kinetic Sculpture Inspired by the UAE’s Founding Values by Mattar Bin Lahej
A multidisciplinary artist whose work spans sculpture, design and calligraphy, Mattar is known for blending traditional influences with a contemporary approach. His practice moves fluidly between art and architecture, offering a strong expression of national identity and the UAE’s creative spirit. His latest work, ‘Constitution’, is a kinetic sculpture inspired by the spiritual and moral grounding of the UAE Constitution. Made from polished stainless steel and rising to a height of three to six metres, underscoring the deep link between culture and the nation.
A Celebration of Today and Tomorrow by Rashid Al Mulla
A self-taught artist hailing from Sharjah, Rashid is known for his expressive oil and acrylic works which draw inspiration from folklore and magical fairytales, emotion and surreal narratives. An engineer by day, his art captures human depth through abstract storytelling and imaginative realms. Rashid's mural, ‘Tiny Stories – Big Dreams’, is a visual exploration of the UAE’s timeless rhythm using his signature sketch-like style to capture the image of a nation rooted in heritage and moving confidently into the future. The piece captures imagery such as palm trees growing into solar panels, and camels carrying dreams from the desert and into space, offering a vivid look at a culture thriving amid rapid change.
Capturing Coexistence and Colour by Noor Al Khamiri
An architectural engineer by trade, and a creative artist by passion, Noor is known for her playful, witty illustrations which seamlessly blend structure with engaging storytelling. Her art captures everyday Emirati life through humour and a distinct modern edge. Noor's contribution to the destination is the ‘The Spirit Within', a mural inspired by her rich Emirati heritage and diverse energies that define the UAE today. Her quirky signature style is complemented in the striking piece by her use of vibrant colours and playful imagery. The mural is highlighted by the image of an Emirati woman wearing colourful clothing and surrounded by national symbols and rhythmic placement of abstract elements, symbolising the coexistence of heritage and innovation.
The unveiling of these permanent murals and Mattar Bin Lahej’s limited-time sculpture, reinforces Boxpark’s appeal as a lively destination for creative expression and meaningful community engagement. ‘One Nation’ invites visitors to experience how heritage and unity intersect with contemporary creativity, reflecting the spirit of One Nation and its commitment to bringing tradition forward in new ways.