Proud Expressions Initiative launched across the country to honour UAE Heroes

The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, today announced ‘Proud Expressions’, a UAE-wide Commemoration Day art programme as part of the 'UAE Remembers’ campaign.

'Proud Expressions' is a national initiative that invites artists to express their pride and gratitude for the heroes of the UAE and their families.

"This is a symbolic and fitting tribute to the heroes of the UAE and their families, and an integral part of The UAE Remembers campaign," said Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince. "We hope that people across the nation will take this opportunity to honour them by supporting and participating in this programme," he added.

Proud Expressions will serve as a platform for artistic expression in its various forms, inspiring active public participation and involvement from across the UAE. The programme aims to bring people together through a sense of common pride in the strength and resilience of the nation, while building solidarity and unity throughout the community.

Both professional and amateur artistic submissions from Emiratis and residents are encouraged to participate and may submit pieces celebrating the UAE and its heroes choosing any medium they prefer – including traditional painting, digital artwork, mixed media, photography, and calligraphy, provided they meet certain criteria outlined on the programme’s website.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, said, "We hope to give voice to the sense of national pride that exists among people of all ages, communities, and nationalities in the UAE by using art as a positive means through which to express our appreciation for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation."

The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office launched The UAE Remembers campaign in the run up to Commemoration Day, which falls on November 30th of every year. Under the hashtag #TheUAERemembers, the campaign invites all members of UAE society to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of the nation.

In its effort to spread the message of Commemoration Day across all segments of society, the initiative aims to involve young people throughout the Emirates, encouraging submissions from school pupils from KG1 through Year 12, as well as university students studying in the UAE. Students are encouraged to participate and have received detailed information on how to submit artworks directly through their schools.

Participants can submit entries by email, attaching images of the artworks for consideration before the closing date on February 5th, 2017. Successful applicants will have their pieces displayed in public venues across the nation in the spring of 2017.