- Mawhibaty, a joint initiative by ADEK and DCT – Abu Dhabi, aims to foster emerging artistic talents
- 121 talented students in 2023 program, including six extraordinary students of determination, to shine on stage in the Mawhibaty Students Concert from 4-6 May at the Cultural Foundation Theatre
Held at Culture Foundation Theatre in Abu Dhabi, the three-day Mawhibaty Students Concert is part of the two entities’ collaborative Mawhibaty Program that aims to foster emerging artistic talents studying in public, private and Charter schools across the emirate.
Open to the public for the second consecutive year, the concert series presented a quintessential platform for students to express their artistic talents, with talents set to showcase singing, theatre, ballet, music, and traditional arts.
Emirati heritage and culture took centre-stage on the first day of the Mawhibaty Students Concert (May 4), with a mesmerizing performance of the traditional Emirati ‘Yola’ dance by students from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain set to immerse audiences in a deep-rooted celebration of the country’s values and customs.
The second and third days of the concert series (May 5 and 6) spotlighted the unique and diverse musical talents of 121 students amassed from the emirate’s public, private, and Charter schools - including six exceptional students of determination – in an enchanting and soulful schedule of live vocal, musical and a variety of dance performances.
First launched in 2017, the after-school Mawhibaty Program focuses on discovering and nurturing emerging artistic students talents from across the emirate of Abu Dhabi and equipping them with the necessary tools to fuel their creativity, elevate their artistic innovation, and inspire them to pursue their creative passions. The program also fosters better understanding of national and cultural identity through highlighting UAE’s rich artistic traditions using the power of art. Through their artistic journey, Mawhibaty Program seeks to ignite a sense of pride and deeper appreciation for Emirati culture and heritage.
During the year-round program, students develop their art-related skills via extensive training sessions conducted by specialized art professionals working at DCT Abu Dhabi-managed art centers, including Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Bait Al Oud, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Children’s Art Center, and Al Qattara Arts Center.
Following the Mawhibaty Students Concert, this year’s wider program continues with a visual exhibition of students’ artworks running from 22 May to 20 August at Manarat Al Saadiyat (Gallery S). The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am until 8pm, with guests invited to explore the work of 188 gifted and talented students in mediums including graphic arts and illustration, painting, sculpture, photography, and calligraphy.