Dubai Culture commissions sculptor Shadi Almatroushy for ‘Desert Stanzas’

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, has commissioned the first Emirati artist, Shadi Almatroushy, to create a special work of art for the second edition of ‘Desert Stanzas.’ 

Shadi’s sculpture was inspired by the poetry of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. 

Created using water and sand over three hours, Shadi’s artwork, entitled ‘The Sands Narrate UAE’s Achievements,’ adorned the sands of the ‘Desert Stanzas,’ a dazzling evening that brings world-class poetry, atmospheric music, and unprecedented Emirati hospitality, under the arching desert sky. 

Held by Dubai Culture in collaboration with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, ‘Desert Stanzas’ featured performances from some of UAE’s and the world’s foremost poets, ‘Desert Stanzas’ boasts appearances from Khalid Al Budoor, Frank Klötgen, Andrew Motion, Khulood Al Mu’alla, Lan Yi, and Lemn Sissay. 

During ‘Desert Stanzas,’ Dubai Culture hosted camel riding, falconry, and live cooking stations serving traditional bread, lamb, rice, and Arabic sweets. Guests were greeted by young Emirati girls, who spritz them with rose water.