Azza Al Qubaisi puts down ‘Roots’ in Dubai’s Public Art

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled ‘Roots’ by Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi, as part of its Public Art Strategy. Launched to transform Dubai into an open, accessible art gallery, the programme enriches the city’s cultural landscape, strengthens its visual identity, and advances its position as a global hub for the creative economy. Installed at Mercato Beach in Jumeirah, the work draws inspiration from the patterns of palm tree trunks, long regarded across the UAE as the “fabric of life”. Having nourished and sheltered communities for centuries, the palm tree is an enduring symbol of the UAE’s bond with its land.

The sculpture is conceptually grounded in the movement found across the UAE’s natural environments: wind sweeping over sand dunes, waves rolling along the coast, and birds tracing paths through the open sky. The elements are translated into a sculptural form that captures nature’s rhythm as a visual language that ultimately unifies varied phenomena. Taking the form of a protective shield, the artwork echoes the palm tree’s role as a source of shelter, creating a shaded space that invites pause and interaction. ‘Roots’ moves beyond the aesthetic presence to become an experiential work that reconnects audiences with their surroundings and the forces that have shaped the UAE’s identity and collective memory.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said in this context that the arts represent a fundamental pillar in shaping the local cultural landscape and enhancing quality of life. “This aligns with the Authority’s commitment to fostering an environment that supports talent, encourages innovation, and accelerates the growth of the creative industries”, she said. She added that “through our public art projects, we continue to develop Dubai’s urban spaces, transforming them into vibrant, interactive environments that allow the public to engage with art as a living, everyday experience. We also seek to open wide horizons for artists to express their visions through contemporary approaches and to create distinctive works that redefine the relationship between people and place.

“This is reflected in ‘Roots,’ which highlights the essence of Dubai and its natural, historical, and cultural richness, while showcasing the city’s artistic potential and unique tourism offerings. These efforts contribute to reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.” Commenting on the work, Azza Al Qubaisi said that ‘Roots’ reflects the spirit and vitality of Dubai, embodying its deep connection to both people and place. She said: “Public art holds great significance for present and future generations through its ability to shape visual memory and enhance communal spaces. This is reflected in ‘Roots’, which expresses our national identity and cultural heritage. The materials and colours carry multiple meanings: stainless steel represents what is and what is to come via its reflective qualities, while the palm fibre component, with its earthy, rust-toned gradients, conveys stability and connection to the land.”

She added that “Jumeirah Beach was a major source of inspiration, as the work truly comes into its own in this setting. As visitors pass beneath it and face the sea, the landscape reveals itself in its full beauty, and from the opposite side, the entire cityscape unfolds, with Dubai’s urban skyline and Burj Khalifa captured within the artwork, creating an experience that brings together nature and city in a single frame.”

Azza Al Qubaisi’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. She draws from the essential materials that once formed the backbone of Emirati family life, before the discovery of oil. Palm branches and the traditional weaved Sadu fabric are her primary chosen mediums, reimagined through methods she has developed in her artistic practice. These materials, steeped in history, find new life in her work, where the desert’s shapes, patterns and textures, intertwine with revived ancient techniques, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present.