Art competition winners with their trophies in Dubai.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Indians emerged winners in the test of originality, aesthetics and creativity as children from across the UAE converged at one of the biggest national art forums to explore the Picasso in them. The 8th UC Dino Art National Competition, held this weekend saw Indians bagging 35 awards with Pakistanis, Sri Lankans Turkish, Sudanese, Jordanian and Iranian participants sharing 9 awards among themselves. Among the 11 Champions, Indians once again ruled the roost winning 9 prizes. 

The event was organised at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Dubai, where several nationalities – including Emiratis, Egyptians, Bangladeshis, Iranians, Jordanians, South Koreans, Turkish, Sudanese, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis and Indians – participated in the contest within the age group of 5 to 16, competing in 14 categories.

Participants were assessed on the basis of their aptitude of the techniques taught in each level, neatness, creativity, imagination and perfection. The annual event has gained immense popularity over the years with an increasing number of participants belonging to various backgrounds coming together to give physical expression to their artistic endeavours.

The event was followed by the14th UCMAS & 6th UC Dino Art Graduation Ceremony hosted by Abacus Quest Point, National Franchisee for UAE and Member of UCMAS Global Network, a Malaysia based organisation. Over 400 students from 36 registered UCMAS centres comprising children from 21 nationalities, including 12 Emiratis, 13 Egyptians, 12 Pakistanis, and around 300 Indians graduated this year.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Khairul Nazri Mohamad Taib, Head of Chancery at the Consulate General of Malaysia, Dubai; E.P. Johnson, President of Indian Association Sharjah and Anthony Joseph, Principal, Indian High School, Sharjah honouring students who had completed all the levels of both the programmes.

Congratulating the winners of the Dino Art Contest, Soundari Raj, Managing Director, UCMAS UAE commented, “Art activates the creative part of the brain i.e. the imaginative and creative side - spatial and intuitive side of our brain.