One hundred and twenty-one performing arts students enrolled in this year’s Mawhibaty Programme – a joint initiative by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and impressed the public in a series of shows that took place in Abu Dhabi.
Held at Culture Foundation Theatre in Abu Dhabi, the three-day Mawhibaty Students Concert was part of the two entities’ collaborative Mawhibaty Programme 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, such as 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 mesmerising performance of the traditional Emirati ‘Yola’ dance by students from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with the aim to immerse audiences in a deep-rooted celebration of the country’s values and customs.
Mawhibaty, a joint initiative by ADEK and DCT – Abu Dhabi, aims to foster emerging artistic talents
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 Programme focuses on discovering and nurturing emerging artistic student 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 programme also fosters better understanding of national and cultural identity through highlighting the UAE’s rich artistic traditions using the power of art. Through their artistic journey, Mawhibaty Programme seeks to ignite a sense of pride and deeper appreciation for Emirati culture and heritage.
During the year-round programme, students develop their art-related skills via extensive training sessions conducted by specialised art professionals working at DCT Abu Dhabi-managed art centres, including Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Bait Al Oud, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Children’s Art Centre, and Al Qattara Arts Centre.
Following the Mawhibaty Students Concert, this year’s wider programme continues with a visual exhibition which showcases students talents in graphic arts and illustration, painting, sculpture, photography, and calligraphy.