Abu Dhabi: Seventh Mawhibaty Student Showcase Concludes
Mawhibaty Students Showcase: Nurturing Young Talent in Abu Dhabi’s Vibrant Arts Scene
By: Sara Alzaabi – Abu Dhabi
In a dazzling display of creativity and talent, the seventh edition of the Mawhibaty Students Showcase took place this past weekend at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. This year’s showcase was a grand affair, featuring nearly 600 students who illuminated the venue with their artistic endeavors across various disciplines, including music, drama, and visual arts. The spotlight was firmly focused on the UAE’s commitment to cultivating the artistic abilities of its youth, marking yet another successful chapter in this vibrant arts initiative.
The event was held over three days and proudly exhibited the incredible potential of young artists from across the emirate. With 214 students participating in visual arts and an impressive 360 showcasing their skills in performing arts, the showcase not only highlighted individual talents but also underscored the importance of artistic education in the UAE’s evolving cultural landscape.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Mawhibaty program has proven essential in shaping the artistic future of the region. Since its inception in 2017, the program has steadily expanded, a fact emphasized by Lubna Altunaiji, Director of Cultural Awareness at DCT Abu Dhabi. In an interview with Aletihad, she shared the impressive growth of the initiative. “We’ve seen a tremendous response; we started with just 20 students in 2017, and here we are with nearly 600,” she remarked proudly.
A Platform for Growth
Mawhibaty isn’t just a showcase; it’s a comprehensive program aimed at fostering self-confidence, artistic prowess, and skill development among participants. Enrollment is open to students from both public and private schools, drawing thousands of applications annually, which are meticulously evaluated by a panel of experts. For those accepted, after-school classes are offered at various DCT centers, such as the Cultural Foundation and Al Qattara Arts Centre in Al Ain, making artistic education accessible even in remote areas.
Altunaiji emphasized the importance of benefitting from diverse teaching methods, stating, “We provide master classes with various artists to ensure a rich exchange of knowledge and skills.” The intent is clear: sculpt the talents of the youth and prepare them for future opportunities in the arts.
Stories of Transformation
Among the many talented students was Maryam Azzawi, a tenacious 10th grader from Al Ekhlass Private School. With a passion for both visual arts and music, Maryam reflected on her journey through the Mawhibaty program, stating, “I’ve really learned so much about different genres of music, like local and Arabic music, as well as pop and jazz.”
Maryam illustrated that the program has not only equipped her with artistic skills but has also bolstered her self-esteem; performing in front of others was once a daunting task. “It’s helped me build the confidence I need to sing publicly,” she shared.
Likewise, 17-year-old Emirati Maryam Alhilaly, who has been honing her singing talents since she was a child, expressed her eagerness to improve. “The program is all about self-improvement,” she stated, acknowledging her initial stage fright that has since dissipated. “Thanks to the wonderful support from my family and teachers, I’ve learned to embrace opportunities and enhance my voice.”
Even younger artists are breaking through barriers; Zayed Al Zaabi, a fifth grader with autism spectrum disorder, has been using his piano skills, developed since the age of five, to showcase his talents. His mother shared with pride about Zayed’s journey, noting, “He began using the piano as therapy, which led us to discover his talent.” Zayed’s aspirations to become an experienced piano player are fueled by his dedication and passion, further proving that the Mawhibaty program is indeed changing lives.
Impact Beyond the Showcase
The Mawhibaty initiative doesn’t just conclude with the annual showcase. It opens doors for further opportunities, including international training sessions. Notably, 14 students recently had the privilege to travel to Austria for specialized classes in various art forms, a testament to the UAE’s commitment to providing a global perspective on artistic education.
Altunaiji affirmed the importance of parental involvement in talent identification. “We rely significantly on parents to help us recognize and nurture these talents, as it’s easy for schools to overlook unique individuals,” she said. The future is bright for these young artists, who have the chance not just to shine locally, but to represent their culture on larger stages.
Conclusion: Investing in the Future of Arts
As the curtain fell on this year’s Mawhibaty Students Showcase, it was evident that the future of the UAE arts scene is in capable hands. These young talents are not only learning about art but are growing as individuals, gaining skills that transcend the stage. The initiative, backed by robust organizational support and community involvement, exemplifies how cultural investments can cultivate future generations of artists.
The commitment to arts education reflects a broader understanding of its significance in cultural evolution, setting the groundwork for a creative and dynamic future in the region.
Tags: #AbuDhabi #EducationNews #PeopleCultureNews #ArtsEducation #YouthTalent #Mawhibaty
