Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 15 May 2026 – Cultural Foundation, a cultural centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announces the new exhibition, ‘The UAE is Beautiful’. Running from 14 May to 14 July 2026, the photography exhibition offers a visual exploration of the richness and diversity of the United Arab Emirates.
The exhibition is inspired by the profound words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE: ‘The UAE is beautiful; the UAE is a role model.’ Celebrating the country as a beautiful, welcoming and exemplary nation, the showcase, led by artist Khalid Al Hammadi, brings together a curated selection of photographic works by UAE-based photographers. The exhibition invites audiences to experience the UAE through its visual beauty, identity, resilience, belonging and the human connection.
Participating artists include Hamid Badr Musharbek, Ola Ibrahim Allouz, Reem Ali Abdullah, Abdulla Ibrahim Alhattawi, Yousuf Ahmed Al Qasimi, Salem Sarhan Al Sawafi, Rami Escandar Abboud, Shoaib Ahmed, Alia Sultan Al Joker, Mohammed Khaled Almessabi, Aisha Alhammadi and Noora Alhammadi. Each photograph offers a unique perspective, yet collectively they paint a broader portrait of a nation where heritage meets ambition, tradition meets the present and individual moments converge into a shared collective memory.
Running concurrently with the exhibition, a community engagement initiative encourages residents and visitors to share photographs reflecting their personal connection to the UAE. Developed in collaboration with Emirates Post, a dedicated submission post box located on site serves as an accessible platform to gather these contributions, enriching the exhibition experience with varied perspectives.
This initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to protect, preserve and promote the emirate’s cultural heritage, fostering creativity and innovation across the cultural and creative landscape. Through the evocative lens of photography, the exhibition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a cultural capital, nurturing artistic expression and cultivating an appreciation for art and culture across all ages and backgrounds.