The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office (MFAO) of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), hosted the Proud Expressions family workshop at Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park on Saturday, during a Ripe Market community event that was held in the capital.

The national Proud Expressions initiative drew both crowds and promising artists to its stand and offered visitors various activities and family workshops. It also provided children with an outlet to use their imagination and creativity to express their love and loyalty for the UAE, as well as their pride and gratitude for the country’s brave heroes.

Proud Expressions aims to pay tribute to the heroes of the UAE through inspiring works of art. It was launched as part of the broader #The_UAE_Remembers campaign that invites all members of UAE society to pay tribute to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of the nation. This initiative serves as a platform for artistic expression in various forms by inspiring active public participation and involvement from across the UAE.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, expressed his pleasure at the public’s active involvement, as well as the honesty reflected in the artworks that highlight a real sense of pride and remembrance from all segments of UAE society.

"The children’s participation at the event was striking and beautiful, as they expressed their artistic impressions that provided a perfect opportunity for young people to gain an appreciation for the brave sacrifices made by so many for our nation," he said.

"These family workshops are unique opportunities to encourage members of the community, including children and young people, to express their appreciation of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation" he added.

The initiative is open to all UAE nationals and expatriate residents. They may submit works of art that celebrate the UAE and its heroes under two categories. The first category is an open call to established artists, while the second is specifically for school and university students.