A big painting of the seven emirates by a group of pupils from Ain Jaloot School, a portrait of Sheikh Zayed and a painting of an Emirati man playing with a falcon are some of the students' artworks being exhibited at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.

The Creative Art exhibition is showcasing more than 1,000 art pieces created by the students from various public schools in Abu Dhabi. It aims at promoting creativity and artistic innovation as well as inspiring young and talented students from across the UAE.

The artworks' exhibition highlights the diversity of cultural heritage through a collection of art pieces, created by the students during the first and second visual arts workshops of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec).

The week-long exhibition organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Adec started will run until May 21.

The students' artworks are inspired by elements of Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage; from the historic sites of Al Ain to the historic forts of Liwa.

Among the art pieces on display is a painting of the Emirates, which shows the iconic towers and various features of in these emirates. The big painting was created by Abdel Rahman, Hamda, Saleem, Salama Saif and Raghad from Ain Jaloot School.

Other artworks include the palm story-art pieces created by grade 1 pupils from Rooh Al Etihad School, paintings of a woman sowing mats and baskets, sailors pushing a boat, old houses of Emiratis and other pieces portraying the Emirati culture and traditions.

"This is really fantastic artwork by such small children," said Aisha Mohammed, an Emirati woman who visited the exhibition. "This will help improve their creativity and promote their talent."

Saif Saeed Ghobash, director-general of TCA Abu Dhabi, said: "By exhibiting the artworks of students, we aim to nurture their artistic talents and encourage them to develop their passion in arts."

Dr Karima Al Mazroui, advisor to Adec's director-general and acting P-12 executive director, said: "We are proud of our students' creativity in visual arts, which is inspired by the UAE local heritage, Guggenheim collections and the Emirati art experts' workshops, which have added huge value to our students' arts exposure this academic year."

Source: Khaleej Times