This Emirati Women’s Day, two of the UAE’s busiest malls are hitting pause on the everyday shopping bustle to shine a spotlight on the women whose strength and grace have carried the nation forward – Emirati mothers.
On August 27, City Centre Al Zahia unveiled “شامخة يا بنت الامارات” (which translates to “Proud Daughter of the Emirates”), a hanging photo gallery by celebrated Emirati photographer Alia Bent Sultan. An exceptional photographer, her artistry goes beyond capturing mere moments. With each shot, Alia breathes life into the UAE’s past and present identity, focusing on the femininity of Emirati women.
Her portraits, taken in carefully chosen authentic settings across City Centres, capture the strength, grace, and character of a generation whose influence still shapes the nation. Through her lens, this is more than an art installation: it’s a love letter to the women who shaped generations, told by a daughter of the Emirates herself. It celebrates the legacy of Emirati mothers, which continues to inspire the present and the future.
The art installation isn’t stopping in Sharjah, it will also take over three giant hoardings in City Centre Mirdif’s Central Galleria, ensuring thousands more get to see these remarkable women up close.
As Alia puts it: “Our mothers were the original trailblazers – they didn’t just raise us, they raised a nation.”
The art installation will be on display until September 7 at City Centre Al Zahia, and will continue until the end of September at City Centre Mirdif – don’t miss it!
