Festival Plaza has unveiled a heartfelt community initiative celebrating the UAE’s spirit of unity, resilience, and cultural pride through the launch of a new mural titled “Al Bait Baitkom”, created in collaboration with Emirati artists Fatema (Fay) Alkaabi and Ayesha Alkaabi.
Launched over the weekend, the initiative was designed to foster a sense of togetherness and unity within the community. As a destination deeply rooted in the community it serves, Festival Plaza sought to create a meaningful moment that brings people together through art, culture, and shared identity.
The mural, “Al Bait Baitkom”, which translates to “This house is your house”, draws inspiration from a well-known Emirati expression of hospitality and belonging. At its heart is a symbolic door opening into a traditional courtyard, where elements of Emirati life come together: music, henna artistry, coffee rituals, and the craft of talli passed down through generations. Towering above are raised UAE flags, representing pride, strength, and unity.
Inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to raise the UAE flag across homes, the mural carries this spirit forward, weaving together heritage and contemporary expression. Drawing from traditional metal doors once adorned with national motifs, the artwork blends a vibrant, modern style with deeply rooted cultural symbolism, creating a narrative that celebrates identity, memory, and belonging.
Commenting on the initiative, Hayssam Hajjar, Executive Director at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, said: “Festival Plaza has always been more than just a retail destination; it is a space for community connection, shared experiences, and meaningful moments. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering positivity and reinforcing the strong sense of togetherness that defines the UAE. Through ‘Al Bait Baitkom,’ we wanted to create something that resonates emotionally with our visitors, restoring a sense of warmth, goodwill, and pride within the community. It is a celebration of resilience, culture, and the values that continue to unite us.”
Reflecting on the project, Fatema (Fay) Alkaabi said: “For me, this initiative is a source of great pride, allowing us to celebrate our history and heritage with the communities and families who call the UAE home. As artists, we leave behind a lasting imprint of identity and memory, raising the flag above a home defined by culture.”
Ayesha Alkaabi added, “Being part of this work feels like contributing to something that lives beyond us. It’s not just about creating visuals, but about holding space for memory, culture, and the everyday stories of people who call this place home.”
Festival Plaza remains committed to its role as a community-driven destination, using creativity and cultural expression to bring people together and create lasting, meaningful impact. The mural is now open to the public, inviting visitors to experience it firsthand at Festival Plaza, located next to Persian Caviar on the first floor.
