Artists and muralists highlight the impact of art on the society at GWFD 2020

Dina Saadi: “I see art as a form of expression that adds vibrancy and beauty to cities.” 

Dubai, UAE: A number of artists came together today at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 to discuss the impact of art in society. Speaking during a breakout session, “Curating Communities: Influencing Society Through Art” at the Arts and Culture Hub, was Dubai-based artist and muralist, Dina Saadi. She was joined by artist, Jalal Luqman, who moderated the session.

The two-day GWFD 2020, held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, concluded today.

During the session, Saadi underscored the importance of public art in pushing boundaries across the Arab region, bringing vibrancy and tackling global and social challenges. Saadi’s work is featured in cities including New York City, San Francisco and Rotterdam, as well as Khor Fakkan, which is home to her longest mural (40 meters) in the UAE.

Discussing support for female artists and muralists, Dina Saadi said: “I am very pleased to be attending and speaking at the GWFD 2020. I see art as a form of expression that adds vibrancy and beauty to cities. Studies have proven that people feel a sense of belonging when they witness street art as they picture their city through beautifully painted murals. Globally, street art is a male-dominated field and I hope to see governments and entities offer female street artists a special platform through offering walls and public spaces, simplifying permit processes, sponsoring events and organising festivals.”

The session also highlighted challenges such as reluctance within communities to step into a museum and explore art spaces, stressing the vital need to break this barrier and educate the society about public art. Saadi and Luqman also touched upon the reach of murals and public art, and how they serve as inspiration to the public, representing values and the stories of those cities.

Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 is organised by Dubai Women Establishment, which is led by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Building on its theme, ‘The Power of Influence’, Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 was focused on discussing how effective policies and partnerships in four key areas – Government, Economy, Society, and the Future – can further women’s positive impact for a better future.

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About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020:

Global Women's Forum Dubai (GWFD) 2020 is an international event being held on February 16-17, 2020 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is organised by Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. 

Building on its theme ‘The Power of Influence’, GWFD 2020 offers a global platform to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event aims to engage over 3,000 attendees – including global leaders, public and private sector experts, as well as entrepreneurs, academics and students – through workshops and keynote sessions.

The Forum’s Knowledge Partner is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  Alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), DWE is also co-organising the We-Fi MENA Regional Summit – a side-line event that will host entrepreneurs from the region’s emerging economies.

In line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advance gender balance across all sectors, GWFD 2020 will drive female engagement and participation in the workforce, and is a testament to the country’s position as a global role model for the advancement of women.

About Dubai Women Establishment:

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed in 2006 as a statutory body of Dubai Government by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

The Establishment’s mission is to advance the engagement and socio-economic participation of women across various sectors and fields. DWE’s strategic plan 2017-2021 focuses on providing recommendations to shape policies; fostering strategic partnerships; developing capacity-building programmes; as well as conducting in-depth research and facilitating the exchange of knowledge by organising global events and leading initiatives.   

© Press Release 2020