SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

With the participation of nearly 600 students, showcasing their creative works, the seventh edition of Mawhibaty Students Showcase concluded in a colourful fashion on Sunday at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation.

Over three days, young talents in music, drama, and artistic performance captivated audiences with their skills, spotlighting the emirate’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, the programme remains pivotal in developing creative talent, with 214 students showcasing their skills in the visual arts section of the Mawhibaty talent development programme and 360 in the performing arts.

The initiative spotlighted the significance of artistic development in the UAE’s cultural evolution, offering parents and visitors interactive exhibitions to engage with as well as appreciate the students’ remarkable talents.

Speaking to Aletihad, Lubna Altunaiji, Head of Outreach Section at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), discussed the programme’s evolution. “Since 2017, a select group of students has participated, with the programme expanding each year in both visual and performing arts. The number of participants has now reached almost 580. We began with 20 students in 2017, and by 2024, we expected to have approximately 600 students in these groups.”

Altunaiji added that the programme aims to develop students’ skills and self-confidence in various arts, including visual and performing arts.

Enrollment is open to both public and private schools, with thousands of applications received and evaluated by experts.

“Once students are accepted, they join after-school classes at DCT centres such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Cultural Foundation, Bait Al Oud, and Al Qattara Arts Centre in Al Ain. In hard-to-reach areas like Dalma, we collaborate with the Ministry of Education to ensure access. Each student participates in accredited programmes based on their talents, attending two classes per week with expert specialists,” Altunaiji said.

The programme also includes master classes with different artists to exchange experiences and learn new skills.

Altunaiji noted that the programme’s goal is to attract as many talented students as possible.

“We rely on parents to help identify these talents, as schools sometimes overlook them. We work to highlight the diverse talents of our students because they represent the future of the Emirates. Beyond that, participating students have the opportunity to exhibit their work in venues such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi,” she said.

“We also offer international training opportunities. For instance, 14 students were sent to Austria to take classes in both visual and performing arts,” she added.

One of the participants, Maryam Azzawi, a 10th grader at Al Ekhlass Private School, participated in both visual and performing arts, including music and painting. “I joined the programme to develop my talent in these areas and to build the confidence to sing in front of others, proving to them that I can perform,” she said.

“In my years with Mawhibaty, I have learned a lot about different genres of music, such as local and Arabic music, as well as pop and jazz.

She noted that the programme has taught her to maintain self-awareness, confidence, and authenticity despite mistakes.

Another participant, Maryam Alhilaly, a 17-year-old Emirati student from Dar Al Uloom Private School in Al Ain, joined the programme to develop her singing skills.

“I started singing when I was six years old, and when I learned about the programme, I knew I had to participate. It has been a great experience. I have learned to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, and my self-confidence has grown significantly-I am no longer shy.”

She mentioned that she initially felt nervous during her first concert. However, with the support of her family and the programme’s focus on self-improvement, she gained confidence and no longer feels nervous.

“The programme is not just about participating; it’s about self-improvement. I have worked hard to enhance my voice and reach new levels of performance. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the teachers who supported me, as their guidance has helped me reach this stage,” Alhilaly added.

Zayed Al Zaabi, a fifth-grade Emirati student with autism spectrum disorder from Mubarak Bin Mohammed School, said the programme has given him numerous opportunities.

“My talent for playing the piano, which I have been practising since I was five years old, allowed me to perform in front of people. I am also continuing my studies at Berklee Abu Dhabi. Through this exciting programme, I have learned national songs and improved my skills. In the future, I aspire to become an experienced piano player,” Al Zaabi said.

His mother added: “He began using the piano as therapy from a young age to strengthen his physical movements, which is when we discovered his talent. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he played constantly at home, and we realised just how passionate he is about the piano.”