Abu Dhabi Artists Transform City Walls Into Global Heritage Murals

A 14-meter-high mural titled Tolerance by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra covers more than 2,000 square meters at Marsa Al Bateen, forming one of the most prominent public artworks in the area. The piece stands as a concrete example of how individual artists contribute to Abu Dhabi's street art through official channels.

Programs Driving the Murals

The Department of Municipalities and Transport launched the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative, which has placed over 400 artworks at 130 locations and involved more than 100 Emirati and locally based artists. From 2020 the Abu Dhabi Port Authority opened a 1.6-kilometer stretch of wall in the Port Mina area to local artists, creating one of the longer continuous mural sites in the city. These efforts supplied the framework that allowed painters to work at scale on public surfaces.

Recent Expansions and Heritage Focus

Between 2024 and 2025 the Abu Dhabi Canvas program extended into the Rabdan area, where five Emirati artists produced murals on walls, pedestrian crossings and utility boxes that draw on UAE heritage. The same initiative has supported works at Al Bateen, Reem Central Park, Sheikha Fatima Park and the Corniche, where both permanent pieces and temporary displays appear. Each location shows how the organizing bodies coordinate placements that reach everyday routes rather than single exhibition sites.

Looking Ahead

Residents and visitors can view the existing murals by following the documented routes around Marsa Al Bateen, Port Mina, Rabdan and the listed parks. Further additions under the ongoing Abu Dhabi Canvas program will continue to appear on permitted surfaces as new phases are approved.