World’s largest mural at Dubai’s hotel

The mural as seen from a high altitude. — KT Photo by Leslie Pableo

The mural has been done by Lebanese artist Souheil Madi. Dr Ghaith bin Hamel Al Ghaith, Vice Chairman of Al Ghaith Holding, members of the governing body of Gloria Hotel and other officials attended the opening ceremony.

Souheil Madi, said that his mural ‘Caravan of Women’ is the largest of its kind in the world, and will be recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. “I drew the painting on the terrace of the eighth floor of Gloria Hotel, which consists of 41 floors. The painting can be seen from high altitudes and helicopters. Madi said: “It is a giant flat 3D painting that covers a space of approximately 1,700 metre squares.”

According to the artist, the ‘Caravan of Women’ represents the camel caravans that used to pass through the Arabian Peninsula desert with women on board. The goal behind this painting is to honour mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters. “Finishing this painting took nearly 100 hours of work, which is an accomplishment of record to paint a mural the size of football field. I drew the painting using a small paint brush with the help of only one associate artist selected from my students,” Madi added. Madi pointed out to the size of the board and the short time taken to complete it to qualify for registration in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Al Ghaith said hotel residents can now enjoy this giant work of art, which reflects the culture and history of the UAE. It also shows how much the country cares for the arts and artists, as the painting is now the newest tourist landmark in Dubai.