Brand Dubai and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) have unveiled the Zayed and Rashid Mural at Hatta Dam — officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's largest mosaic artwork. Spanning 2,198.7 square metres on the slope of the Hatta Dam Water Falls, the monumental piece honours UAE founding fathers Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
A Record-Breaking Tribute to UAE's Founding Fathers
The mural recreates a historical photograph of the two leaders from the early years of the UAE. It was unveiled as part of the #ZayedAndRashid initiative, timed to celebrate a series of key national occasions — from Flag Day on November 3 through to the UAE's 53rd Eid Al Etihad (National Day) on December 2.
The Guinness World Record recognition places the Hatta installation above all previous mosaic artworks in scale, replacing an earlier piece at the same site that was also part of the Dubai Street Museum project. That initiative was launched in 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform public spaces into tributes to Dubai's culture and vision.
1.2 Million Pieces, Four Months of Craftsmanship
The mosaic was designed by Russian artist Sergey Korbasov and executed by a team of more than 100 local and international artisans over four months. It is composed of 1.2 million individual handcrafted pieces, each measuring 5×5 cm, and incorporates natural materials sourced from the Hatta region — including local rocks and soil — so that the artwork integrates with its mountain surroundings.
The colour palette draws from the traditional attire of the founding fathers, lending the piece both historical depth and emotional resonance. The result, in the words of its creators, "blends 1.2 million handcrafted pieces with materials from Hatta to unify with the local surroundings."
DEWA and Brand Dubai: Art Meets Sustainability
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA, said the mural "highlights the UAE's cultural profile and its initiatives towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals." He noted the site's broader significance: Hatta Dam is also home to a 250MW pumped-storage hydropower plant, making the location a confluence of heritage and clean energy.
Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, praised the collaboration for converting relevant public spaces into messages of UAE achievement and history. Brand Dubai — the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office — led the project alongside DEWA.
Hatta as a Cultural Landmark
The Zayed and Rashid Mural adds to Hatta's growing identity as a destination that combines natural beauty with cultural significance. Set against the rugged Hajar Mountains, the artwork is visible from the dam and offers visitors both an aesthetic experience and a reminder of the vision that built the UAE. It stands as one of the most striking public art installations in the region and a landmark stop on any visit to Hatta.
