Artist celebrates Flag Day with dramatic UAE landscape painting

Akbar Saheb said the painting, which features a UAE flag towering over well-known landmarks of the country, took him two weeks to make.

Indian artist Akbar Saheb celebrates Flag Day by painting a UAE landscape named Time Tells. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // An Indian artist has marked Flag Day by painting a colourful and dramatic UAE landscape named Time Tells.

Akbar Saheb said the painting, which features a UAE flag towering over landmarks of the country, took him two weeks to make.

“I feel so proud when I see the UAE flag. It is so powerful and dignified. My love for the UAE flag is as strong as compared to any other [person] in the country,” said the 54-year-old, who works as an illustrator at a private company in Dubai.

“I have been living here for over 25 years – this country has given me everything. I came here as a young man in 1994 and my children have grown up here.

“I respect and love the UAE, as much as I respect and love my home country.”

Saheb has painted about 100 artworks inspired by the UAE in the past two decades.

“It is my tribute to the country. Through my paintbrush, I am trying to document the most impressive story of development and growth of the UAE,” he said.

“Other countries take generations to achieve what the UAE has achieved in just a few decades. It’s my humble way of paying gratitude as an expatriate.”

Saheb has not decided what he will do with his now vast collection of UAE artwork.

“They are my most important treasure. Right now, I am only focusing on painting as much about the UAE as possible,” he said, adding that he will be celebrating Flag Day by painting another UAE-inspired artwork.

“The flag is a symbol of national unity. However, patriotism is not just about waving the flag. It is actually ones’ commitment to be part of making the country strong and great.”

Born in a small town called Shringeri, in Karnataka state, India, the son of a coppersmith started sketching at the age of seven.

So far he has created more than 700 paintings. Among them is a series of 38 paintings that celebrate the years of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed’s rule. Other notable canvases include tributes to the Rulers of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, as well as other international leaders such as US president Barack Obama and Indian premier Narendra Modi.