New world record set in Dubai for the world’s longest painting

The Al Tayer Group and Dubai Autism Centre have set a new world record for the world’s longest painting, which was designed to increase awareness about autism in local communities. Anna Nielsen for ThShow more

DUBAI // The Al Tayer Group and Dubai Autism Centre have set a new world record for the world’s longest painting, which was designed to increase awareness about autism in local communities.

The 10.85km painting was rolled out at the Dubai Autodrome and features self-portraits of students between the ages of two and 18 years who were invited to take part in the eight-month campaign, titled I'm Different Just Like You.

Students at GEMS Education and Taaleem schools were introduced to the initiative through a series of assemblies about autism and the importance of being more accepting of the differences of their peers. The children then painted self portraits on pieces of canvas that were joined together to become the world’s longest painting.

The Al Tayer Group also held a series of in-store events to involve the community in the effort. Participants received an informational leaflet about the I'm Different Just Like You campaign and a a badge that read, 'I Care I'm Aware.'

"We are so happy to witness the coming together of more than 20,000 children, parents, teachers, staff and other community members in the 'I'm Different Just Like You' campaign over the past eight months, and to see so many of them here with us today, sharing our success," said Khalid Al Tayer, CEO Retail, Al Tayer Group. "Without their passion and commitment to the cause, celebrating and recognising the uniqueness of all children, we would not have broken the world record, and more importantly increased awareness about autism which affects one in every 88 children in the world."