Majid Al Futtaim Partners with Zayed University on Community Challenge Aimed at Recognising and Empowering Young Talent

Dubai, UAE, 6 December 2023: Majid Al Futtaim Development has announced the winners of a collaborative project held in partnership with Zayed University (ZU). The project saw students undertake a creative challenge to transform the façade of the Imagine Hub building at Tilal Al Ghaf, the developer’s flagship community.

Choosing between two concepts under the theme of ‘Innovation’, students from ZU were tasked with designing a mural to decorate the outside of the residential community’s Imagine Hub. Located opposite Elan Townhouses, the first phase of the Tilal Al Ghaf masterplan which opened its doors in early 2023, the mural serves as a focal point to inspire and delight residents and visitors of the community.

The competition ran during ZU’s fall semester and included a virtual workshop to support students with the design-thinking phase of the project. The top five finalists were invited to present their proposals at the awards ceremony, which took place on 30 November at the Imagine Hub within Tilal Al Ghaf. Aisha Dahham was announced as the first-place winner of the challenge, and will collaborate with a specialised team to have her creative design implemented on the building façade. Hiba Alhashmi and Reem Khaled placed second and third, respectively, in a fantastic display of creative talent and ambition.

The winning students will receive gifts card to redeem across Majid Al Futtaim’s exclusive selection of malls and will also be given the opportunity to collaborate on the delivery of the winning mural, underscoring the group’s commitment to supporting future generations’ careers and involving the local community in its projects.

Commenting on the collaboration, Hawazen Esber, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Development, said: “Majid Al Futtaim remains dedicated to the growth of creativity and local talent, especially among the younger generations. Through our partnership with Zayed University, students were given a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and make a tangible impact on one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential developments, and we’re delighted to reward their efforts. The winning students will go on to complete the mural project, which is set to transform the Imagine Hub into a central aspect of the community’s appeal.”

“As technologies advance and the market evolves, it is more important than ever for companies to support the education and empowerment of future talent – and it is our mission to involve students in the creation and elevation of iconic destinations throughout the city. By collaborating with ZU, we are able to combine our resources in order to create a platform for students to express themselves, securing the pipeline of creative minds that are building – and will continue to build ­– the future of our city,” he added.

Prof. Michael Allen, acting Vice-President of Zayed University said: “The College of Arts and Creative Enterprises is an incubator of some of the UAE’s most exciting young artists and creatives, and I am so impressed by the diversity of proposals that were submitted. This partnership with Majid Al Futtaim is a great example of how universities and the private sector can work together in innovative ways to encourage and inspire the next generation of young talent. I look forward to seeing our students’ creativity on display in Tilal Al Ghaf and am proud to stand witness to a project that delivers real community value.”

Now established as one of the city’s most sought-after areas to live, Tilal Al Ghaf is designed in line with Majid Al Futtaim Developments’ commitment to sustainable design and living. At the heart of the community sits Lagoon Al Ghaf, a stunning recreational 110,000-square-metre lagoon surrounded by walkable neighbourhoods interconnected by a network of pathways, cycling tracks and jogging trails, all of which are set amongst wide open spaces, treescapes, and lush landscaping. Spanning over three million square metres, the community also features signature Majid Al Futtaim retail experiences and a world-renowned international school.