DUBAI: Sometimes, the most powerful messages aren’t written in words, but in faces. In a moving tribute to the city they call home, two long-term residents recently transformed a stretch of Kite Beach into a living “love letter” to Dubai.
The project, titled “We Love Dubai,” saw a towering digital mosaic in the shape of a heart rise above the sand. But this wasn’t just any art installation—it was a collective portrait made up of over 10,000 entries from residents representing more than 130 nationalities.
The Visionaries: Marta and Dorothee
The initiative was the brainchild of Marta Paniagua, a creative director who has lived in Dubai for 20 years, and Dorothee Anjos, who has raised four children in the UAE.
Faced with a period of regional tension, the two women decided they couldn’t just “sit in the office and wait.” Within just two weeks, they mobilized the city’s creative community to build a non-profit platform where residents could express their gratitude and belonging.
How the Community Responded
The installation functioned as a living, growing organism. Residents scanned a QR code, took a selfie, and watched as their face was added to the digital heart, arranged in the vibrant colors of the UAE flag.
- A Non-Profit Effort: This wasn’t a corporate marketing campaign. Audiovisual companies, construction teams, and staffing agencies all donated their time and skills for free because they believed in the message.
- Overwhelming Support: While thousands queued to add their portraits, local businesses joined in the spirit of giving, offering free donuts, ice cream, and pizza to those participating.
- Speed of Unity: In a testament to the city’s efficiency when a project matters, government permits that usually take weeks were issued by Dubai Tourism, the Municipality, and the RTA in under 48 hours.
Why It Matters Now
As Dorothee beautifully put it, “Being united when things aren’t easy, when we need to be resilient… this is when we need to feel united.”
The “We Love Dubai” project reminds us that the city is not just a place where people work; it is a place where they belong. It captured the voices of real people, proving that beneath the “noise” of the world, there is a shared heart beat in the 971.
The Next Dream
While the installation at Kite Beach has come down, the vision continues. Dorothee’s ultimate dream is to see these 10,000 faces projected onto the Burj Khalifa—illuminating the world’s tallest building with the portraits of the people who make this city what it is.
Were you one of the 10,000 faces in the heart? Share your experience with us! Let’s keep the “We Love Dubai” spirit alive.
- Follow the Movement: Check out the project’s journey on social media and see if you can spot your portrait.
- Keep Sharing: Use the hashtag #WeLoveDubai to show your pride for the city.
About Dubai Buzz
Dubai Buzz is your definitive digital guide to the heartbeat of the city. We are committed to sharing verified local news, lifestyle trends, and genuine data that matters to the residents of the UAE. From celebrating community-led art projects to profiling the rising stars of the creator economy, we tell the stories of the people making an impact in Dubai.
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