His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, inaugurated on Monday morning the Guardians of the Nation exhibition at the University’s main building.

 Upon arrival at the site of the exhibition, His Highness took commemorative photos with participating entities while the aerial performance conducted by the UAE aerobatic team, Al Fursan, created a stunning display by drawing the UAE flag in the sky, earning great applause from attendees. His Highness also signed the exhibition’s commemorative board, writing: “We have always been and will remain proud of the UAE.”

The exhibition, organized by the University of Sharjah in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Civil Defense Authority, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Emirates Fine Arts Society, and several museums and art centers, reflects the University’s support for cultural and artistic initiatives that promote national values and reinforce art as a medium of expressing loyalty, belonging, and pride in the UAE.

His Highness toured the exhibition halls, viewing paintings and sculptures by Emirati and resident artists that highlight pride in the nation’s protectors and their sacrifices. He also visited participating entities’ pavilions, exploring their contributions that showcase innovation, competence, and patriotism.

The opening ceremony started with honoring the participating and supporting entities, beginning with the national anthem and a short film portraying the role and readiness of the nation’s defenders. This was followed by an address by H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agany, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, who expressed gratitude to His Highness for supporting national initiatives and noted that the exhibition represents the University’s gratitude to the UAE armed forces and coincides with the Golden Jubilee of their unification.

Prof. Agamy further noted that the Guardians of the Nation exhibition is not an art exhibition in the traditional sense, but rather a message from the heart of an academic institution to all those honored to defend this good land. Within its expressive space, the artist’s brush, the sculptor’s craft, and the memory of history come together in a single scene, embodying deep belonging and sincere loyalty to the country.

Prof. Agamy also announced an initiative by His Highness to allocate ten scholarships for UAE armed forces personnel, emphasizing the importance of education as a natural extension to national service. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness for this national initiative supporting education.

The Chancellor concluded his speech by extending his thanks and appreciation to the participants and supporters of the exhibition, stating: “Art, in its highest form, remains a living document that records the spirit of nations and immortalizes the sacrifices of their sons. This exhibition is nothing but an artistic testament to a nation’s loyalty to its protectors, and a unified message: that the country endures because there are men who protect and defend it.”

Staff Major General Saeed Ali Obaid Boshabs Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Defense, also delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the President of the University of Sharjah for his support and patronage of the national artistic Guardians of the Nation exhibition, and to the University of Sharjah for organizing this purposeful initiative, which coincides with the anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces; an occasion dear to the people of the UAE that embodies the highest meanings of unity, loyalty, and devotion to the UAE.

He then addressed, in his speech, the insightful vision of the founding leaders and their commitment to building the nation and the armed forces through supporting, motivating, and investing in human capabilities, emphasizing that a person capable of discovering and acquiring knowledge is the fundamental pillar and the true driver of excellence. He concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of the exhibition in shedding light on the nation’s protectors, representing loyal men and women who joined the armed forces and devoted themselves to serving the country, becoming its protective shield and embodying the highest meanings of belonging, so that the UAE remains safe and secure, and its flag continues to fly high with pride and honor.

The Guardians of the Nation exhibition featured an impressive collection of artworks reflecting the creative visions of a select group of Emirati and resident artists, who expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the nation’s guardians through diverse artistic styles, including realism and abstraction, as well as sculptures and miniature models depicting the bravery of the UAE armed forces and their heroic role, particularly in past events.

The exhibition saw the participation of 35 visual artists presenting around 40 artworks, including a notable piece by Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al Mualla titled “UAE Sofa,” which symbolizes the nation’s resilience and unity through a sofa designed in the shape of the map of the United Arab Emirates using Ghaf wood, representing authenticity and steadfastness. The exhibition also included various artworks portraying scenes from the daily professional life of UAE armed forces personnel, alongside works highlighting historical leadership figures that reflect a spirit of pride and national belonging. Several government entities and institutions participated in the exhibition, including the Ministry of Defense, Sharjah Police, and Sharjah Civil Defense. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority also took part, showcasing various collections of artefacts and tools that document aspects of the nation’s history and its memorable moments in history.

The 1185 Museum, owned by H.E. Dr. Obaid Al Ketbi, also participated by displaying exhibits that highlight the history of the UAE armed forces as an integral part of the nation’s journey. Additionally, the “Testimonies of Love for Zayed” Museum, by researcher Abdullah Al Mar Al Kaabi, presented a collection of rare artefacts and publications documenting key milestones in the nation’s memory and highlighting the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honored the participating and supporting entities. The ceremony was attended, alongside His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, by Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Staff Major General Saeed Ali Obaid Boshabs Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Defence; Brigadier Yousef bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director-General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority ; Mohammed Abdullah Al Raees, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; as well as a number of artists and participants.