Encouraging Emirati Talent and Upholding Social Responsibility: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Collaborates with Zayed University Students on Creative Projects

As part of its commitment to social responsibility, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (SZGMC) actively partners with educational and academic institutions across the UAE to nurture young Emirati talent and prepare them for the workforce. Through its various initiatives and programs, the Center provides students  opportunities to apply their skills and creativity in real-world settings.

In collaboration with the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, the Center engaged students in designing publications, posters, and furniture for use in its facilities. These projects were integrated into the student's academic coursework, bridging theoretical learning with practical applications.

In this context, the Center partnered with Zayed University on various initiatives, with the Islamic Hijri calendar project marking the first collaboration. A standout design by a university student was selected for the Center's annual publication, featuring a depiction of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan walking through the mosque’s corridors. This evocative design serves as a powerful symbol of Sheikh Zayed’s lasting vision and his enduring presence in the UAE’s cultural legacy.

In addition, students created prototypes for furniture, including chairs and tables, inspired by the architectural identity of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. These designs were displayed and implemented in prominent areas such as the Dome of Peace, Souq Al Jami’, and Al Jami’s Library. After a thorough evaluation by a dedicated committee, selected designs were manufactured and placed across the mosque's facilities for public use.

The students also designed decals for the club cars that transport visitors and worshippers around the mosque. Drawing inspiration from the mosque’s intricate floral patterns, the designs added a unique aesthetic while enhancing the visitor experience.

The Center extended an invitation to the students involved in designing the mosque’s furniture and decals, to honor their contributions. This acknowledgment aimed to inspire the students to further hone their skills and contribute to the workforce as accomplished Emirati professionals, underscoring the Center’s commitment to fostering local talent and innovation.

This initiative exemplifies SZGMC's commitment to social responsibility by fostering programs and projects that enhance Emirati human capital across all age groups. Among these efforts is the Al Shabab Al Banie program, which seeks to harness the energy and potential of the nation’s youth. The program also highlights the country’s cultural and humanitarian identity locally and globally by preparing a new generation to advance the UAE's sustainable development goals. Moreover, it instills values such as patriotism, volunteerism, and community service in future generations, ensuring they remain rooted in the principles that define the nation’s progress.