Tabreed, the global leader in district cooling solutions, has unveiled a breathtaking mural on its Al Maryah Island plant. The mural marks a fusion of art and functionality that promises to captivate residents and visitors alike. The facility’s transformation into a canvas for street art represents Tabreed’s commitment to enhancing urban aesthetics while providing essential cooling services to its prestigious clientele.
The Al Maryah Island plant crucially supplies district cooling to diverse clients, including the Cleveland Clinic, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons, Galleria Mall, and Abu Dhabi Global Market. Recognizing the plant’s potential as a platform for artistic expression, Tabreed’s executive management envisioned a stunning artwork that would further elevate Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a hub for creative innovation.
After engaging with several local artists, Tabreed selected renowned Emirati artist Saggaf Alhashmi for his visionary ‘3D’ concept. The concept features two iconic symbols of the UAE: the Arabian Oryx and Arabian Sand Gazelle. The mural pays homage to the island’s namesake, Al Maryah, an oasis region in Abu Dhabi, and celebrates the connection between nature and modern infrastructure.
Tabreed’s Chairman, Khaled Al Qubaisi, admired the result, stating, “We have transformed what was previously an unremarkable, utilitarian building into a thing of profound beauty, which will bring joy to residents and visitors for many years to come. Saggaf’s concept has been faithfully transferred to functional surfaces and designed to aid in the district cooling process, which was a Herculean challenge for everyone involved, but the efforts have been well worth it.”
Alhashmi drew inspiration from the island’s rich history and ecological significance, explaining, “Al Maryah is named after a famous oasis region in Abu Dhabi, Al Mariyah, named after the species of Arabian deer which live there. It struck me that we could use the mural to bring the Al Mariyah deer to Al Maryah Island, celebrating the link between the life-giving oasis and how Tabreed uses air and water to cool the island today.”
The execution of the mural was a monumental endeavour, requiring the coordination of six artists and three boom cranes at a height of 35 meters above the ground. A total of 7,140 louvred panels were painted, covering an area of 7.2 square kilometres. The meticulous process involved the application of fifty-two different colours, with over 4,800 litres of paint used during the 47-day project.
Al Qubaisi emphasized the mural’s significance in Tabreed’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and urban design. “Tabreed has a well-deserved reputation for environmental protection through its sustainability-led energy efficiencies, preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions,” he stated. “Yet there is more to environmentalism than mitigating climate change and improving air quality – architecture and urban design are important to our quality of life, too.”
As Tabreed continues to lead the way in district cooling innovation, the transformation of its Al Maryah Island plant stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in both functionality and aesthetics. The mural not only enhances the visual landscape of Abu Dhabi but also serves as a symbol of creativity, sustainability, and community engagement.