10,000 faces, one message: We Love Dubai

A unique community-led art initiative at Kite Beach has brought together more than 10,000 people in just one week, transforming a simple idea into a powerful symbol of unity in Dubai.

The project, titled We Love Dubai, was launched by Marta Paniagua, Creative Director at Multilem Middle East, and her colleague Dorothee Anjos. The idea emerged spontaneously, driven by a shared feeling that something meaningful needed to be created in response to a tense regional climate.

From April 5 to 12, a large-scale digital installation in the shape of a heart stood at Kite Beach, designed in the colors of the UAE flag — red, green, white, and black. Instead of traditional visuals, the installation was composed entirely of people’s faces. Residents were invited to scan a QR code, upload their selfies, and become part of a living mosaic that grew with every new participant.

By the end of the initiative, more than 10,000 entries had been submitted, representing over 130 nationalities. The result was not just an artwork, but a collective expression of belonging, reflecting the diversity and unity that define Dubai.

What makes the project particularly remarkable is its non-profit nature. Members of Dubai’s creative community including production teams, contractors, print houses, and media professionals contributed their time and expertise voluntarily. Permits from Dubai Tourism, Dubai Municipality, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) were secured in less than 48 hours.

The public response exceeded expectations. Residents queued to take part, while others showed support by offering food and refreshments to the team. The initiative gained momentum organically, without a formal campaign.

According to the organisers, the timing of the project played a crucial role. In moments of uncertainty, they say, unity becomes more meaningful and the installation offered a platform for people to express a shared sense of gratitude and connection to the city.

Although the installation has now been taken down, the idea continues to evolve. One of the ambitions is to project the mosaic onto the Burj Khalifa, turning it into a large-scale tribute to the people who call Dubai home.

The We Love Dubai project is still open for participation, with organisers encouraging residents to continue submitting their photos and become part of the growing symbol of the city’s collective identity.