In a stunning tribute to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, Filipino artist Nathaniel A. Alapide has crafted an intricate sand artwork featuring the official logo commemorating this milestone. The artwork, showcased in a video shared by the Philippine Embassy in the UAE, captures the spirit of enduring friendship between the two nations as they celebrate their half-century of collaboration and cultural exchange on August 19, 2024.
Alapide, known for his large-scale sand art creations on the beaches of Dubai, took on the task of bringing the anniversary logo to life. Using just a rake, he transformed the sandy shores into a canvas, expertly rendering the logo that symbolizes the strong ties between the UAE and the Philippines. The logo itself was designed by UAE-based architect and NCCA Visual Arts awardee, Edcel Cabalan, another testament to the creative talents of the Filipino community in the UAE.
Alapide’s work has garnered widespread attention over the years, particularly after he set a Guinness World Record in March 2022 for the world’s largest sand image, a project that covered over 250,000 square feet and featured portraits of UAE leaders. His ability to infuse cultural narratives and personal stories into his ephemeral art has made him a beloved figure in the UAE’s art scene.