Titled “Construction”, it marks the UAE’s 53rd National Day by way of chinaware fragments that represent its unity and resilience.
It doesn’t take long to see how 25hours Hotel One Central blends Bedouin traditions with modern-day life by way of art — just ride the nearest lift to the highest floor to peer into Sandra Havemeister’s intricately built dioramas, complete with details like camels, dallahs and wind towers.
Now, a new installation has been added to the mix at this always vibrant property – “Construction” – and it proudly marks the country’s 53rd National Day. Created by Pakistani artist Sadaf Aamir, it echoes everything that 25hours stand for: creativity, community, and sustainability. As part of Ennismore’s global collective of culturally rooted and purpose-driven brands, the hotel led the project, collecting fragments of broken chinaware from each of its sister properties across Dubai — Hyde Dubai, SO/ Uptown Dubai, and Delano Dubai included. And every piece of pottery adds a layer of history and connection, bringing to life a thoughtfully designed mosaic.
Crafted from ceramics, glass, and porcelain fragments, “Construction” instils each piece with the unique identity of those who contribute to the building of new personal and collective journeys, reflecting the UAE’s spirit of continuous growth and evolution. Together, these fragments form a unified vision, much like the fusion of the seven emirates. And because it celebrates the UAE’s National Day, the mosaic incorporates seven types of sand, connecting the artwork to the country’s heritage and the cooperative ambition that shapes Dubai.
The piece mirrors the city, illustrating how its fabric is continuously woven from the dreams and aspirations of those who call it home. “As an artist, I wanted to capture the essence of unity and resilience that defines Dubai,” says Aamir, who brings over 25 years of artistic expertise to this installation. “Each shard in the mosaic represents an individual story, yet together, they form something greater — a reflection of the diverse dreams that shape this city.”
Curated by World Art Dubai in collaboration with Artezaar.com art gallery and brought to life by Aamir, the mosaic reimagines pieces from broken mugs, plates, and bottles to form a striking design that reflects Dubai’s diverse culture and the sustainability philosophy that runs through the hotel’s values. “Since 25hours Hotel shared the vision for this one-of-a-kind project, we could only think of Sadaf Aamir, who has skilfully captured the essence of the space, drawing inspiration from the colours and textures of the hotel interiors and blending it perfectly with the chinaware pieces,” says founder Leena Kewlani.
Today, “Construction” reflects the hotel’s unique atmosphere, taking centre stage in its vibrant lobby and embodying the 25hours DNA of playfulness and purpose. It is also a memorable step forward in Ennismore’s mission to place environmental responsibility at the core of its operations, sparking conversations and connections around sustainability.
DSCVR: Construction. 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Centre, Dubai @25hourshoteldubai
