AC Milan and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) have unveiled a special creative project by Emirati artist Fatema (Fay) Alkaabi to mark Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
The collaboration brings together one of world football’s most storied clubs with the government authority responsible for safeguarding Dubai’s cultural heritage and nurturing its creative talent.
It also supports the Eid in Dubai campaign, which falls under the umbrella of the Season of Wulfa, an initiative aimed at strengthening family bonds and celebrating Emirati cultural and community occasions, thus preserving Emirati heritage and reinforcing community ties.
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The new artwork draws its visual elements from the Rossoneri identity and the art of Sadu, a traditional Emirati craft inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, bringing heritage and contemporary creativity into dialogue.
The collaboration highlights the strength of cultural and artistic exchange between the two parties and comes as part of Dubai Culture’s ongoing efforts to safeguard local heritage and present it through contemporary expressions, while also supporting Emirati artists and creatives in reaching international audiences.
Alkaabi drew inspiration for the Eid greeting artwork from the vertical stripes and gradients of red, black and white that have long formed part of AC Milan’s visual identity since the Club’s founding by Englishman Herbert Kilpin, who came to Italy to share the expertise of Britain’s emerging textile industry.
These elements intersect with the geometric rhythm and motifs of traditional Emirati Sadu weaving. Fay also incorporated references inspired by the local landscape and the spirit of Eid, reflecting the authenticity of Emirati culture through a contemporary visual treatment, and weaving past and present into a single design.
The collaboration, with the artwork shared across the Rossoneri digital channels, reinforces ACMilan’s bond with the Middle East, where the Club is the most followed Italian side in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with more than 11 million supporters (Nielsen and GWI data).
Since 2023, the year Casa Milan Dubai opened, the Club has developed an ongoing programme of initiatives alongside local institutions and talents.
These include projects carried out with screenwriter, director and producer Nāyla al-Khāja and renowned artist Kareemgraphy.
The project with Dubai Culture marks a new chapter in this journey of shared growth, building bridges between sport, culture and creativity.
