{"id":70045,"date":"2026-06-24T05:33:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T05:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/?p=70045"},"modified":"2026-06-24T05:33:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T05:33:56","slug":"shamal-pays-homage-to-the-former-dubai-zoo-site-through-a-public-art-canvas-by-local-artist-solimar-miller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/2026\/06\/24\/shamal-pays-homage-to-the-former-dubai-zoo-site-through-a-public-art-canvas-by-local-artist-solimar-miller\/","title":{"rendered":"Shamal Pays Homage to the Former Dubai Zoo Site Through a Public Art Canvas by Local Artist Solimar Miller"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shamal Pays Homage to the Former Dubai Zoo Site Through a Public Art Canvas by Local Artist Solimar Miller<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Dubai-based artist Solimar Miller unveils Flora of Light, a series of 12 original artworks celebrating the UAE\u2019s indigenous flora and fauna
\nArt installation spans 710 metres of hoardings wrapping the former Dubai Zoo site in Jumeirah 1
\nDisplay will remain on view for two years in support of Dubai\u2019s Public Art Strategy<\/h3>\n

Dubai, UAE \u2013 23 June 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Shamal Holding, the diversified investment firm, has announced a cultural collaboration with Dubai-based multidisciplinary artist Solimar Miller at the former Dubai Zoo site in Jumeirah 1. Drawing inspiration from the site\u2019s natural heritage, Solimar developed a collection of 12 original artworks celebrating the indigenous flora and fauna that once defined the destination. The installation is displayed across an impactful 710-metre-long public art canvas that encapsulates the site, supporting Dubai\u2019s Public Art Strategy.<\/h3>\n

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Through Shamal\u2019s Tamayoz programme, which champions emerging creative talent and places art and culture at the core of its placemaking approach, Solimar was commissioned to develop a creative concept that honours the legacy of an old Dubai landmark. The installation offers an artistic interpretation of the site\u2019s history and identity while marking its transition into a low-rise residential community comprising 90 homes surrounded by landscaped courtyards and green spaces.<\/h3>\n

Chosen for her ecological storytelling and deep connection to the UAE\u2019s natural landscape, Solimar created a site-specific series, Flora of Light, inspired by the country\u2019s indigenous trees, flora and fauna. The 12 pieces establish a visual link between the site\u2019s past and its future, honouring a place that holds a special place in Dubai\u2019s collective memory.<\/h3>\n

By reimagining the hoardings as a public-facing gallery, the project contributes to Dubai\u2019s Public Art Strategy, helping transform the city into an open-air artistic canvas. Officially unveiled today, the installation will remain on display for two years, bringing culture into the everyday journeys of residents and visitors passing through Jumeirah.<\/h3>\n

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\u201cPublic art is one of the most powerful ways to embed culture into the DNA of a place. Through Solimar Miller\u2019s work, we invite the community to engage with the story of this site in a meaningful way,\u201d said Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer at Shamal<\/strong>. \u201cThe former Dubai Zoo occupies a special place in Dubai\u2019s collective memory, and this collaboration is a way of honouring that legacy while looking ahead to the site\u2019s next chapter.\u201d<\/h3>\n

Based in Dubai for over two decades, Miller\u2019s artistic practice is rooted in ecological storytelling and the preservation of indigenous species. Her works on archival paper and textiles, often created with natural dyes derived from UAE trees and plants, carry a deep reverence for the environment.<\/h3>\n

Reflecting on the collaboration, Solimar Miller said: \u201cMy process is instinctive, inspired by the UAE\u2019s landscape and wildlife. This series pays tribute to the animals and natural heritage, while reminding us of the importance of conservation. By placing these artworks in a public space, I hope to inspire people to preserve green spaces and natural habitats and celebrate the environment we all share.\u201d<\/h3>\n

The future community will combine privacy, open spaces and natural elements, creating an environment that feels both nostalgic and new. By embedding art at this early stage, Shamal reinforces its approach to place-led investment\u2014focusing on distinctive assets that create long-term cultural, commercial and experiential value while contributing meaningfully to the city\u2019s evolving fabric.<\/h3>\n

The project sets the tone for how art, memory and modern living can co-exist in one of Dubai\u2019s most historic neighbourhoods, as the city continues to grow as a global destination for living, working and leisure, with places designed to endure and serve communities and visitors for generations to come. It is a meaningful tribute to a landmark that holds a special place in Dubai\u2019s collective memory.<\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n

About Solimar Miller<\/strong><\/span>
\nSolimar Miller is a multidisciplinary artist based in Dubai. Her reverence for the environment is influenced by ecological elements changing in the current landscape. An integral part of her practice is documenting the unique characteristics of indigenous and naturally thriving tree species facing the imminent threat of becoming endangered due to land loss from urban developments, drought, floods, fires, and climate change. Through observational drawings, implements a series of processes in producing paintings and hand-silk screened artworks on copious materials, including upcycled textiles that she hand-dyes with Indigenous tree bark, branches, and leaves.<\/h3>\n

-ENDS-<\/h3>\n

About Shamal<\/strong><\/span>
\nBorn in Dubai, built for the extraordinary.
\nShamal is a diversified investment firm that shapes exceptional opportunities through a distinctive portfolio of investments, experiences, and assets. Every venture we pursue reflects Dubai\u2019s bold ambition, dynamic spirit, and relentless energy.<\/h3>\n

Our real estate portfolio spans master-planned communities, vibrant districts, iconic residences, retail destinations, and commercial spaces. We bring visionary developments to life\u2014such as\u00a0Dubai Harbour\u00a0and\u00a0Nad Al Sheba Gardens\u2014unlocking potential and creating places with purpose.
\nIn hospitality, we invest across the spectrum\u2014from luxury to lifestyle to accessible experiences\u2014partnering with world-class brands like\u00a0Jumeirah Zabeel Saray,\u00a0Hart Shoreditch Hotel London,\u00a0Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai,\u00a0SUSHISAMBA, and\u00a0Five Guys.<\/h3>\n

We are also behind some of Dubai\u2019s most iconic leisure and adventure destinations, including\u00a0Skydive Dubai,\u00a0Deep Dive Dubai,\u00a0XDubai\u00a0(XLine, XPark, XPark Jr, and Pump Track), and\u00a0Inflight Dubai. Through these, we curate unforgettable experiences that place Dubai at the forefront of global adventure tourism.<\/h3>\n

For more information visit: www.shamal.com
\nShamal LinkedIn: @shamalholding
\nShamal IG: @shamalholding<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shamal Pays Homage to the Former Dubai Zoo Site Through a Public Art Canvas by Local Artist Solimar Miller Dubai-based artist Solimar Miller unveils Flora of Light, a series of 12 original artworks celebrating the UAE\u2019s indigenous flora and fauna Art installation spans 710 metres of hoardings wrapping the former Dubai Zoo site in Jumeirah […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":70051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[23],"tags":[29],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70045"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70045"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70052,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70045\/revisions\/70052"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70051"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}