Giant Onam floral carpet celebrates Sheikh Mohamed and UAE’s resilient spirit
250-sqm Pookalam brings together 1,000 healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI – More than 1,000 healthcare professionals representing 35 nationalities have come together at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi to create a giant Onam floral carpet, or Pookalam, celebrating the UAE’s resilience, unity and continued progress under the leadership of President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The 250-sqm installation took almost 20 hours to complete and features a prominent portrait of Sheikh Mohamed. It also carries the message, “The UAE is strong and resilient and emerging stronger,” inspired by words of reassurance from the President that offered confidence and hope to the community.
The annual floral display brings together the traditional spirit of Onam with themes reflecting the UAE’s development and national identity.
Symbolic design
The Pookalam portrays the UAE’s journey from heritage towards the future. One of its key visual elements shows a transition from a traditional camel ride to the Etihad Rail, symbolising the country’s transformation and continued progress.
The design reflects how strong foundations, long-term vision and determination have supported the UAE’s development. Other floral elements represent unity and care, highlighting the strength that comes from people coming together, alongside the values of healing, recovery and compassion.
The permanent sand pendulum at the centre of BMC’s atrium also carries special significance in this year’s installation. It represents time, continuity and forward movement, adding another layer to the theme of resilience.
Healthcare unity
For the healthcare professionals involved, the installation connects the spirit of Onam with values associated with life in the UAE. The festival celebrates renewal, hope, prosperity and togetherness, while this year’s Pookalam reflects how these values resonate with the country’s ability to face challenges with confidence.
Ameera Al-Katheri, an Emirati national and Assistant Director of Nursing at BMC, said resilience in the UAE came from confidence in the leadership and in each other.
“This Pookalam reflects our journey, from the values we inherited to the progress we continue to make together,” she said.
Dr Mujtaba Ali Khan, CEO of BMC, said the floral artwork was a tribute to the strength and resilience that define the UAE. He added that bringing together more than 1,000 healthcare professionals from 35 nationalities reflected the unity and shared sense of belonging in the country.
Onam floral carpet
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals worked side by side to complete the floral carpet, reflecting the multicultural character of the UAE’s healthcare workforce and the collaborative spirit behind the annual celebration.
Dr Malcolm Borg, a British national and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at BMC, said resilience was something witnessed every day in healthcare, describing it as the ability to recover, adapt and continue with hope.
The giant floral carpet at BMC has become a major attraction during the UAE’s community Onam celebrations, with each edition interpreting the festival through a different national theme connected to the country’s values, priorities and aspirations.