Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Office at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Dubai Cares and Dubai Culture − the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, announce the launch of an exciting new initiative titled, the ‘Dubai Cares Scavenger Hunt’, which will run from 8 to 29 January 2018 across the city of Dubai. The ‘hunt’ has been specifically designed with residents in mind, offering them an exciting opportunity to explore their city and rediscover values close to the heart of every person who calls Dubai home.

Leading up to the launch of the initiative today (Monday 8 January 2018), Dubai Cares and “Dubai Culture” reached out to talented artists and designers from the UAE to design art pieces that are inspired by 15 common values. The designs were then produced and placed in a structure shaped like a ‘light bulb’, which captures the idea that “Knowledge is a light that never fades”. Each art piece is inspired by the values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan in the citizens and residents of the UAE alike. The team then selected 15 key locations in the city that cover both old and new Dubai. The structures, which have been generously sponsored by individuals and organisations in the UAE, were then placed in these locations.

To complete the hunt, the location of the 15 hidden light bulbs must be identified. To locate the structures, participants should download the “Dubai Cares” app on Apple Store or Google Play Store, where they will be able to access 15 different challenges and attempt to solve each with the help of 3 unique hints. Once the location is identified, participants should scan a QR code through the application, which has been placed on the structure itself. Upon scanning the QR Code, the challenge will be unlocked and the participant will be rewarded with one point before moving on to the next challenge.

The first participant to solve all the 15 challenges and complete the ‘hunt’ will have the chance to win an opportunity to volunteer abroad with Dubai Cares (Volunteer Globally), one annual day pass for Dubai Parks & Resorts and a 2 night-stay for two at the Versace Hotel. The second participant to complete the ‘hunt’ will have the chance to win an opportunity for 5 volunteers to participate in an edition of Volunteer Emirates 2018, one annual day pass for Dubai Parks & Resorts and a Dubai Mall voucher worth AED 3,000. The third participant to complete the ‘hunt’ will have the chance to win an opportunity for 5 volunteers to participate in an edition of Volunteer Emirates 2018, one annual day pass for Dubai Parks & Resorts and a Dubai Mall voucher worth AED 2,000.  The top three winners will also be awarded a Sensasia spa voucher.

Dubai Cares will also reward the first 50 participants to collect 10 points (solve 10 challenges) with an AED 600 Paris Gallery voucher.

Speaking about this new initiative, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares said: “Together with our partner, Dubai Culture, we are incredibly excited to kick off 2018, the Year of Zayed, with an exciting new initiative that pushes boundaries in terms of what the community expects from Dubai Cares. This initiative goes beyond the traditional concept of a scavenger hunt, as it promotes the work of locally based artists, provides an opportunity to explore and learn more about Dubai, offers members of the community a chance to take part in an exciting adventure as well as revisit common values that distinguish us. I urge the citizens and residents of this beautiful city to leave the confines of their homes this winter and embrace the spirit of fun and community by getting involved in the Dubai Cares Scavenger Hunt.”

Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Executive Officer of Culture & Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, commented: “By bringing the community together for an exciting adventure that features creativity at every step, the Dubai Cares Scavenger Hunt, which is held under the patronage of  Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Office at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Hunt promises to continue the values that we embraced during the Year of Giving 2017, while also serving as a memorable introduction to the Year of Zayed 2018. We are proud to be partnering with Dubai Cares to spread the joy of art throughout all segments of society, which furthers the Dubai 2021 Vision for a city of happy, creative and empowered people who proudly celebrate their cultural identities, and to be showcasing UAE artists in line with our own mandate to support and nurture local talent. This sort of initiative demonstrates the power of art to enhance social welfare and happiness, and we welcome all Dubai citizens and residents to take part.”

Diaa Allam, one of the artists who generously devoted his time to participate in this initiative said: “By joining the Dubai Cares Scavenger Hunt initiative, I wish to bring people together through art and beauty. Through my artistic pieces reflecting the beauty of Arabic language and Arabic calligraphy, I would like to convey a meaningful message that motivates and inspires people to become positive contributors to their community and bring about lasting change to those who are most in need.”

The 15 art pieces were inspired by the following themes: Ambition, Commitment, Courage, Creativity, Giving, Gratitude, Happiness, Innovation, Kindness, Leadership, Opportunity, Tolerance, Peace, Resilience and Trust. The artists who have generously devoted their energy and time to this initiative were: Alaa Demachkie, Ananthu Dileep, Ashwaq Abdulla, Dennis Villafuerte, Diaa Allam, Eman Al Raeesi, Halim Khoriaty, Jean Karl Saliba, Khawla Darwish, Lama Khatib, Maisoon Al Saleh, Miaser Al-Habori and Ziyad Sheikh. 

The ‘light bulbs’ were also acquired by the following donors: Dubai Airports, Dubai Investments, Al Tayer Group, Scientechnic, Paris Gallery, and Dubai Mall. Each sponsored ‘light bulb’ will be handed over to the donor at the conclusion of the ‘hunt’.

Amal Al Redha, Director of Fundraising at Dubai Cares said, “This initiative also presents a unique opportunity for companies, organizations and academic institutions to compete against one another in the ‘hunt’. It also offers a chance to bond with others as well as create lasting memories.”