Dr. Mohamed Yousif and Dr. Najat Makki, 1990. Bologna, Italy. Photo courtesy of the Emirates Fine Art Society.
In June 1990 during the 14th FIFA World Cup in Bologna Italy, the United Arab Emirates was part of an exhibition with other countries featuring visual and folk arts, performances, dances and book fairs. As part of the visual arts, the Emirates Fine Art Society represented the UAE. The Arts Society was the first and only art society as formed in Sharjah in 1980. This photo features artist Dr. Mohamed Yousif (b. 1953, Sharjah, UAE), then the Chairman of the Arts Society and Dr. Najat Makki (b. 1956 Dubai, UAE) painting a mural. Other participating artists of this work include Abdul Qader Al Rais (b. 1951, Dubai, UAE) and Abdul Raheem Salem (b. 1955, Dubai, UAE). To further show their hospitality and culture, camels were brought to Italy and dates were served throughout the event.