Abu Dhabi,TNM: More than 1,000 healthcare professionals from 35 countries came together at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi to create a massive 250-square-metre floral carpet as a tribute to the strength, resilience and progress of the UAE. The grand pookalam, one of the highlights of this year’s Onam celebrations at BMC, was completed after 20 hours of collective effort by healthcare workers from across the medical city. At its centre was an artistic depiction of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, shown placing his hand on his chest in a gesture of greeting. The concept for the floral carpet was developed under the leadership of Malayali nurses and administrative staff at BMC, bringing together employees from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Inspired by Words of Resilience
The theme of this year’s pookalam was inspired by the UAE President’s message that the country remains strong and resilient and will emerge from challenges even stronger. Those words of hope and confidence became the central theme of the floral artwork. The design beautifully portrayed the UAE’s remarkable journey of development — from traditional camel caravans to the modern Etihad Rail — symbolising the nation’s journey from its heritage towards the future. The artwork conveyed a message of progress driven by vision, determination and a commitment to building a better future while preserving the values of the past. At the heart of the floral carpet stood BMC’s iconic sand pendulum, symbolising the passage of time and continuity. Through the artwork, the healthcare workers also drew a parallel between the spirit of Onam, which celebrates togetherness, care and community, and the UAE’s ability to face challenges with confidence and resilience.
“Our strength lies in leadership and mutual trust, and the pookalam represents the progress achieved by the UAE,” said Ameera Al Qathery, Emirati national and Assistant Director of Nursing at Burjeel Medical City. Dr. Mujtaba Ali Khan, CEO of Burjeel Medical City, said the floral carpet was a tribute to the UAE’s spirit of overcoming challenges and moving forward with confidence.
The celebrations continued around the pookalam, with healthcare workers taking part in Thiruvathira and traditional Onam games. The annual pookalam at Burjeel Medical City has become a major attraction of Onam celebrations in the UAE’s healthcare sector. Each year, the floral artwork highlights a theme of national significance, bringing together healthcare professionals from different nationalities to celebrate cultural diversity, unity and the UAE’s remarkable journey of progress.
