Emirati artist Diaa Allam’s mural became the visual language for a celebration of achievement, empowerment and gender balance at Abu Dhabi Energy Center.

ADNOC marked Emirati Women's Day 2022 under the theme Inspiring Reality... Sustainable Future at Abu Dhabi Energy Center. The annual occasion celebrated the achievements and aspirations of Emirati women, culminating in the Gender Balance Awards.


For its third consecutive year delivering the event, Evolution drew the complete visual approach from a mural by Emirati artist Diaa Allam. The artwork was not treated as a backdrop alone; its forms and character were carried into the stage, décor and audience activations.


This created an event identity with a clear cultural source, linking the theme of empowerment to the work of an Emirati artist and giving the celebration consistency from pre-conference engagement through to formal recognition.

The Challenge


The event needed to balance two modes: participatory activations that could engage ADNOC staff before the conference, and a formal awards environment capable of giving the Gender Balance Awards appropriate significance.


Using an existing artwork as the design foundation also required discipline. The mural needed to remain recognisable while being translated across different scales and functions without becoming repetitive or decorative.

Interactive art gallery displaying works by local female artists on custom plinths

The Solution


Evolution developed pre-conference activation concepts that introduced the event's message before guests entered the formal programme. These touchpoints created an immediate space for reflection and participation rather than asking the stage alone to carry the theme.


Elements of Diaa Allam's mural were then integrated across the stage design and décor. Colour, graphic rhythm and composition gave the room one visual language while allowing individual features to respond to their specific purpose.


The Gender Balance Awards received a focused presentation environment aligned with the wider event identity. The transition from staff engagement into recognition therefore felt like a progression within the same story, not a separate awards package added at the end.


Evolution managed concept development, production and delivery as one process, preserving the relationship between the original artwork, the event theme and the live programme.

Delivery Highlights


  • Third consecutive Emirati Women's Day edition delivered by Evolution.
  • Creative identity based on a mural by Emirati artist Diaa Allam.
  • Pre-conference activation concepts for ADNOC staff.
  • Mural-inspired stage design and event décor.
  • Dedicated Gender Balance Awards environment.
  • Integrated concept, production and live delivery.

Outcome


The event gave ADNOC's Emirati Women's Day celebration a distinctive visual identity rooted in local artistic expression. Guests encountered the mural's language through participation, environment and recognition rather than as a single isolated artwork.


The awards programme became the natural conclusion to an experience already centred on achievement, empowerment and a sustainable future.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

ADNOC 


Evolution Events: Led the creative concept, artist-led interpretation, staff activations, awards programme, production management and live delivery.


Evolution Scenic: Translated the mural into the stage design, décor, activation settings and Gender Balance Awards environment.


Additional Support:

Evolution Furniture, Evolution Technical