January 19, 2026, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Canadian University Dubai (CUD) students marked an important milestone in their creative development by exhibiting their work at Noor Royal Gallery on January 17 and 18, as part of an exhibition celebrating emerging artistic talent from across the UAE. CUD is proud to share that four of its students were selected to participate in this prestigious exhibition at Noor Royal Gallery in Dubai.
The two-day exhibition brought together 30 selected student artists from universities across the UAE, with four students chosen to represent CUD. The gallery welcomed strong attendance across both days, with sustained interest from collectors, artists, families, and members of the wider cultural community.
The collaboration was initiated when Noor Royal Gallery approached Mr. Sylvain Tremblay, an internationally recognised Canadian artist and Lecturer at Canadian University Dubai, to identify students with strong artistic potential. Four students were subsequently selected to represent CUD, reflecting the university’s commitment to creativity, academic excellence, and experiential learning.
The selected students included Architecture student, Jenna Harchaoui and Creative Industries students Layan Mesmar, Tara Yaghoub, and Lama Eltayeb, each bringing a distinct creative perspective to the exhibition.
Art, identity, and student interpretation
The exhibition was themed “Gen Z: It’s My Way,” inviting young artists to explore identity and self-expression through their own creative perspectives. CUD students approached the theme with maturity and originality, producing works that reflected individuality, creativity, and contemporary artistic practice.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Sylvain Tremblay shared:
“I was proud to see the enthusiasm and confidence the students displayed at their first exhibition, and I am confident it will be a memorable moment for them all.”
A formative first exhibition
For all four CUD participants, this marked the first time their work had been exhibited in a professional gallery setting. The exhibition was attended by family, friends, and members of the public, creating a supportive and celebratory environment as students experienced their work on public display.
Over the course of the two days, the students demonstrated clear growth in confidence and professional presence, engaging with visitors and articulating their creative concepts with increasing assurance.
Supporting student growth beyond the classroom
Exhibiting at Noor Royal Gallery provided students with valuable exposure to a professional gallery environment recognised for its high standards and cultural significance. The experience enabled students to engage with collectors and visitors while gaining insight into professional artistic practice.
This initiative reflects Canadian University Dubai’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and the holistic development of its students. The university looks forward to creating further opportunities for students to participate in exhibitions and cultural initiatives, supporting emerging talent within the CUD community.
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