With Wide Student Participation, Thamar University Launches a Visual Arts Competition to Commemorate Martyrs' Week and Coincide with the Third Anniversary of Al-Aqsa Flood Operation
□ Thamar University Media / Jumad Al-Awwal 28, 1448. November 8, 2026
■ Thamar University launched a fine arts exhibition and competition today, Sunday, in the fields of drawing, calligraphy, sculpture, and video editing. The event was organized by the Vice Presidency for Student Affairs, represented by the General Directorate of Youth Welfare and the Student Forum, under the patronage of Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Haifi, the Rector of the University.
This event commemorates the annual Martyrs' Week and coincides with the third anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, under the slogan "The blood of the martyrs is the essential means to achieve victory for the Palestinian cause."
The event, held in the Martyr Al-Ghumari Hall at the Central Library, was attended by both faculty and students, reflecting the interest in cultural and artistic activities as a broad platform for discovering student talents, developing creative abilities, and providing students with an opportunity to express their national and humanitarian concerns through various art forms.
In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Abdulkafi Al-Rifai, the Vice-Rector of the University for Student Affairs, emphasized that the exhibition represents an important opportunity for students to showcase their artistic talents and potential. He noted that this event is just the beginning of a series of activities and exhibitions that will continue throughout the coming week, as part of a cultural and artistic program that embraces students' creativity and diverse contributions.
Dr. Al-Rifai explained that submissions will be accepted starting tomorrow for an art workshop and a new art exhibition next Saturday at the Fine Arts Building on campus. The exhibition will address the crimes of the Saudi aggression against our beloved homeland, as well as the American and Israeli attacks against Yemeni people and the peoples of the Arab and Islamic world, beginning with the aggression against Palestine and extending to several other Arab and Islamic countries. This will allow for the documentation of current events and issues through artistic and creative works.
He pointed out that the current stage necessitates strengthening social cohesion and integrating the roles of different segments of society. He emphasized that the university views these exhibitions as an expression of its institutional stance, and the stance of its staff and members, regarding the crimes of the enemies and their attempts to undermine the security, safety, and unity of our nation.
He called on all members of the university community to attend, participate, and pay closer attention to the cultural and awareness-raising aspects of the event. He also encouraged students to contribute to enriching these activities through drawing, calligraphy, sculpture, and literary works included in the competition, such as video editing, to express their feelings towards their homeland, the martyrs, and the issues that concern the conscience of society. He noted that the judging panel consists of Dr. Essam Wasel and Dr. Hamoud Al-Dhabiani.
From his part, Professor Dr. Abdulkarim Zabiba, the Vice-Rector of the University for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, affirmed that the exhibition represents an integral part of the educational process and an opportunity for artists and talented individuals to express their feelings, emotions, and stances on national and humanitarian issues through artworks that embody their vision of events and document current developments.
He pointed out that art is not isolated from its social and human environment, but rather represents an effective means of expressing awareness and stances, and highlighting the effects of attacks targeting the resources of nations and civilian infrastructure, including commercial markets and social events.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing students' artistic talents in documenting these issues and conveying their messages to the public.
In the same vein, Professor Dr. Essam Wasel, the Assistant to the University Rector for Centers Affairs, spoke about the importance of the organizational aspect in ensuring the success of this exhibition. He noted that it is part of a series of cultural and artistic activities implemented by the university, and embodies its commitment to providing a suitable environment for student and creative initiatives, thus enhancing the presence of art and culture in expressing societal issues and positions.
From his part, Dr. Hamoud Al-Dhabiani, a member of the judging panel, called for expanding student and community participation in the upcoming exhibition at the Department of Art Education, entitled "Siege by Siege," which is dedicated to the artistic documentation of the confrontation waged by Yemeni people and highlighting the repercussions of the siege through artistic and creative works.
He emphasized that the exhibition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic talents and abilities, and to express their patriotic and humanitarian sentiments towards their homeland and the Islamic nation.
The opening ceremony included a moving poetry reading by Yusra Al-Faqih, a student from the Institute of Continuing Education and the sister of a martyr. In her poem, she expressed feelings of loss and loyalty to the martyrs, a contribution that deeply touched the audience and garnered their appreciation and interaction. Her poetry added a human dimension to the exhibition, embodied by the poetic words alongside the artwork.
The event was attended by Professor Dr. Adel Abdulghani Al-Ansi, the Vice-Rector of the University for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Hutrum, the General Secretary of the University, Ahmed Al-Amri, the General Director of Student Activities at the University, several deans and their deputies, representatives from the University Student Forum, and a number of university leaders and staff members.
The exhibition is organized as part of Thamar University's efforts to revitalize cultural and artistic activity among students and nurture young talent, preparing them to compete with their best entries in the central competition held by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Sana'a.
Link to exhibition photos:
https://t.me/tueduye/26857