Rubu' Qarn Centre concludes digital theatre programme
The local phase featured two specialised workshops:
The first, focused on 'Mime Art', was led by theatre expert Fayeq Al-Humaisi from April 21 to 27. It centred on developing skills in physical expression and facial gestures.
The second workshop, held from May 4 to 9, explored 'Theatre Technology' and was conducted by Mr. Yi Yuping, Head of the Yinchuan Theatre Design Authority, and Professor Xu Qi, a specialist in theatre engineering and former Deputy Director of the Theatre Technology Department at the National Theatre of China.
The event was attended by several prominent figures from both artistic and institutional fields, including directors from the Rubu' Qarn Centre for Theatre and Performing Arts , Liu Yang – Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre in the UAE, and acclaimed Emirati actors Ahmed Al Jasmi and Mohammed Al Ameri. The event also featured a standout performance of the play 'Soft Hands', delivered by programme participants with remarkable creativity and energy, sparking enthusiasm and engagement among the audience.
In a special statement, artist Ahmed Al Jasmi said:
'The Digital Theatre Programme reflects Rubu' Qarn's vision of empowering youth and developing their artistic talents through modern technologies. The creativity and interaction we witnessed today demonstrate the importance of such initiatives in raising a generation that values the arts and their power to build bridges between cultures.'
This phase sets the stage for the international phase of the programme, which will take place in the People's Republic of China from 17 to 31 May. Participants will visit four prestigious academies in Yinchuan, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, where they will present the play 'Towards Fifty', a production that blends Emirati heritage with modern revival, using digital theatre technologies, smart lighting, multimedia, and outstanding performances.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
9 hours ago
- Gulf Today
UAE strengthens global publishing ties in Beijing
Represented by a distinguished selection of established and emerging publishing houses, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is participating in the 2025 edition of the Beijing International Book Fair, shining a spotlight on the UAE's experience in developing its publishing industry, particularly in the fields of children's literature and innovative educational content. This participation in Asia's largest copyrights exchange platform, and the second largest book fair in the world, reflects the EPA's ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, expanding opportunities for international collaboration, and strengthening the UAE's presence on the global publishing stage. The EPA's stand at the fair serves as a vibrant window into the UAE's dynamic publishing landscape, showcasing a unique blend of seasoned expertise and emerging voices in children's literature and educational publishing. Among the participants are publishers who graduated from the 'Onshur' programme—an initiative launched to empower the next generation of publishing entrepreneurs in the UAE by empowering them with professional and technical support. Featured publishers include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution, and Treasurer and Board Member of the EPA, Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing, and Ghassan Rabih, representative of Dar Rabie Publishing. Representing the 'Onshur' graduates are Dr. Asmaa Emara, Founder of Dal for Publishing, a publishing house dedicated to innovative approaches to Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, Founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which specialises in educational content for people of determination and students with autism. Running from June 18-22, the Association's programme at the fair features a series of high-level events uniting content creators and publishing professionals from the UAE and China. A key event on the agenda is the 2025 Global Children's Book Forum, centred on the theme 'Integrated Innovation in Children's Books Amid New Realities.' Through this platform, the Association highlighted UAE's pioneering contributions to the global book industry, particularly in advancing children's publishing and fostering a culture of reading among young minds. The event agenda also features a panel discussion titled 'Nurturing Young Minds: Children's Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,' with participation from publishers, Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside a group of distinguished Chinese children's publishers. Commenting on the Association's participation, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasised that the EPA's presence at major international book fairs represents a strategic opportunity for copyrights exchange, expanding professional networks, and exploring new markets for Emirati and Arabic content. He stated, 'This year, we placed special focus on the UAE's experience in children's publishing—a field that conveys universal messages with a distinctly local spirit, led by young publishers who possess clear vision and genuine passion. By empowering them, we are laying the foundation for a new generation that embodies innovation and authenticity.' He further noted, 'Our participation in the Beijing International Book Fair is an extension of the UAE's broader vision to support creative industries—particularly publishing—as a vital tool for knowledge dissemination and cultural dialogue. Each international platform is an opportunity to project our cultural voice globally and to showcase the wealth of creative potential that the UAE holds. The presence of 'Onshur' graduates at an event of this calibre sends a clear message: the youth are a powerful force shaping the future of Emirati publishing.' Publisher Hamda Al Baloushi described her participation as a significant milestone in her professional journey, highlighting the opportunity it provided for engagement and exchange with publishers from around the world. She added that it had opened new avenues for collaboration and copyrights exchange, particularly in the Asian market. WAM
What's On
11 hours ago
- What's On
How to spend the Islamic New Year long weekend in Dubai
The UAE has officially declared Friday, June 27 a paid public holiday to mark Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1447 AH) . That means we're looking at a relaxed three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday (June 27–29). Whether you're planning a short escape, cultural immersion, or just some quality downtime, these six curated ideas will help you fully enjoy the long weekend in Dubai. Watch fireworks at Bluewaters Island The city will come alive with Islamic New Year celebrations, and if previous years are anything to go by, you can expect a stunning fireworks display at Bluewaters Island, overlooking Ain Dubai. Pair the show with dinner at a nearby spot like The Spaniel or Alici for the ultimate evening out. Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai Marina Step into the past at Al Seef and Heritage Village Stroll along the Dubai Creek and explore Al Seef and the nearby Heritage Village in Al Shindagha. These beautifully preserved areas are packed with traditional architecture, souks, Emirati crafts, and cosy cafés that offer a perfect mix of nostalgia and atmosphere. It's a low-key way to connect with Dubai's roots during a reflective weekend. Location: Al Seef and Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai Discover local art at Alserkal Avenue Dubai's creative hub will be buzzing with exhibitions, pop-ups, and art talks this weekend. Wander through Alserkal Avenue's industrial-chic warehouses turned galleries, enjoy a coffee at Nightjar or Appetite, and check out local design stores. It's a cultural day out that's always full of surprises. Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Reset with a desert yoga session Want to start the Islamic New Year with intention? Book a sunrise yoga or sound healing session at desert wellness retreats like Bab Al Shams or Terra Solis. These peaceful sessions offer a chance to reset and realign under the morning sky, followed by breakfast and a day by the pool. Location: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Terra Solis Dubai Plan a picnic at Al Qudra Lakes If you're after a laid-back escape, Al Qudra Lakes is the place. Just 30 minutes from the city, the man-made lakes offer a slice of desert calm. Bring a blanket, snacks, and enjoy a scenic sunset picnic while spotting swans, ducks and wild oryx. Pro tip: get there by 5pm to avoid the heat. Location: Al Qudra, Dubai outskirts Book a last-minute staycation A long weekend is the perfect excuse to check into one of Dubai's dreamy resorts and soak up some uninterrupted R&R. Whether you're after beachfront bliss, a rooftop pool with a view, or a full spa reset, the city's top hotels have everything you need for a mini escape. Consider Anantara The Palm for overwater villas and island vibes, One&Only Royal Mirage for timeless Arabian elegance, or Address Beach Resort for its Insta-famous infinity pool and buzzing dining scene. For a laundry list of other options – read our best summer UAE staycation list here. Location: Various locations across Dubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi unveil new horror film by Emirati director
22 June 2025 22:41 Abu Dhabi (ALETIHAD)Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the Academy Award-winning film and entertainment studio, have announced the release their next psychological horror-thriller "HOBA", a new feature film by critically acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Majid Al the first Arabic-language Emirati film under the Spooky Pictures and Image Nation slate, HOBA marks a significant step forward for regional genre storytelling. The film is set for release in the UAE on October ("The Vile" in English) tells the story of a devoted wife and mother whose life begins to unravel when her husband returns home with a second wife and an unseen darkness infiltrates her Ross, CEO of Image Nation, said: "HOBA is a bold and compelling film that demonstrates the power of local storytelling on a global stage. We're proud to work with Majid Al Ansari once again and to bring forward a genre film that challenges, disturbs and deeply moves."Steven Schneider, co-founder of Spooky Pictures added: "HOBA is exactly the kind of film we love to champion at Spooky Pictures - intimate, unnerving and emotionally rich. Majid Al Ansari has crafted a story that's both deeply rooted in its cultural context and universally haunting. We're excited to be part of a project that pushes the boundaries of psychological horror while introducing audiences to a powerful up-and-coming voice in genre filmmaking."Starring Emirati actress Bdoor Mohammed ("Blood Wedding", "25 Fils") in the lead role as the first wife, Amani, the film also features Saudi artist and filmmaker Sarah Taibah ("Jameel Jeddan", "Night Courier") as the enigmatic second wife, talent Iman Doghoz ("Makr", "Kaboos") portrays Amani's vulnerable daughter, while Emirati actor Jassem AlKharraz (Zawaj Ella Roba'a, Ala Gad Alhal, Wadima and Halima) plays her father, the cast brings to life a deeply resonant story about family bonds, emotional conflict and the unseen forces that test by horror genre veterans Roy Lee ("Barbarian", "It"), Steven Schneider ("Insidious", "Paranormal Activity"), Derek Dauchy ("Late Night with the Devil", "The Plague") and Rami Yasin ("Hokum") the film blends supernatural tension with culturally grounded storytelling, offering a uniquely regional take on universal fears. Mohamed Hefzy ("Flight 404", "Voy! Voy! Voy!") is executive marks a return to the genre for Majid Al Ansari, whose breakout debut "Zinzana" earned international acclaim and became the first Arab language film acquired by Netflix. Known for blending bold visual style with emotionally charged storytelling, Al Ansari continues to push boundaries in Arab cinema, offering audiences globally resonant narratives grounded in regional Ansari said: "With HOBA, I wanted to tell a story that feels both intimate and unsettling; one that explores real emotional experiences through the lens of genre. It's about love, fear and resilience, and what happens when the familiar turns unfamiliar, when the people we trust most begin to feel like strangers."Hoba is part of a slate of upcoming projects from Spooky Pictures and Image Nation including Charlie Polinger's "The Plague" starring Joel Edgerton, which recently premiered in Cannes' prestigious Un Certain Regard competition, Randall Okita's "Menace" starring Isabel May, and Damian Mc Carthy's "Hokum", starring Adam Scott. Majid Al Futtaim - Vox Independent Distribution is handling the theatrical release for UAE, with Film Clinic handling the rights for post-theatrical in MENA, and AGC International handling the rights for the rest of the world.
