Five brands to look for as the Mirbad pop-up returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat
The Mirbad pop-up has returned to Abu Dhabi's Manarat Al Saadiyat and will run until 10 March, with more than 120 designers and entrepreneurs offering homeware, clothing, jewellery, perfume and food. The bi-annual fair, which began in 2011 as a way to support local talent and revive the traditional souq, is now bigger than ever. This season's theme is Mirbad: The Night and its Stars. There is also an added twist of Egyptian nostalgia that is especially evident at the Mirbad Cinema, which is showing an Umm Kulthum hologram performance, as well as screening vintage Egyptian and Arabic films. Of course no pop-up is complete without plenty of shopping, making this the perfect place to search for Eid gifts. This year Mirbad is hosting a wide variety of brands from across the UAE, as well as further afield. They include Dubai clothing label R&A Signature and its pretty, embroidered separates, the elegant creations of L'Posh Abayas, as well as locally made jewellery. They will be alongside international names such as Spanish shoe retailer Flabelus and Shresht, which is bringing its embroidered fashion from India. To help you navigate the talent on display, we've picked five brands to start with at the pop-up. Hot on the heels of a jewellery collaboration with Fozaza, Maveroc founders Ibrahim Lamrini and Rita Chraibi are bringing their blend of cool rings, bracelets and necklaces to the capital. With snappy collection names such as What Ever, Half Half, Dial-Up and Retro it is pretty safe bet that the corresponding designs will have more than a dash of street about them. All made with 18ct gold, as well as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, Maveroc also uses tourmaline, lapis lazuli, agate, mother of pearl, onyx and malachite, so customers can be sure they are paying for quality. Check out the fragrances at Mazrouie, a homegrown perfume house know for its chic packaging - heavy glass bottles with classic black lids, and glass-stoppered decanters for the larger size - and its enduring scents. These include the romantic florals of ylang ylang, the green undertones of zesty gardenia, and the warm earthiness of patchouli oud. With prices starting at just over Dh400, this is a great way to support local talent without breaking the bank. Traditional Emirati jewellery maker Thahab Lawal creates beautiful pieces in yellow gold. The intricate and complex pieces are studded with pearls and gemstones. There are dazzling chandelier earrings, statement rings and necklaces that range from chic collars - often with fringes of dangling discs - worn high around the neck, to long lariat styles that fall down the torso and come finished with amulets or as multi-strand creations. This Moroccan kaftan brand is bringing its vibrant North African robes and kaftans to the festival. It offers traditional belted takchita robes distinguished by the lavish gold threadwork on the front, as well as colourful, striped jalabiyas that are designed for comfort with large hoods, and relaxed, patterned robes. Another jewellery brand featured is L'Atelier Nawbar from Lebanon. Already well known for its contemporary take on adornment, this stylish little brand can be relied upon to deliver something interesting, whatever the occasion. For Ramadan it has created a series of pendants featuring symbols of protection, such as the hand of Fatima, the moon and the stars, and all made in 18ct gold. Visitors can enjoy a traditional oud player and henna art, while those who prefer a more hands-on evening can have a go at candle-making, and crochet and bracelet-making workshops. A perfume masterclass offers a unique opportunity to learn more about oud, the fragrant resin from the agar tree. In addition to supporting local and regional brands, Mirbad will continue its fundraising programme, having raised more than Dh1 million for charitable causes to date. This year's beneficiaries are the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation and the SEDRA Foundation, which both support initiatives across the UAE.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
15 hours ago
- Web Release
Emirati Artists Take the Stage at London's Kensington Palace
Emirati performers captivated audiences at Kensington Palace with a night of operatic music, presenting a vibrant showcase of UAE culture on a prestigious international stage. The event featured talented artists Fatima Al-Hashimi, Ahmed Al-Housani, and Ihab Darwish, who performed pieces in Arabic, Italian, and English. This concert was part of the Abu Dhabi Festival's Abroad program, held in partnership with the Peace and Prosperity Trust. The initiative aims to highlight Emirati cultural heritage through classical music while encouraging cross-cultural exchange. A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, stressed the significance of such events in promoting cultural understanding. 'If we do not tell our story, someone else will. And they will get it wrong,' she said. Alkhamis-Kanoo described the showcase as more than a one-time event, but as an ongoing commitment to bringing Emirati talent to the world stage. She added, 'It's about creating understanding, building dialogue, and showing the world the strength of our cultural identity through music. We invest in the young, we partner with the world, and we build cultural legacies that last.' Blending Tradition with Innovation The evening featured the debut of Ihab Darwish's new composition, Ruins of Time, which fused orchestral sounds with traditional Arabic influences. Darwish remarked, 'Music is the fastest way to reach people. It creates peace, it creates understanding. Music removes boundaries. It creates a shared language, a dialogue of coexistence, peace, and tolerance.' Meanwhile, Fatima Al-Hashimi explained her approach to preserving Arab identity within classical music: 'Even while singing in Italian, I included Arabic lyrics to keep our signature present.' Ahmed Al-Housani reflected on the significance of the event, calling it a 'professional milestone' and emphasising, 'Performing here is more than a concert, it's a message. We're here to show the world the strength and beauty of our culture.'
Campaign ME
17 hours ago
- Campaign ME
L'Oréal Paris redefines ‘Sit Al Bait' in empowering Middle East campaign
L'Oréal Paris, in collaboration with FP7 McCann Dubai, McCann Paris, and Current Global MENAT, has launched a new campaign under its Women of Worth platform — rolling out across the Middle East. Rooted in cultural nuances of the region, the campaign builds on L'Oréal's long-standing commitment to women's empowerment — while challenging the language that continues to shape female identity in the region. The campaign's out-of-home presence debuted in Beirut, with upcoming rollouts in Riyadh, Dubai, and across the region. Further activations are planned to continue building on the long-term vision behind Sit Al Bait. The hero film features actress Yasmine Sabri and actress Aseel Omran, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with women across the region. As the narrative unfolds, we see them take to the streets, displaying the power of words that makes all the difference in the messaging – two missing Arabic letters 'al' that transform the meaning of the words 'sit bait' (housewife) into 'sit al bait' (woman of the house), rewriting the narrative, and restoring value to the unseen labor of millions of women. Commenting on the campaign, Christian Bou Khalil, Marketing Director MENA, L'Oréal Paris, said, 'Sit Al Bait is more than a cultural phrase, it is a statement that speaks to the very core of our brand's values: empowering women to define themselves on their own terms.' Christian Bou Khalil, added, 'We are proud to challenge narratives and elevate the evolving role of women in society as leaders, changemakers, and visionaries. It's a reminder that empowering women begins by recognizing the value they already hold—because they're worth it.' In a region where cultural expectations have long cast women primarily in the role of caregiver or housewife, this L'Oréal campaign is a timely reminder that women can be, and already are, so much more: leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs and changemakers. They can be whatever they decide to be. A new study by L'Oréal Paris reveals that more than half (53 per cent) of men and women in the Middle East believe the term 'housewife/sit bait' does not entirely reflect the evolving role of women in 2025. Additionally, a series of focus groups further revealed a stronger emotional response to the 'Sit Al Bait' phrasing, with participants describing it as a 'badge of honour' and 'a way to finally feel seen'. 'My late mother raised me to ignore any label or name calling that shrinks us. Arab women run their lives and their homes with power and precision. Yet we're often pushed into the background and told to take pride.' said Manar Munjed Abdulla, Associate Creative Director at FP7 McCann. She added, 'With this campaign, I wanted to reclaim worth, and to help other women do the same. I knew the change would make some people proud and others uncomfortable. But it was necessary to break a cliché and rewrite our place in the world. Because no one else will do it for us.' CREDITS Client Marketing Director MENA Christian Bou Khalil SAPMENA CPD General Manager Adrien Koskas Global Brand President Delphine Viguier-Hovasse Deputy General Manager SAPMENA CPD Khalid Dugmag General ManagerSAPMENA Juliana Gómez H Senior Vice President Global Image & Content Olivier Monteil Deputy General Manager – Global Martin Crosnier International Marketing Director – South Asia Hub Chih-Ying Chang Hub Director – MENA Nadine Fouad International Project Manager – Emerging AME Hub Nay Sader General Manager Consumer Products Middle East Ahmed Wagih General Manager – GCC Elsa Kalaydijiane Brand Business Lead – GCC & Levant Sara Sakaya Brand Advocacy Manager Hiba El Assir Corporate Affairs & Engagement Director – Middle East Jihane Bachir Group PR & Advocacy Director, Corporate Affairs & Engagement Zeina Haddad Managing Director – Lebanon Emilie Wahab Head of Brands – Lebanon Christelle Khoury Creatives Regional Chief Creative Officer: Federico Fanti FP7 McCann Dubai Global Chief Creative Officer: Julien Calot McCann Paris Executive Creative Director: Nayaab Rais FP7 McCann Dubai Global Executive Creative Director: Rob Brown McCann Paris Creative Director: Eric Groza FP7 McCann Dubai Head of Arabic: Manar Munjed FP7 McCann Dubai Art Director: Anton Stolpovskii FP7 McCann Dubai PR Manager Roksar Kamal FP7McCann MENAT Copywriter: Daniel Zaldumbide FP7 McCann Dubai Associate Creative Director: Rob Hall FP7 McCann Dubai Creative Operations Director Cynthia Sarkis FP7 McCann Dubai Senior Creative Ops Coordinator Christina Abouzeid FP7 McCann Dubai Creative Excellence Manager Sofia Serrano FP7 McCann Dubai Senior Finalizer Rahim FP7 McCann Dubai Senior Finalizer Ahmed Nadeem Client Service Nima Askari General Manager FP7 McCann Dubai EVP Global Business Director Lisa Conway McCann Paris President / EVP Global Leader L'Oréal Charlotte Franceries McCann Paris Account Director: Dalia Hosny FP7 McCann Dubai Miral Saad FP7 McCann Dubai Account Manager: Freddy George FP7 McCann Dubai Account Executive Eman Sami FP7 McCann Dubai Account Director MCP Sabrina Rodreguiez McCann Paris International Account Manager: Shruti Namibar McCann Paris
Al Etihad
18 hours ago
- Al Etihad
ALC opens nominations for 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award until September 1
11 June 2025 14:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has opened nominations for its 20th edition, accepting applications from June 11 until September 1, 2025. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the award's establishment, this special edition reflects its pioneering journey in enriching the cultural and literary landscapes, and strengthens its presence as an international platform supporting intellectual and creative excellence, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for inter-civilisational dialogue and cultural as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the Arab world, the SZBA accepts submissions across 10 categories: Literature, Translation, Contribution to the Development of Nations, Arab Culture in Other Languages, Children's Literature, Editing of Arabic Manuscripts, Literary and Art Criticism, Young Author, Cultural Personality of the Year, and Publishing and announcement follows the conclusion of the award's 19th edition, which received more than 4,000 nominations from 75 countries, including 20 Arab nations. Several countries were participating in the award for the first time, including Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali, which highlights the award's growing prominence on the regional and international cultural Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'As the Sheikh Zayed Book Award enters its 20th edition, we celebrate its remarkable journey and enduring impact on the global cultural and literary landscape. Its mission is more relevant than ever, to foster dialogue and knowledge, advance the Arabic language, and champion the exchange of ideas across boundaries. As we look to the future, the award remains a powerful force for shaping minds, enriching lives, and inspiring future generations. In the years to come, the award will continue to reflect the values that lie at the heart of our emirate's vision.'Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC and Secretary-General of the SZBA, said: 'The 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award marks a significant milestone following two decades of uninterrupted cultural work and achievements that have left their mark on the Arab and international literary and intellectual scenes." Bin Tamim added, "Under the patronage of our wise leadership, the award has established itself as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange, cementing the power of the written word to shape human civilisation and the future. Today, as we launch this new edition of the award, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting creative minds, preserving the Arabic language, and promoting culture as a cornerstone of comprehensive development."'We are proud of the tangible impact the award has made on the cultural landscape in its 19 years, during which we received over 30,000 nominations from more than 80 countries and honoured 136 winners across its various categories. These figures are not mere statistics, but a living testament to the growing confidence the award inspires among literary and intellectual circles. They assert the leadership role it plays in advancing authorship, translation, and critical studies, underlining its contributions towards promoting cultural dialogue, in line with the UAE's vision and mission to support human development.'Nomination conditions for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award stipulate that each candidate may nominate one work to one category, and the work must not have been nominated for any other prize in the same year, either directly or through a representative. Submitted works should also carry a valid International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to ensure the author's intellectual property rights are award will not be granted to any work that has previously won a major Arab or international prize, however, resubmission is allowed, provided the stipulated time gap has been met and new copies of the work are also allow authors to self-nominate or be nominated by publishers who may apply only for works they have issued, on the condition that the publisher receives written consent from the author. Nominated books need to have been published within the last two years at most, and should not have won any major international submitted works should be written in Arabic, except those submitted under the Editing of Arabic Manuscripts category, which can be in other languages, as well as the Translation category (whether translated into or from Arabic) and the Arab Culture in Other Languages category, where works published in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian are the Cultural Personality of the Year award, candidates must be nominated by academic, research, or cultural institutions; literary bodies and universities; or by three prominent intellectual and/or cultural figures. Nominees for all other categories must personally fill out the nomination forms on the SZBA official its initial launch in 2006, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has served as a prominent international platform for creativity, promoting Arab publishing, and fostering inter-civilisational dialogue, drawing inspiration from the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award continues its mission to empower creative minds, fuel intellectual production, and elevate the global standing of the Arabic language, all in line with a strategic vision that reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a global hub for cultural dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance. To submit a nomination to the 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, or for more information about the submission process and forms, visit the official SZBA website ( which offers up-to-date and comprehensive information in English and Arabic. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
