Faten: An Arabic name with playful and profound meanings
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Sharjah 24
7 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Shams launches 'Shams Award for Arabic Content'
Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director General of (Shams), stated that the award aligns with the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to empower Arab creators and content producers while fostering an environment for creativity and innovation. He noted that Shams aims to develop the award annually to adapt to significant transformations in the content industry. The objective is to provide recognition for Arab creativity through diversified categories, facilitating opportunities for creators to reach broader audiences. The 2025 award categories include: Best Short Film, Best AI Video, Best Content Creator, Best Arabic Podcast, Best Film Script, Best Series Script, Best Actress of 2025, and Best Actor of 2025, reflecting the diversity of targeted fields, including digital creativity, audio production, scriptwriting, and acting. Submission and evaluation mechanism Nominations can be submitted via the award's dedicated online platform, with submissions closing on October 31, 2025. The evaluation process is based on precise criteria, including quality of concept, innovation, cultural and social impact, artistic and technical excellence, and adherence to the positive values of Arabic content. Specialized judging committees, comprised of a select group of experts and creatives in the fields of media and artistic production, review all entries to ensure the worthiest winners are selected according to the highest local and international standards. Award categories: 1. Best Short Film This award goes to the top short film that captivates and moves audiences. It looks for strong storytelling, creative directing, and impressive visuals. Judges also consider sound quality, visual consistency, and how well the film communicates its cultural or social message. 2. Best AI Video This award celebrates the best video created using AI technology, either partially or completely. It's based on the creativity of the idea, how technology is used, and how well AI is blended with human creativity. 3. Best Content Creator This award honors the best Arab content creator who showcases originality and engages audiences with fresh ideas. It considers the quality of their content, how often they share it, and how their messages align with cultural and societal values. 4. Best Arabic Podcast This award recognizes the top Arabic podcast that demonstrates excellence in planning and quality sound. Winning podcasts are defined by clear voice, engaging delivery, educational content, and strong listener engagement. 5. Best Film Script This award is for the best script written for an Arab film that hasn't been made yet. Scripts are judged on their plot, storytelling quality, originality, and character development. 6. Best Series Script This award honors the best script for an Arab TV series that is still in the idea stage. Winning scripts are characterized by engaging storytelling and strong character development. 7. Best Actress of the Year 2025 This award recognizes the best female performance in a film or TV show released in 2024 or 2025. Performances are judged on emotional depth, presence, and how well the character is portrayed. 8. Best Actor of 2025 This award goes to the best male performance in a film or TV show shown in 2024 or 2025. Judging criteria include acting skill, emotional expression, and realistic representation of the character.
Filipino Times
8 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Keeping the Filipino identity alive: How an OFW is reviving Baybayin in Dubai
Dubai's streets bustle with over 200 nationalities, reflecting a city where cultures intersect and identities constantly adapt. For many overseas Filipinos living here, it is easy to be influenced by foreign languages and lifestyles, especially when daily life revolves around English, Arabic, and other tongues. Yet even in this multicultural mix, Filipino identity continues to thrive, with Gino Banola as one of its most passionate champions. An OFW, Bicolano artist, and martial arts practitioner, he preserves a piece of his homeland by breathing life into a script many thought was fading into history. Spending 14 years in Dubai carving a life as a 3D designer, entrepreneur, and martial arts practitioner, Banola now adds teaching Baybayin calligraphy to his roles to showcase the beauty and resilience of Filipino culture. Baybayin, a pre-colonial Filipino writing system once considered dying, becomes, in his hands, more than a script—it is art, pride, and a bridge connecting Filipinos abroad to their roots. Inspired by Arabic calligraphy In an interview with The Filipino Times , Banola recalls discovering Baybayin while developing his clothing brand that celebrates Filipino culture, heroes, and heritage. Though he initially didn't know how to read or write the script, experimenting on a whiteboard of his child ignited a passion. 'Nilalagay ko ang Baybayin sa bawat design ng shirt, pero hindi pa ako marunong magsulat at bumasa. Then one time, I tried to write it sa whiteboard ng anak ko, then 'yun na. I found the beauty of it, 'yung flow, and I felt proud of our identity, that we have our own writing system,' he shares. Dubai's own embrace of Arabic calligraphy further shaped his vision. Observing how Emiratis preserve their cultural identity even in the futuristic spaces, such as the Museum of the Future, Banola found inspiration to do the same for Baybayin. He notes that if Arabic script can thrive alongside modern ambitions, the Filipino writing system deserves the same pride and recognition. 'Mayroon din tayo nito. May mailalatag din tayo sa lamesa na pwedeng makipagsabayan sa Arabic Calligraphy, which is the Baybayin or Philippine Script calligraphy,' he says. Although learning Baybayin scripts comes naturally to Banola, his journey is shaped by long nights of practice and research to find his own artistic voice, all while balancing life as an OFW, a parent, and an entrepreneur. He had no mentors, and the process wa largely self-taught, as not many practiced Baybayin calligraphy, especially overseas. 'That's why most of my Baybayin calligraphy is insipred by Arabic calligraphy, kasi 'yun ang laging nakikita ko,' he adds. Introducing Baybayin in Dubai It wasn't long before Banola felt compelled to share his passion with others. Partnering with Krishna of Tribe Creatives, he launched his first workshop in November last year at the Dubai Public Library in collaboration with Dubai Culture. This was followed by a series of workshop that continued to attract both Filipinos and non-Filipinos. 'Nakakataba ng puso na parang naibalik ko ulit sa kanila ang isang part ng identity nila,' he shares. 'For non-Filipinos, namamangha sila na mayroon din tayong sariling way ng pagsulat, at the same time nakakalungkot din kasi nagtatanong sila bakit hindi natin ginagamit.' Just recently, in time for Buwan ng Wika celebration, Banola also held a Baybayin calligraphy workshop in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. 'We should embrace it as Filipinos because no one will do it for us. Isa itong yaman,' he says. A calling to promote and preserve Banola believes that promoting Baybayin internationally can have a greater impact than limiting it to the Philippines, offering a platform to showcase Filipino culture globally. However, teaching abroad comes with its own set of challenges. Even in the Philippines, the script was not commonly used, so introducing it to a foreign country required extra effort. 'Kaya siguro kaunti lang may alam nito lalo na dito sa UAE, kasi marami tayong obligasyon, trabaho, kaya hirap um-attend yung iba sa workshop dahil sa schedule,' he says, adding that he tries to address this by holding workshops on Sundays and choosing easily accessible venues. He also emphasizes the timeliness and broader cultural significance of his work, noting how modern Filipino society is heavily influenced by foreign cultures. 'It's my calling here abroad to promote it, preserve it, and I think it's the right time kasi sa panahon ngayon, naco-colonize na ulit tayo without knowing it,' he says. 'Tandaan natin, mas madali maging alipin ang isang tao kapag hindi niya alam ang kanyang pagakakakilanlan, kaya sobrang importante [ng Baybayin].' Banola's efforts extend beyond workshops. Baybayin was also woven into his teaching of Filipino martial arts, particularly Arnis, both of which he considered as traditional Filipino art forms at risk of being forgotten. 'When I practice or teach Arnis, lagi kong sinasabi na nagba-Baybayin din ako. I always introduce Baybayin, and I also give a Baybayin calligraphy to attendees of workshop as a giveaway,' Banola says Inspiring the youth and future generation After more than a decade of working abroad, Banola built his own family in the UAE, and even for his children, he wanted the Filipino script to serve as a stepping stone to understanding their roots. For Filipinos born and raised in the UAE, Baybayin serves as a bridge to identity, Banola says, as it provides a tangible link to their heritage, offering a deeper understanding of who they are and the richness of Filipino culture. 'I hope my Baybayin art inspires the future generation to find their identity, to be proud as Filipinos, so then they always carry the flag, and represent it sa kahit ano mang ginagawa nila, small or big,' he adds. Through these efforts, he hoped that Filipinos would begin to give Baybayin the recognition it deserves, integrating it into their branding and becoming part of a movement to spread awareness. He believes that if the Filipino community in the UAE collectively adopted Baybayin, its impact would ripple back to the Philippines, especially the younger generation. Through workshops, clothing designs, and martial arts, Banola is ensuring that a script once at risk of fading lives on—linking the past to the present, the Philippines to Dubai, and a sense of identity to every Filipino willing to trace their roots. By reviving Baybayin overseas, Banola reminds the Filipino community that heritage does not fade with distance; it thrives wherever we carry it.
What's On
8 hours ago
- What's On
The biggest museums around the world yet to open in 2025
Zayed National Museum | Photo credit: Foster and Partners Zayed National Museum, one of the UAE's most significant cultural megaprojects, is set to open this year. Four years in the making, art and culture enthusiasts will finally be able to walk through its doors in December 2025. If you've visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, you may have seen the museum slowly taking shape in the background. The five striking steel structures represent the wings of a true regional icon, the falcon. The museum highlights falconry, as it's an important part of the UAE's heritage, and Sheikh Zayed himself was a great enthusiast and promoter of falconry. Historically, the Bedouin community relied on falcons to hunt for food in the harsh desert environment. Today, falconry is celebrated as the UAE's most honoured traditional sport. Inside this architectural marvel, the museum will pay tribute to the inspiring story of the nation and its visionary founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. No date has been announced, but we do know it's in December. It could most likely be on December 2, which is UAE National Day, but this is to be confirmed. Team What's On will be keeping a close eye for any updates. @znmuae Grand Egyptian Museum | Giza, Egypt An admirer of Egyptian art? Then you've likely heard about the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). First announced in 1992, construction began in 2005 and was fully completed in 2023. Though initially slated to open earlier, the launch was delayed due to regional security concerns. Inside, visitors will finally be able to view the complete treasure of King Tutankhamun displayed together for the first time since Howard Carter's groundbreaking discovery in 1922. The collection includes over 5,000 artefacts, including the iconic gold death mask. A highlight of the experience will be a virtual tomb recreation that brings Carter's discovery to life. Beyond King Tut, the museum will showcase over 100,000 artefacts, offering what many consider the ultimate pilgrimage for ancient history lovers. Can't wait to visit? The GEM Complex is currently offering limited access to certain areas ahead of the official opening. These include the Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial area, and exterior gardens. However, the Tutankhamun galleries and the Khufu's Boats Museum will remain closed until the official launch. As of now, the official opening is scheduled for November 1, 2025. That said, given past delays, it's wise to wait until the date is firmly confirmed and tickets are released before booking flights or accommodation. Dib International Contemporary Art Museum | Bangkok, Thailand Dib International Contemporary Art Museum | Bangkok, Thailand | Photo credit: WHY Architecture Set to open in December 2025, this will be Thailand's first museum dedicated to international contemporary art. The museum will showcase the private collection of the Osathanugrah family, who are well-known for their legacy in Thai business, as well as their lineage of artists, philanthropists, and collectors. The vision for the museum came from the late Petch Osathanugrah, a celebrated collector of international contemporary works and masterpieces by Thai artists. Although he sadly passed away in 2023, the dream has been brought to life by his son, Purat (Chang) Osathanugrah. Located in downtown Bangkok, the museum occupies a repurposed 1980s steel warehouse. While much of the original industrial structure has been preserved, it now incorporates striking contemporary design elements. The second floor retains key architectural features, such as traditional Thai-Chinese window frames and ceilings. This balance between preservation and modernity reflects the museum's name, Dib, a Thai word meaning 'raw' or 'natural state.' Visitors can also enjoy a spacious central courtyard, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a cone-shaped mosaic-tiled gallery space called The Chapel, adding to the museum's unique and immersive atmosphere. National Museum of Photography | The Netherlands National Museum of Photography in The Netherlands They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine the stories waiting to be discovered in a museum that will house millions of photographs, each capturing a unique Dutch perspective on the world. With a mission to become the international platform for Dutch photography, the museum is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the country's photographic heritage in all its diversity. Set within a historic nine-storey warehouse in Rotterdam's docklands, the museum will be one of the largest photography collections in the world. How many, you ask? Over 6.5 million photographic images will be held in its archives. Beyond its expansive exhibition spaces, the museum will feature a photography bookshop and library, an education centre, community areas, and if you need a break, a museum café and a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the Rotterdam skyline. An official opening date has yet to be announced, but anticipation is already building for what promises to be a landmark cultural destination. New Museum expansion | New York, USA A rendering of the New Museum Expansion While it may not qualify as a brand-new museum opening, the seven-storey expansion of the New Museum of Contemporary Art on Manhattan's Lower East Side will mark a major transformation. Designed by OMA and led by Rem Koolhaas, the expansion will nearly double the museum's size, introducing a new restaurant and an expanded bookstore. The development will also add dedicated spaces for artist residencies and public programmes, further cementing the museum's role as a hub for experimental contemporary art. One architectural highlight is the atrium stairway, designed to offer sweeping views of the surrounding neighborhood and serve as a platform for innovative art installations. According to the museum's website, the expanded space is scheduled to open in fall 2025. @newmuseum Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America | Colorado, USA Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America | left: Digital Hart Media, right: Getty Images Renaissance art lovers, get ready. North America's first museum dedicated entirely to Leonardo da Vinci is opening this fall. While da Vinci is most famously associated with the Mona Lisa , he was a true polymath whose genius extended across art, science, engineering, and anatomy. Currently, there are only five Leonardo da Vinci museums worldwide; this new addition will bring the total to six and marks the first institution of its kind on the continent. Drawing from da Vinci's legendary sketchbooks, which contain over 13,000 drawings, the museum will offer interactive exhibitions and life-sized replicas of his inventions. These models are produced by the Artisans of Florence, a touring exhibition company closely affiliated with the Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Florence. Whether you're an art historian or simply curious about one of history's greatest minds, this new museum promises a fascinating and immersive experience. @davincimuseumna Like it or not, AI is now woven into our daily lives, and often in ways we don't even realise. From Siri and Alexa to ChatGPT and countless other tools, artificial intelligence is quietly shaping how we live, work, and communicate. Now, it's making its mark on the world of art and culture, with AI-generated art stepping into the spotlight. And that evolution will take centre stage when DATALAND opens its doors in Los Angeles. Housed within a 20,000-square-foot space, DATALAND will immerse visitors in a bold new world of evolving, interactive installations. Powered by an AI model trained on vast datasets from institutions like the Smithsonian, London's Natural History Museum, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the experience will transform natural imagery into dynamic, sensory-rich 'living paintings', complete with soundscapes and even AI-generated scents. On social media, the project describes itself as a space 'where human imagination meets the creative potential of machines.' DATALAND is set to open in late 2025, promising a cultural experience unlike anything we've seen before. @datalandmuseum
