Latest news with #DubaiCollection
Gulf Today
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
ZU students curate Common Grounds show by Dubai Collection @ Art Dubai
Dubai Collection, Dubai emirates's first institutional art collection of Modern and Contemporary art launched in 2021 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is presenting a new exhibition at Art Dubai (Apr. 18 – 20, previews 16, 17). Titled Common Grounds, the show is curated by three Zayed University (ZU) students, Shamsa Al Qubaisi, Maryam Al Zaabi and Sara Al Sulaimani; they are mentored by curatorial advisors Dr. Nada Shabout and Magali exhibition, on view at Madinat Jumeirah, the traditional home of Art Dubai, invites visitors to engage with the Collection through a curatorial lens shaped by education and cultural dialogue. The result of an academic collaboration, the exhibition reflects Dubai Collection's long-term vision to serve as a platform for education, research and cultural preservation. The project also highlights the Collection's role as both an archive and tool supporting research, creativity and the preservation of cultural narratives for the next generation. Common Grounds presents a selection of artworks from Dubai Collection made between the years 1949 and 2024, drawing on different geographic and cultural contexts, speaking to a shared human experience. Guests look at the artworks. It brings together a diverse group of artists, including Talal Al Najjar, Lamya Gargash and Juma Al Hajj and welcomes reflection on the role of art in revealing connections across time, place and identity. Presenting the exhibition at Art Dubai connects Dubai's cultural history with global audiences, underlining the Collection's commitment to preserving and narrating the stories of the city's diverse communities. Following a semester-long academic exploration, the exhibition was developed as part of the course Communities, Curatorial Practices, and Collections taught by Dr. Moya Goosen, College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, ZU. As part of their final project, students used the Dubai Collection as a case study and curatorial resource, developing an exhibition concept grounded in their research. After a review process involving the Dubai Collection's curatorial committee, one project was selected for public presentation at Art Dubai. Student curators – Shamsa Al Qubaisi, Maryam Al Zaabi and Sara Al Sulaimani – then worked under the mentorship of curatorial advisors Dr. Nada Shabout and Magalí Arriola to refine their concept, culminating in Common Grounds. Inter alia, the exhibition provides the students with a global platform to present their ideas and projects, engage with leading industry professionals, enabling audiences to encounter works from the Collection in a new, inter-generational way. Viewing Common Grounds by Dubai Collection. Dubai Collection is run in partnership with Art Dubai Group. It is built through a loan-based model, with artworks contributed by individual and corporate patrons who retain legal ownership, while enabling public access through exhibitions and the Dubai Collection online museum. Muna Faisal Al Gurg, Chair of the Dubai Collection Curatorial Committee and CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said that 'at its core, Dubai Collection is about more than preserving artworks - it is about inspiring thought, supporting talent, and shaping cultural knowledge. 'The collaboration with Zayed University represents the Collection's hybrid role, across digital and physical, as a platform for research, experimentation and dialogue with the public. Common Grounds is a testament to what is possible when our youth are empowered with access, guidance and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Dubai's cultural and academic life.' Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, said that 'working with the students has been particularly rewarding; their perspectives brought new energy to the Collection and reminded us of its potential to inspire the cultural voices of tomorrow.' A visitor with an artwork. Janet Bellotto, Dean College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, ZU, said: 'Opportunities like the Dubai Collection are transformative for our students at Zayed University. They offer a rare and invaluable chance to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with the cultural heartbeat of the region. It links academic learning and professional experience, empowering students to envision their place within the Culture and Creative Industries. These experiences deepen their understanding of curatorial and cultural work and inspire a stronger sense of purpose, relevance and possibility in their creative journeys.' Dr. Nada Shabout, Regents Professor of Art History and Coordinator of Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Initiative at the University of North Texas and curatorial advisor to the exhibition, said: 'Through the Dubai Collection, the students were immersed in the realities of curatorial work, where research meets interpretation, and ideas take form.' Magali Arriola, Director of Museo Tamayo in Mexico City and curatorial advisor to the project, said that 'the students engaged deeply with Dubai Collection, not only as a repository of artworks, but as a curatorial challenge. Their concept, Common Grounds, balances academic rigour with emotional resonance, and offers a thoughtful perspective on how art can connect people across cultures and experiences.' Eyeing a sculpture. Dubai Collection includes over 1,000 artworks by artists from more than 40 countries. It features 22 Emirati artists, both established and emerging, like Hassan Sharif, Abdul Qader Al Rais, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Mohammed Kazem and Sarah Almheiri. Nearly 100 female artists are also represented, with around 20 per cent of the works based outside the UAE, capturing Dubai's international outlook and commitment to cultural exchange. The Collection strives to engage with themes connected with the historical development of the emirate and the UAE. While maintaining focus on the UAE and the region, it's scope is international.
Emirates 24/7
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
Latifa bint Mohammed opens Art Dubai 2025
- Latifa bint Mohammed opens Art Dubai 2025, highlights the vital role of cultural collaboration and youth empowerment - Her Highness witnesses the signing of an MoU between Dubai Culture and Zayed University to foster youth engagement in the cultural sector - Latifa bint Mohammed: Art Dubai continues to be a celebration of creativity and innovation, and a reflection of the cultural diversity that defines our city - 'As we shape our cultural future, platforms like Art Dubai ensure that creativity remains at the heart of Dubai's development and global presence' - Art Dubai 2025 features more than 120 galleries from 65 cities across five continents, underscoring Dubai's position as a global centre for culture and creativity Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, inaugurated the 2025 edition of Art Dubai, the Middle East's leading international art fair. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture, this year's edition features more than 120 galleries from 65 cities across five continents, underscoring Dubai's position as a global centre for culture and creativity. During her visit, Her Highness toured key exhibitions across the fair's diverse sections, including Contemporary, Modern, Digital, and Bawwaba, and engaged with local and international artists and gallerists. She was accompanied by Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and Chair of Zayed University Board of Trustees; Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC); and Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture. HH Sheikha Latifa highlighted how Art Dubai has evolved into a global platform for artistic exchange, further cementing Dubai's role as a vibrant centre for creative dialogue and emerging talent. She said: 'Art Dubai continues to be a celebration of creativity and innovation, and a reflection of the cultural diversity that defines our city. Each edition introduces new voices and narratives that connect us, reminding us of the power of art to bring people and ideas together. As we shape our cultural future, platforms like Art Dubai ensure that creativity remains at the heart of Dubai's development and global presence.' On the sidelines of the event, Her Highness visited the newly unveiled Common Grounds exhibition by Dubai Collection, curated by Zayed University students Shamsa Al Qubaisi, Maryam Al Zaabi, and Sara Al Sulaimani under the guidance of Dr. Nada Shabout and Magalí Arriola. Part of a first-of-its-kind academic collaboration, the exhibition features selected works from the Dubai Collection spanning 1949 to 2024, offering curatorial insight rooted; in educational exploration and cultural research. Reflecting Dubai Collection's long-term commitment to research, education, and community engagement, Common Grounds highlights the emirate's commitment to empowering youth and fostering a sense of cultural responsibility among future generations. As part of efforts to expand this collaboration, Her Highness and Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Dubai Culture and Zayed University. The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University. The agreement establishes a strategic framework for future cultural cooperation, providing students with opportunities for hands-on experience in research, curatorial practice, and creative development through Dubai Culture's extensive ecosystem and initiatives such as the Dubai Collection. Commenting on the MoU, Her Highness said: 'This partnership reflects our conviction that education and culture are deeply interconnected. By empowering students to contribute meaningfully to our cultural landscape, we are not only nurturing emerging talent but also fostering a strong sense of ownership, purpose, and pride among the next generation. Together, we are shaping a cultural future driven by inspired and engaged youth.' Her Highness concluded her visit by reaffirming Dubai Culture's commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and nurturing a sustainable creative ecosystem, one that empowers every artist and creative talent to thrive. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
What's On
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 lovely things to do in Dubai this week: March 10 to 13
So much to do… Looking out for some fun things to do in Dubai this week? There's a cool new foodie district to check out, a new food festival with plenty on the menu, and great ways to relax. Have a great week, and to everyone observing the Holy Month, Ramadan Kareem. Here are 8 fun things to do in Dubai this week Monday, March 10 The coolest district on the block If you want to visit the most loved Ramadan market in Dubai, make a beeline to Ramadan District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Curated by the M2L Concepts, the market blends tradition and heritage with modern fun and entertainment to celebrate this time of joy and togetherness. Expect a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and, of course, food. And don't forget, this Ramadan Market comes with those unforgettable Museum of the Future views. Ramadan District runs from March 8 to 23. Entry is free, but some activities may require a small fee. Read more here. Ramadan District, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Plaza Terrace, Dubai, open from Mar 8 to 23, weekdays, 5pm to 12am, weekends, 5pm to 1am, free entry, Tel: (0)4 370 8909, @ Celebrate art Art lovers, this week there is a series of curated free public events that explore and celebrate art across Dubai. Hosted by Dubai Collection in partnership with Art Dubai, you will visit renowned UAE artists' studios, attend panel talks, and meet with the patrons whose rare and private art collections contribute to the Dubai Collection. There will be workshops for children, too. Some of the exclusive visits includes the studio of renowned Emirati-artist Mohammed Kazem; a tour of A.R.M. Holding Art Collection, one of the UAE's most forward-thinking corporate collections; a visit to the beautiful home of patrons Zina Khair and Majd Suleiman to view their private collection of work dating back to the 1970s. Want to attend? Find out more information, and register here. Various locations across Dubai with Dubai Collection, Tuesday, March 11 Street food festival Now in its third edition, the Ramadan Street Food Festival takes place from Thursday, March 6 to 23, offering plenty of delicious bites for you to enjoy. It takes place in a quaint but bustling little neighbourhood, Sheikh Hamdan Colony. When you visit, you will be spoilt for choice, with over 55 restaurants in the neighbourhood serving up special menus for the occasion. Expect to enjoy bites spanning savoury kebabs to sweet treats, spicy Asian delights, and more. You are sure to come across one of the city's finest hidden gems. Besides feeding your soul, you can enjoy live performances, roaming artists, games at the carnival zone, and art and culture workshops. Ramadan Street Food Festival, Karama Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Dubai, until March 23, @dubaieats Self care This International Women's Day, Hyde Dubai invites women to indulge in a well-deserved escape at Cinq Mondes Spa. Ladies can step into a haven of tranquility and relaxation and 'Cinq' into serenity with a soothing massage and revitalising facial. Enjoy 30 per cent off massages and facials and free pool day access, soaking up the sun and enjoying the iconic views of the Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa whilst sipping on refreshing poolside beverages. Cinq Mondes Spa, Hyde Hotel Dubai, Business Bay, Wednesday 5 to Tuesday 11, from 12 pm to 9 pm, starting from Dhs560 per massage. Tel: +971 4 871 1111, @hydedubai Wednesday, March 12 Light up your Ramadan Love a free thing to do in Dubai? Charge up the camera (or your phone) and head to Al Seef in Old Dubai which offers amazing views of the Dubai Creek, traditional dhows, and old architecture. The neighbourhood has been designed to bring to life the traditional Emirati culture that underpins Dubai's iconic heritage – so it's a must-visit. Over Ramadan, it lights up with light installations and a nightly light show, which you can enjoy for free. You can also enjoy iftar and suhoor here and warm Ramadan tunes. Check the schedule here. Al Seef Dubai, near Al Hamriya, Dubai, until March 30, @alseefdubai Cup of tea? St Regis Downtown Dubai is presenting a special afternoon tea for ladies this March in collaboration with iconic porcelain brand Ginori 1735. On the tiers, there's duck tatlet, smoke chicken on quinoa rolls, and beef and truffle buns. For the sweet tooth, there's classic raspberry cheesecake, finger lychee cake, rhubarb mini tart, and more. Additionally, there is a sharing giant cookie flavoured with strawberry to share. St Regis Downtown Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, throughout March, Dhs210 coffee, tea and non-alcoholic bubbles, Dhs295 with bubbles, Tel: (0)4 512 5555. @stregisdowntowndubai Thursday, March 13 And stretch… SEVEN Wellness Club has teamed up with Verde Beach this March, offering new yoga and Pilates classes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Your yoga session here will blend expert-led yoga and Pilates with the serenity of the beachfront environment. Verde has also created a curated breakfast menu exclusively for the SEVEN Wellness community, so you can indulge in a thoughtfully designed post-class breakfast. Members can book through the SEVEN Wellness app, and non-members can download the app to receive a welcome credit that can be used towards the class. Seven Wellness Club x Verde Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, Tues, Thurs and Sun in March, Tel: (0)4 228 5053. @verdebeachdubai Break your fast Madinat Jumeirah transforms into a majestic Majlis this Ramadan. The buffet here is vast, featuring delicious dishes spanning mezze, mains featuring delicious Arabic mains, plus international dishes including sushi. At the dessert station, there's dates, knafeh, chocolate treats, and ice cream. The space is perfect for spending time with friends, family, or colleagues, offering up a traditional experience with light instrumental Arabic music. Madinat Jumeirah, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs330, Dhs165 children five to 11 years. Tel: (0)4 366 5500.
