Latest news with #HalaBadri
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Hala Badri, Dubai Culture DG, speaks at London Art Biennale on art scene
Dubai's creative spirit took the spotlight at the London Art Biennale (LAB, July 16-20) as Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), delivered a keynote address reflecting on the city's transformation into a global centre for the arts. She spoke about Dubai's innovative approach to cultural policy, noting how public art, a vibrant programme of exhibitions and supportive frameworks, is helping shape a dynamic ecosystem for emerging talent. Hosted at the historic Chelsea Old Town Hall, this year's Biennale brought together 350 artists from 60 countries for a museum-quality showcase of contemporary artwork. The event provided a space for artistic dialogue, attracting practitioners, collectors, and visitors from around the world. With UAE-based contributors among the participants, it strengthened the nation's cultural ties worldwide and encouraged meaningful exchange between the Gulf and the wider global creative community. The Gagliardi Gallery, London. In her address, Hala Badri highlighted the momentum behind Dubai's growing arts scene, underlining Dubai Culture's strong support for both homegrown talent and international collaboration. 'We aspire to make creativity part of the everyday experience — to transform the entire city into a living canvas where expression and imagination are not confined to galleries, but encountered everywhere,' she said. She also pointed to recent milestones, such as the introduction of the Dubai Cultural Grant and the long-term cultural visa, as well as the UAE's emergence as a sought-after venue for major international events. During the Biennale, she toured the exhibition with Aarien Areti, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Peter Gagliardi, Director at Gagliardi Gallery and a member of the Biennale's curatorial team. While also in London, she joined a guided tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum Storehouse, led by Isabella Valentini, City & Partnerships Officer at the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF), exploring East Bank with Tamsin Ace, Director of East Bank, where she visited Sadler's Wells East, followed a public art trail, and attended student showcases by the London College of Fashion (LCF). The London College of Fashion. LAB is a museum level award exhibition curated by the International Confederation of Art Critics (ICAC), the Chianciano Art Museum and Gagliardi Gallery. The show is not theme based; so all artistic movements and styles are presented. The focus is on painting, works on paper, sculpture, applied arts and digital art, professionally curated to give viewers and collectors an exciting yet coherent experience, brought together in the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall. Galleries, critics and clients are able to view and appreciate artworks from all over the world, from the UK to the USA, China to South Africa, and from Norway to Italy, with different cultures, styles, ideas and artistic expressions on view that represent the art world in its global entirety. London galleries are regularly invited to see the Biennale. It is LAB's tradition to give help to people in need. Over the years, tens of thousands of pounds have been raised and donated to Rotary International's 'End Polio Now' Charity, London's Air Ambulance and Age UK, among others. ICAC is an organisation that brings together professionals with expertise in art history, curatorial studies, and related fields. It aims to promote art criticism, ensure ethical and professional standards for art critics, facilitate international communication and exchange, and contribute to the understanding of diverse cultures within the art world. It offers services such as curatorial support, graphic design and catalogue realisation, for art events and publications. Victoria and Albert Museum, main entrance. The Chianciano Art Museum houses a series of collections ranging from Asian art to contemporary art. Approximately a thousand works of art are on display. The museum houses works by artists like Salvador Dalí, Mario Schifano, Frances Turner, Brian Willsher, Tom Nash, Damien Hirst, and Albert Louden; drawings from Guercino to Tiepolo, Munch, Magritte, and Guttuso; historic works from royal collections and etchings and engravings by great masters like Dürer and Rembrandt. Since its inception, the Gagliardi Gallery has been promoting innovation and tradition in the contemporary art scene. It has been involved in organising significant exhibitions not just locally, but internationally, partnering with institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. The collaborations have helped bring diverse artistic expressions to a broader audience, enhancing the cultural landscape of London and beyond. Hala Badri speaks at London Art Biennale. Founded by Roberto Gagliardi, the Gagliardi Gallery grew from the shared dreams of Roberto, hailing from Italy, and Marie, originally from Sweden; the couple found a common passion in the world of art, which led them to establish the Gagliardi Gallery in the heart of London's prestigious Chelsea district. The gallery extends its influence beyond conventional gallery bounds, by orchestrating major art events like the London Art Biennale and the Chianciano Art Biennale. The prestigious events, held in collaboration with the Chianciano Art Museum in Tuscany, Italy, gather talent from around the globe, offering artists a platform to showcase their work and engage with the international art community. The Gagliardi Family created the Chianciano Art Museum to house their collections. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) enables and develops the cultural and creative sectors in the emirate as the custodian entity, helping the emirate to define it in both local and global contexts. It manages five of the city's notable heritage monuments, six museums, and eight branches of Dubai Public Libraries.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Gulf Today
ITU innovation award winner Dubai Culture celebrates palm and piano
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has been honoured with the 'Innovate for Impact' award in the Smart Home/Cities category at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations' specialised agency for digital technologies. The award recognises the Authority's pioneering efforts in applying artificial intelligence to cultural heritage preservation through the project 'AI-Enhanced Detection and Prediction at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.' Developed in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the project harnesses remote sensing technology, AI Applications and Geophysical Survey technology such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetic surveys and high-precision mapping, to explore one of the region's most significant Iron Age sites. The research has led to the identification of over 2,500 anomalies that indicate the possibility of the presence of artifacts and features of archaeological significance. 'Receiving this award affirms our commitment to adopting forward-thinking technologies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage,' said Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture. 'By applying AI and other non-invasive methods, we not only safeguard the past but also strengthen Dubai's cultural voice on the international stage.' Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said that 'this recognition is a reflection of our belief that heritage and innovation are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary forces. Projects like Saruq Al-Hadid allow us to lead regionally and globally in redefining cultural heritage preservation.' The collaboration with Khalifa University was instrumental to the success of the project, as the university is the original developer of the cutting-edge non-invasive surveying technology used in the study. Dubai Culture hosts a Piano Camp. Dubai Culture has also announced the second edition of its Summer Blessings event, July 25-27, as part of the Dubai Destinations summer campaign. The event aims to honour the palm harvest season and highlight the cultural and historical significance of the palm tree as a national symbol and an integral part of local tradition. The initiative aligns with the Authority's priority to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage and to elevate its presence on the global cultural map. Hosted at Al Shindagha Museum, the largest heritage museum in the UAE, the programme will feature a variety of interactive workshops and culinary experiences, led by heritage experts. At the Traditional Food House, visitors can join a workshop on preparing 'Betheetha' - a traditional Emirati sweet made from dates, flour, and aromatic spices. Meanwhile, at the Dates Tasting Corner, guests will explore local date varieties and their use in preparing traditional Emirati dishes. They will also discover the secrets of making date syrup 'dibs' and methods for preserving it. In the Life on Land: Water, Flora and Fauna, visitors will enjoy a screening of the documentary 'Palm Harvest', which captures the communal traditions of date picking and the values of generosity and cultural legacy embedded in the practice. Simultaneously, the Turath Centre for Traditional Handicrafts, which is the educational arm of Al Shindagha Museum, will offer training on creating modern items using 'khoos.' In the Children's Pavilion, youngsters can take part in a 'Palm Frond Painting' workshop, where they will learn to create keepsakes using palm leaves. Al Shindagha Museum. In addition, Dubai Culture has allocated a dedicated space within the Visitors' Centre for a Palm Handicraft Market, showcasing a curated selection of handmade items crafted from different parts of the palm tree. The market will also feature the creative works of local artisans, entrepreneurs,and talented individuals, offering them a platform to showcase their crafts to the wider community. The Visitors' Centre will also serve as a gathering space for families to participate in the Sefafah Workshop, where they can be taught the traditional techniques of palm weaving, deepening their connection to the cultural practice. Remarking on the initiative, Abdallah Al Obeidli, Acting Manager of Al Shindagha Museum at Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of the Summer Blessings event in strengthening the bond between future generations and the palm tree, the date harvest season, and associated traditional crafts. 'The palm tree symbolises the generosity and giving spirit of the Emirati people,' he said. 'For decades, it played a vital economic role for the people of the UAE and gave rise to many of the traditional crafts that inspired Dubai's cultural and creative industries.' He further noted that the event contributes to promoting cultural tourism. Dubai Culture has meanwhile announced the launch of the second edition of Piano Camp, held in partnership with House of Pianos. The programme aims to identify promising young musicians and offer dedicated piano instruction. The Piano Camp is part of the Dubai Cultural Grant, a key initiative under the emirate's Quality of Life Strategy. It will run from October 2025 to May 2026, selecting 50 children and teens aged 6 to 17, as well as 10 young adults aged 18 and above. Participants will study both classical and Arabic piano repertoire, building a foundation in music theory and history. The camp features hands-on sessions and masterclasses led by acclaimed local teachers and musicians. The programme includes field trips to leading institutions across the UAE, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and helping forge connections within the cultural community. Dubai Culture invites Emirati musicians to apply. Registration opens August 1 and applications close on September 15.
Hi Dubai
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Culture and Dubai Racing Club Partner to Celebrate Emirati Heritage at Dubai World Cup
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Racing Club (DRC) to promote Emirati heritage and strengthen cultural engagement at the Dubai World Cup. The partnership aims to infuse the globally celebrated sporting event with authentic cultural experiences that reflect the values and traditions of the UAE. The agreement, signed by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and Ali Abdulrahman Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, sets the foundation for joint initiatives that spotlight both tangible and intangible aspects of Emirati culture. The two organisations will collaborate on cultural programming, share expertise, and co-develop experiences that showcase the richness of the UAE's local identity to international audiences. 'This MoU aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his ongoing commitment to preserving our national heritage while projecting it globally,' said Hala Badri. 'Through this partnership, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for local talent and strengthen the cultural and creative industries by providing a world-class platform to share their work.' Badri emphasized that the collaboration will play a vital role in supporting Dubai Culture's mission of safeguarding heritage for future generations. By incorporating creative content and traditional expressions into the Dubai World Cup experience, the initiative aims to enhance community pride and reinforce Dubai's global standing as a cultural and tourism hub. Ali Al Ali noted that the partnership reflects Dubai Racing Club's ambition to blend sport and culture in innovative ways. 'Working with Dubai Culture enhances the Dubai World Cup's identity as more than just a racing event,' he said. 'It becomes a celebration of our roots, traditions, and national values. As we look ahead to the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, this collaboration comes at the perfect moment to spotlight the UAE's enduring heritage on a global platform.' Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has grown into one of the world's most prestigious horse racing events. This new cultural collaboration promises to elevate the spectator experience by integrating artistic and heritage elements that celebrate the spirit of the Emirates. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Mid East Info
7 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Culture and Dubai Racing Club Seal Strategic Partnership to Promote Emirati Heritage - Middle East Business News and Information
Agreement enhances Dubai World Cup's role as a platform for national traditions Dubai, United Arab Emirates –July 2025: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Dubai Culture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Racing Club (DRC) to deepen cooperation in the fields of culture and local identity. Through this partnership, both organisations will develop innovative programming and experiences that highlight Emirati customs, enriching the Dubai World Cup with authentic engagement. This MoU underscores a shared commitment to championing the values and traditions of the UAE internationally. It also supports Dubai's broader strategy of fostering collaboration among local entities, aligning with the emirate's strategic objectives. The agreement was signed by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and Ali Abdulrahman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club. It outlines a framework for joint action that includes sharing expertise, exchanging best practices, and co-developing initiatives to promote tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage. Hala Badri affirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and his ongoing commitment to promoting the nation's cultural values and local heritage on the global stage. She emphasised that the MoU demonstrates His Highness's dedication to fostering greater coordination among local entities and institutions, helping to solidify Dubai's reputation as a forward-looking city. Speaking about the partnership with Dubai Racing Club, she added: 'This collaboration will help strengthen the cultural and creative industries in the emirate. We aim to create new opportunities for talent, encouraging them to showcase their work to international audiences and visitors to the Dubai World Cup. This fully supports the Authority's mission and sectoral priorities to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations, through a series of distinctive initiatives and experiences.' Badri pointed out that the MoU will create fresh opportunities for talent to present their work on the world stage, while bolstering the cultural and creative industries. She added that the partnership with the DRC aligns with the Authority's commitments and sectoral priorities, which focus on safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations. Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting that it reflects DRC's vision to blend culture and sport on a global level. 'Working with Dubai Culture marks a strategic step forward in enhancing the Dubai World Cup and the horse racing experience at Meydan Racecourse,' he said. 'By showcasing the UAE's rich heritage to the diverse audience that attends this prestigious event each year, we aim to focus on more than just the sport, celebrating national identity and honouring the deep-rooted traditions of the Emirates.' He said that since its inaugural running in 1996, and under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup has become one of the most distinguished horse racing events. 'It has evolved into a space where cultures converge, talent is celebrated, and the enduring spirit of equestrian heritage is showcased. This reinforces Dubai's standing as an international hub for cultural dialogue and sporting excellence. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, this partnership reaffirms our commitment to preserving the UAE's legacy and elevating its global presence through a platform that unites authenticity with innovation,' he added.
Emirates 24/7
23-07-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Culture and Dubai Racing Club Seal Strategic Partnership to Promote Emirati Heritage
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Racing Club (DRC) to deepen cooperation in the fields of culture and local identity. Through this partnership, both organisations will develop innovative programming and experiences that highlight Emirati customs, enriching the Dubai World Cup with authentic engagement. This MoU underscores a shared commitment to championing the values and traditions of the UAE internationally. It also supports Dubai's broader strategy of fostering collaboration among local entities, aligning with the emirate's strategic objectives. The agreement was signed by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and Ali Abdulrahman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club. It outlines a framework for joint action that includes sharing expertise, exchanging best practices, and co-developing initiatives to promote tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage. Hala Badri affirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and his ongoing commitment to promoting the nation's cultural values and local heritage on the global stage. She emphasised that the MoU demonstrates His Highness's dedication to fostering greater coordination among local entities and institutions, helping to solidify Dubai's reputation as a forward-looking city. Speaking about the partnership with Dubai Racing Club, she added: 'This collaboration will help strengthen the cultural and creative industries in the emirate. We aim to create new opportunities for talent, encouraging them to showcase their work to international audiences and visitors to the Dubai World Cup. This fully supports the Authority's mission and sectoral priorities to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations, through a series of distinctive initiatives and experiences.' Badri pointed out that the MoU will create fresh opportunities for talent to present their work on the world stage, while bolstering the cultural and creative industries. She added that the partnership with the DRC aligns with the Authority's commitments and sectoral priorities, which focus on safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations. Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting that it reflects DRC's vision to blend culture and sport on a global level. 'Working with Dubai Culture marks a strategic step forward in enhancing the Dubai World Cup and the horse racing experience at Meydan Racecourse,' he said. 'By showcasing the UAE's rich heritage to the diverse audience that attends this prestigious event each year, we aim to focus on more than just the sport, celebrating national identity and honouring the deep-rooted traditions of the Emirates.' He said that since its inaugural running in 1996, and under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Cup has become one of the most distinguished horse racing events. 'It has evolved into a space where cultures converge, talent is celebrated, and the enduring spirit of equestrian heritage is showcased. This reinforces Dubai's standing as an international hub for cultural dialogue and sporting excellence. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in 2026, this partnership reaffirms our commitment to preserving the UAE's legacy and elevating its global presence through a platform that unites authenticity with innovation,' he added.
