Latest news with #Lutfi
Gulf Today
20-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Ajman accords special reception to Saudi-bound Hajj pilgrims
Ajman Transport Authority organised a special reception for Hajj pilgrims travelling from the UAE to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj rituals. The event took place at the main station in coordination with Bilad Al-Sham Passenger Transport Company, which provided buses for the pilgrims' journey to the Holy Land. The reception was held in partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent, where volunteers, along with Authority staff and their families, distributed copies of the Holy Qur'an, dates, and umbrellas to the pilgrims. They also provided logistical and field support, ensuring a smooth departure in an atmosphere of humanitarian spirit and community solidarity. Omar Mohammed Lutfi, Director General of the Authority, emphasised their commitment to supporting national and humanitarian initiatives during the Year of Community. He highlighted the provision of facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for pilgrims travelling from the UAE to the Holy Mosque. This collaboration reflects the values of solidarity and community partnership that characterise the UAE. Lutfi affirmed the Authority's dedication to offering diverse services to all segments of society, showcasing Ajman's civilised and humanitarian image across various occasions.
The National
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: Masterpieces at Christie's and a Turner-nominated work in Sharjah
Art Dubai may have concluded, but the local scene is maintaining the momentum. A Christie's exhibition of modern and contemporary Middle Eastern masterpieces and a solo exhibition by Egyptian artist Huda Lutfi are among the highlights in the city. There is also lots to see in other emirates, including a solo show by Saudi artist Abdullah Al Othman and a presentation at the Sharjah Biennial that is in the running for the Turner Prize. The Christie's auction of Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art has returned with an all-star selection. The sale is a potent representation of the diverse practices shaping the region's contemporary art. There are works that represent Nadia Saikali's gestural abstraction, the kaleidoscopic dynamism of Samia Halaby, the rippling portraits of Marwan, the calligraphic experimentations of Mohamed Melehi, Malika Agueznay and Dia Azzawi, as well as paintings by Helen Khal that show her figurative beginnings, and the ethereal canvases she is particularly known for. Other notable figures featured in the auction include Inji Efflatoun, Kamal Boullata, Etel Adnan, Aref El Rayess, Laila Shawa, Paul Guiragossian, Nabil Anani, Fateh Moudarres and Yvette Achkar. Monday to Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-5pm; until May 8, Christie's Dubai Lutfi is known for her cross-disciplinary practice that draws from historical research as well as feminist critique. Her fourth solo exhibition at The Third Line brings together works from three recent series. These include When Dreams Call for Silence (2019), which presents human figures in surreal domestic scenes. In Our Black Thread (2020–2021), Lutfi explores how creating is an act of healing. The series began as Lutfi casually wove threads from used teabags and car filters. The minimalist compositions, with their restrained monochromatic palette, 'amplify the introspective meditation that fuelled their making', the exhibition guide states, 'but also evoke the historical association of craftsmanship as feminine labour and its complex relationship to art'. This approach is sustained in her continuing series Healing Devices, which feature organic and geometric paper cutouts set against gold and silver backdrops. The series draws from the illustrations in The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, a 1206 work by the Arab polymath Ismail Al-Jazari. Monday to Sunday, 11am-7pm; until May 27, The Third Line, Dubai This presentation from the 2025 Sharjah Biennial has been nominated for the Turner Prize. The work was created by Korean-Canadian artist Zadie Xa, in collaboration with Spanish artist Benito Mayor Vallejo. It features several disparate elements, which take cues from Korean shamanic traditions. These include paintings and a chandelier-like piece comprising more than 1,000 brass bells arranged in the shape of a conch shell. Saturday to Thursday, 9am-9pm; Friday 4pm-9pm; until June 15; Al Hamriyah Studios, Sharjah Al Othman's work is greatly informed by the visual language of the region's cities. The Saudi artist is known to wander around Riyadh, collecting materials and images from its architecture and linguistic history that he then incorporates into his work. Structural Syntax is his first solo show in the UAE. The exhibition is designed to steep visitors in Al Othman's unique perception of urban landscapes and prompt questions about the way we navigate our surroundings. Works include Anticipation, which makes use of neon lights, a material with which Al Othman has become synonymous. His Untitled (Coca Cola) playfully appropriates the brand in an installation featuring a sign in Arabic, industrial materials, metal and paint. Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm; until June 27; Iris Projects, Abu Dhabi
Web Release
11-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Emirati Artist Abdulla Lutfi To Mark Autism Awareness Day with Dubai Mall Exhibition
Business and Economics Web Release Selection By Editor_wr On Apr 11, 2025 We are excited to share that to mark World Autism Awareness Day, Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi is joining forces with ftNFT for a groundbreaking exhibition at ftNFT's Phygital Space in Dubai Mall, on 14th April, 2025. This unique event will blend physical and digital art to create an immersive, thought-provoking experience like never before. The exhibition will showcase Lutfi's stunning works, including a special piece created for the AKNEYE project, as well as a live performance on an eye-shaped canvas. The exhibition is dedicated to raising awareness for autism and advocating for people of determination, with Lutfi using his personal experiences as an autistic savant to inspire and foster understanding. We would be thrilled to have you join us at ftNFT's Phygital Space on 14th April for this exclusive event. It would be an excellent chance for you to meet Abdulla Lutfi in person and engage with him during the panel discussion and live performance. You'll also be able to capture exclusive content and gain firsthand insight into the themes and motivations behind the exhibition. Should you be interested in attending or scheduling an interview with Abdulla Lutfi, please let us know. We are more than happy to arrange everything for you, including a one-on-one interview with the artist or a conversation with the spokesperson at the event. Comments are closed.
Yemen Online
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yemen Online
UNDP : Boosting veterinary excellence in Tarim, Yemen
The majority of the population in Tarim District, Hadramaut Governorate, Yemen, depends on agriculture and livestock breeding as their primary source of income. Despite the litany of challenges facing this sector, a substantial proportion of farmers continue to practise this profession, often passed down through generations. Tarim, a district renowned for its abundance of livestock breeders, is estimated by the local agriculture office to house over 50,000 livestock. The district is also famous for its beekeeping and honey production. Years of conflict have impeded the capacity of local authorities to fulfil the needs of farmers and provide adequate animal health services. Meanwhile, the veterinary centre, part of the local agriculture office, consisted of a single room equipped with basic tools. This lack of space and resources severely hindered the centre's ability to cater to the growing demand for veterinary care, resulting in numerous livestock being deprived of treatment, exacerbating their mortality rates due to the spread of diseases and epidemics. "Previously, the centre consisted of only one room, which we used as an administrative office. We had to conduct examinations and perform surgeries in the yard, where dust was prevalent, and we resorted to rudimentary methods," said Dr. Saleh, Head of the Animal Health and Veterinary Quarantine Department in Hadramaut Valley. 'We lacked dedicated spaces to quarantine infected animals. Our equipment was inadequate, and we had no sterilisation materials. This compromised our work and posed a risk to veterinary staff, endangering both their health and the livestock," Dr. Saleh added. Lutfi, Head of the Agriculture and Irrigation Office in Tarim District, emphasised that the large number of farmers and livestock breeders, coupled with the high rate of livestock mortality due to epidemics, necessitated the prioritisation of the establishment and outfitting of a veterinary centre. This move was a key element of the district's resilience and recovery plan, formulated following capacity building workshops as part of UNDP's Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) Project, funded by the European Union. With grants made possible by the SIERY Project, local authorities have rehabilitated, expanded and equipped the veterinary centre. The rehabilitation included the addition of a quarantine room, vaccine storage room, minor and major operations rooms, pharmacy, laboratory, and administrative offices. 'This project represents a significant advancement in veterinary medicine in the district. This is not just a centre, it is a full veterinary clinic. Now we can perform all operations and provide veterinary treatment in a better environment through the specialized rooms that facilitate our work,' said Dr. Saleh. Dr. Saleh further highlighted that the centre now boasts advanced equipment, including tools for assisting the birth of camels and cows. These tools have replaced traditional, often hazardous methods, which previously resulted in the death of animals. The newly established veterinary centre enables the local agriculture office to deliver high-quality animal health services to over 30 animals a day. The centre also offers consultations for livestock breeders, provides treatment for bee diseases such as American and European foulbrood, and issues quality certificates for honey intended for export. Beyond treating animals, the veterinary centre is pivotal in protecting public health by combating zoonotic diseases. It encourages farmers and breeders to bring their animals to the facility, ensuring more effective treatment and reducing the transmission of diseases. Furthermore, the new laboratory and pharmacy allows for the proper planning of regular vaccination rounds, which the veterinary staff conduct throughout the district and beyond, visiting the livestock breeders at their locations. Abdullah, a farmer who visited the centre to treat one of his livestock, reflected on significant improvements since the centre's rehabilitation: "In the past, many animals died due to the poor quality of veterinary services, and farmers were reluctant to visit the centre. Now, the situation has completely changed. The service is excellent, and the modern facilities encourage us to visit whenever necessary." By providing reliable and high-quality veterinary care, the centre enables farmers to invest more confidently in their livestock, ultimately fostering greater economic stability. This, in turn, contributes to the region's overall economic growth and resilience.
The National
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
'I want to capture the togetherness Eid brings to families': Abdulla Lutfi on teaming up with Amazon
Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi and Amazon are teaming up once again for the Eid holidays. Lutfi, known for his quirky black-and-white drawings, collaborated with the online retailer in 2022 to create limited-edition electronic Eid gift cards. This year, they've joined forces again to design gift cards, inspired by Amazon's effort to celebrate eidiyah, the tradition of giving money to children during Eid. Lutfi's designs capture different aspects of the celebration, from family meals to traditional attire and visits to grandparents. The Emirati artist, who is on the autism spectrum and has savant syndrome, says his inspiration comes from fond childhood memories of the occasion. 'I remember visiting my grandparents' house with my family and receiving traditional gifts and eidiyah. I also drew inspiration from our family meals together, which always felt warm and special. I wanted my artwork to capture the joy and togetherness that Eid brings to families," he says. Stefano Martinelli, vice president of Amazon Mena, says the company wanted the artwork for the gift cards to be a 'celebration of both local artistic talent and regional heritage'. 'We are particularly proud of our renewed partnership with talented Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi, whose exceptional work for our 2022 Eid eGift Cards collection captured hearts and led to our exciting, renewed collaboration with him.' This is the fifth year in which Amazon has released Eid-themed gift cards for the holiday, and the second collaboration with Lutfi. Martinelli says the Emirati artist's distinctive monochromatic artistic style beautifully captures the warmth, joy, and togetherness of Eid celebrations. 'As a savant artist on the autism spectrum, Abdulla brings a fresh and deeply personal perspective to his work, making this year's Eid eGift Card collection even more meaningful," says Martinelli. He adds that Lutfi's artwork reflects Dubai's cultural identity, capturing its unique balance between tradition and modernity. 'His illustrations often depict moments of everyday Emirati life, showcasing the city's iconic landmarks alongside its deep-rooted customs. Through his signature monochromatic style, Abdulla's work celebrates the UAE community, making his art instantly recognisable and deeply connected to the region.' Martinelli also says that Amazon will continue to collaborate with Emirati artists on their electronic gift card designs. 'We remain committed to discovering and showcasing diverse artistic voices from across the UAE, each bringing their personal interpretation of Eid's magical moments and cherished traditions to share their art.' Meanwhile, in addition to the gift cards, Lutfi has also had his work shown in exhibitions. During the opening of his exhibition Luffy Lutfi: Emirati Manga in December, the artist sent a message to parents: 'Please parents, do not disrespect the autistic people. Just love and accept them the way they are and help them support their life better and give them hope."
