Latest news with #MohammedBinRashidLibrary
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
MBRL to launch series of cultural events
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) is set to launch a diverse series of cultural events throughout June, offering visitors opportunities to discover new skills, expand their knowledge, and nurture their talents. To inaugurate the month's programme, the library will host a dynamic workshop in collaboration with the Dubai National Theatre. Centred around Romeo & Juliet, this session will explore character development, conflict, and dramatic language, aiming to elevate participants' writing and performance abilities. Under the evocative theme Rhythm of Dialects, the library will present a remarkable poetry evening celebrating the richness of spoken dialects from Egypt, the Levant, and the Gulf. Accompanied by live musical performances, the evening promises an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the depth of Arab heritage and the diversity of creative expression. A select group of renowned poets will contribute to this memorable event. Adding a historical dimension to the calendar, the library will organise a two-day exhibition titled Emirati Treasures Sealed by History: From Memory Archives to Treasures for Generations, in collaboration with the Emirates Philatelic Association. The exhibition will display a rare collection of stamps marking pivotal moments in the UAE's history. A dedicated workshop and discussion session will provide insights into the art of collecting, documenting, and preserving national memory. For students and job seekers, the Ready for the Workplace – Beyond the CV workshop will offer practical guidance for thriving in today's evolving job market. Participants will learn how to establish a professional presence, upgrade their LinkedIn profiles, and develop essential tools for a confident career launch—going far beyond the traditional CV. Highlighting international collaboration, the library will also host a three-day Korean Film Festival. Eight acclaimed films, including JAURIM and The Wonderland, will be screened, with a Q&A session featuring one of the directors. The festival will also include a traditional Korean musical performance using heritage instruments, creating a multi-sensory cultural experience for attendees. In collaboration with Cineolio, the library will organise Cineolio's Cinenights at its indoor theater. The evening will feature the screening of Egyptian-German production Dry Hot Summers (2015) by director Sherif El Bendary, the South Korean film Galloper (2024) by director Han-Wool Oh, and the Chinese film Run, Let's Run (2024) by director Yinxiao Ran. The evening aims to promote cultural exchange and highlight diverse films from different countries. In partnership with the International Ikebana Foundation, the library will present a unique workshop on Ikebana—the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. This interactive session will introduce participants to the principles of balance, harmony, and mindfulness through authentic Japanese floral design, blending natural beauty with deep cultural philosophy. To learn more about the June programme, register for events free of charge, or stay updated on activities throughout the year, please visit the official website and follow the library's social media channels. Through these initiatives, the MBRL reaffirms its role as a leading cultural and knowledge hub in Dubai, committed to enriching the community and opening new horizons for creativity and expression.
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mohammed named as Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road International Poets
The World Silk Road Forum has announced the selection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets. Sheikh Mohammed was chosen in recognition of his exceptional vision that transformed Dubai into a cultural hub and a bridge between East and West, drawing from the ancient concept of the Silk Road in a modern form and with an Emirati spirit. The Forum also announced that Dubai will host the fifth edition of the Silk Road International Poetry Festival from May 23 to 29, becoming the first Arab city to host this prestigious event. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library will host the festival's award ceremony on May 27. Around 50 poets, artists, and painters will take part, visiting cultural and tourist landmarks in Dubai and the UAE. Media coverage will be provided by 20 Chinese press agencies, including the People's Daily, one of China's largest media outlets. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's selection as the Inspirational Literary Figure for Silk Road Poets is a testament to his significant contributions to literature. A renowned figure in Nabati poetry, his works resonate with captivating eloquence, offering insightful reflections on life and inspiring generations with their profound creativity. His Highness has enriched the literary world with numerous collections exploring profound human, national, and intellectual themes. Among his most notable works is Zayed (2018), a collection of 87 poems commemorating the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his enduring legacy in establishing the UAE. Flashes of Verse (2014) features 52 excerpts from his poetic works in both Arabic and English, delving into themes of life's challenges, love, victory, and the human experience. 40 Poems from the Desert (2011), also in Arabic and English, showcases His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's love for his homeland and its symbols, characterized by refined creativity and a distinct national sentiment. Sheikh Mohammed's passion for horses is evident in For the Love of Horses, a collection celebrating the nobility and competitive spirit they embody. These are just a few examples of his diverse and impactful contributions to the world of poetry. Professor Wang Fangwen, Chair of the Poetry Committee at the World Silk Road Forum, stated, "We chose the UAE as the venue for this event because it represents a symbol of coexistence and peace among peoples under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The decision to select Dubai was not merely technical or organisational. It carries profound symbolic and cultural dimensions. Today, Dubai exemplifies the modern city that revives the spirit of the Silk Road not only through its dynamic economy but also through its leading role in cultural exchange and its ambitious vision under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has made culture a foundational pillar of his civilizational project. This makes His Highness Sheikh Mohammed an inspirational figure for all members of the Silk Road Forum.' Wang Fangwen, who is also Editor-in-Chief of World Poets magazine, issued by the forum, added, "The Silk Road Global Forum aspires to be a platform that brings together culture, art, economy, and technology to revive the values of the Silk Road in a modern spirit that promotes understanding and peace among nations. We have drawn inspiration from the vision and values of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and selected him to appear on the cover of World Poets magazine. The issue includes an in-depth study of his contributions to poetry and literature, along with a selection of his poems translated into Chinese.' The editorial of the magazine presents a comprehensive analysis of the artistic features of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's poetry and a general overview of his poetic and literary journey. It highlights poems filled with love and pride, written in praise of his brother and companion, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The magazine describes Sheikh Mohammed as an exceptional leader who transformed Dubai into a global platform that embodies the values and meanings of the Silk Road through a modern Emirati spirit. It further notes that his poetic style is characterized by powerful diction, eloquent language, profound meanings, and sincere emotion. His imagery is drawn from the desert, sea, and Bedouin heritage, intertwined with wisdom and deep human experience. Poet Cao Shui, Vice Chair of the Forum's International Poetry Committee and CEO of the Silk Road Poets Union, stated, "The festival includes a range of cultural and artistic activities, including an award ceremony, poetry readings, critical discussions, and open art exhibitions held in several cultural venues in Dubai and across the UAE. Participants will visit key cultural landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, and several art museums. Cao Shui also announced the selection of Emirati poet Adel Khozam as co-chair of the festival's fifth edition. He was chosen as one of the leading poetic figures in the UAE and the Gulf region. Khozam previously won the Great Poetry Medal in China and played a pivotal role in promoting Chinese poetry during Expo 2020. His initiatives in service of poetry include the Tree of World Poetry project, as well as his renowned epic poem Manseerah, co-authored with poets from China. A large number of poets from China and around the world are competing for the festival's prestigious awards, which include the Golden Camel, Silver Camel, Poetry and Film Awards, Best Poetry Collection, Best International Poet, Best European Poet, Best Asian Poet, Best African Poet, Best American Poet, and Best Oceanian Poet. Several Emirati poets have been nominated for these awards, and World Poets magazine has compiled a special section featuring selected poems by the nominated Emirati poets. Commenting on this, Cao Shui said, "All the selected works reflect the high cultural and creative level of the Emirati people. What exceptional poems they are. We believe this event will pave the way for greater cultural cooperation between China and the UAE." The World Silk Road Forum is an independent, non-governmental organisation legally registered in the state of Delaware, United States. It is also recognized by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York. The forum organizes international events and conferences that promote global cooperation and works in partnership with major international organisations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the World Internet Conference (WIC), and UNESCO. Its members include global leaders in the fields of law, culture, and international development. The forum also hosts seasonal poetry events under the theme Silk Road Spring Poetry, featuring poets from all five continents. The first edition of the festival was held in Madrid, Spain, in April 2018. The second was held in Moscow, Russia, in 2019. China hosted the third and fourth editions, and this year Dubai has been selected to host the fifth. WAM
Hi Dubai
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Hosts UAE-China Forum to Deepen Cultural Ties
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library brought together artists, scholars and diplomats for the second UAE-China Forum, reinforcing four decades of diplomatic relations through cultural exchange and shared artistic heritage. Organised in partnership with the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation and the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, the event spotlighted the growing cultural and intellectual ties between the two nations. Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, highlighted the shared artistic traditions of Arab and Chinese civilizations, particularly in calligraphy. He emphasized the need for broader literary exchange, calling for more translations between Arabic and Chinese to bridge cultural understanding. Khalid Al Jallaf, Chairman of the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy, said the forum reflects the UAE's strategy to build global partnerships through the arts. 'This year's edition underscores the role of art in fostering dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding,' he noted. Chinese Consul General in Dubai, Ou Bo Qian, praised calligraphy as a cultural bridge, describing it as a blend of aesthetics and philosophy that mirrors the symbolic nature of Arabic script. The forum featured exhibitions, workshops and seminars focused on Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation, providing a platform for mutual learning and creative collaboration. It also underlined ongoing efforts to expand UAE–China cooperation across arts, heritage and knowledge sectors. As both nations continue to host cultural festivals and literary events, the forum stands as a testament to the UAE's vision of cultural diplomacy—using art and heritage to build lasting global connections. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
MBRL marks World Chinese Language Day
Marking World Chinese Language Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) hosted a vibrant cultural session celebrating the untold stories of the Chinese community in the UAE. The event centred around the book The Chinese History in Dubai and welcomed its co-authors, Mao Yiming and Li Huafei, who engaged the audience in a compelling discussion on the evolution of Chinese life in the emirate. The session, which saw wide participation and lively interaction from attendees, highlighted how Chinese migrants — beginning from humble origins — gradually established a thriving community in Dubai. Their enduring presence has become intricately woven into the city's commercial, cultural, and historical landscape. During the discussion, the authors guided the audience through a fascinating journey across time, beginning with the discovery of ancient celadon porcelain shards from the Song Dynasty (9th–12th century AD) at the Jumeirah archaeological site. The narrative then moved into the more recent past, covering the earliest Chinese telegrams sent from Dubai to China in the 1950s and 60s, the founding of the first Chinese restaurant in the UAE, and the arrival of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. The book also explores the golden era of Chinese entrepreneurship in the 2000s, the emergence of cultural landmarks such as Dragon Mart, the boom in Chinese tourism, and the growing Chinese presence in areas like International City. It also reflects on the gradual shift from traditional trade practices to modern economic models. Enhancing the cultural ambience of the evening, the event featured a live performance of traditional Chinese music, immersing attendees in the rich sounds of East Asian heritage. In a thoughtful cultural gesture, guests received personalised bookmarks with their names elegantly rendered in Chinese calligraphy. The authors underlined the personal and historical significance of the project, stating: 'The history of the Chinese in Dubai may seem insignificant on a world map, but to those who have lived it, it is deeply meaningful. If no one had recorded it, it would have never existed.' They also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the many 'old Dubai Chinese' whose stories and contributions were instrumental in bringing the book to life.
Hi Dubai
02-04-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
EHS and Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Enrich Hospital Wards with 5,000 Books
In a significant step towards integrating culture and knowledge into healthcare, Emirates Health Services (EHS), through its Mental Health Department, has partnered with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library's "A World Reads" initiative to provide over 5,000 Arabic and English books to hospital libraries. Timed with National Reading Month, this collaboration aligns with EHS's vision to establish libraries in hospital wards, fostering a therapeutic environment enriched with intellectual engagement. The initiative aims to promote a reading culture and broaden access to knowledge for all societal segments, including patients in EHS facilities. An official handover event at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital marked the initiative's launch, attended by key figures including Dr. Noor Almheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at EHS; Dr. Ammar Albanna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital; and Ali Juma Al Tamimi, Director of the Libraries Department at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Dr. Noor Almheiri emphasized that integrating books into hospitals supports mental well-being by providing patients with intellectual stimulation, a connection to the world, and opportunities for personal development. She highlighted that reading plays a pivotal role in rehabilitation and enhancing the quality of life. Ali Juma Al Tamimi reiterated the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library's commitment to fostering a culture of reading, particularly among youth, to build a knowledge-driven society. He noted that initiatives like "A World Reads" contribute to lifelong learning and national development by expanding access to diverse knowledge resources. The initiative involves distributing books across multiple EHS facilities and setting up hospital libraries to support both educational and therapeutic programs. This effort aligns with the UAE's broader literacy and cultural goals, including National Reading Month "UAE Reads 2025" and the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision, which aspires to create a knowledge-based society. News Source: Emirates News Agency
