Latest news with #Salwa
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Child Culture Centre launches innovative projects
Muscat – In a landmark move to preserve cultural heritage and foster national identity among the younger generation, the Child Culture Centre, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, has unveiled a series of cutting-edge initiatives aimed at children and youth across Oman. These projects are designed to integrate Omani culture into educational and entertainment platforms, aligning with Oman Vision 2040's goals of promoting a creative, tech-savvy society rooted in heritage. Salwa bint Saif al Rashidi, Director of the Child Culture Centre, said the center is launching a new wave of digital projects that combine tradition with innovation. 'Through virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and gaming applications, we aim to connect new generations to their cultural roots in ways that are contemporary, immersive, and engaging,' she noted. The initiatives go beyond technical engagement. They are carefully designed to build lasting emotional and cognitive connections between children and their Omani identity. Salwa emphasized that the content is not just informative but also interactive, transforming heritage into a living experience and nurturing a strong sense of belonging. Among the flagship projects is 'Introducing the Children's Culture Centre', a hologram-based 3D display that presents the center's vision, goals, and programmes. Another standout is 'Displaying an Ancient Omani Manuscript', which uses hologram technology to showcase the legacy of renowned Omani physician Rashid bin Omaira, introducing children to ancient Omani medical knowledge and manuscripts. In the realm of arts, the 'Folk Arts' project stands out as a culturally rich, interactive educational app that introduces children to traditional Omani dances, musical instruments, and costumes through playful, gamified experiences. 'These projects are a bridge between past and future,' Salwa added. 'They instill values, deepen cultural understanding, and empower our youth to carry Omani heritage proudly into the modern world.' Available in multiple languages, these initiatives also aim to amplify Omani culture on the global stage, offering a dynamic model for combining education, technology, and heritage in nation-building.
Sharjah 24
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
UAE's hosting of ‘Gate of Sudan' shows strong bilateral ties
His Highness affirmed that by hosting major cultural events celebrating the heritage of various nations, the UAE underscores its commitment to fostering meaningful intercultural dialogue and promoting a productive and inclusive coexistence among all communities. In His Highness's address during the festival, he emphasised that hosting such a major cultural event reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to strengthen human connection and celebrate civilisational diversity. His Highness said, 'This festival is, in essence, a celebration of genuine affection and sincere brotherhood, as we honour our deep appreciation for the Sudanese people and their generosity. We come together to celebrate the great people of Sudan who, despite challenges, remain strong in their pursuit of unity. We also honour Sudanese residents in the UAE for their valuable contributions to our nation's development and their role in fostering enduring ties between the two countries.' His Highness highlighted the historical depth and strength of UAE-Sudan relations, built on mutual respect, shared language, culture and a common vision for a better future for the Arab and Islamic worlds. His Highness added, 'It is a great pleasure to be here with you at the Gate of Sudan festival in Dubai, to express my pride in the close and brotherly ties between the peoples of the UAE and Sudan, and to offer my heartfelt wishes for peace, unity and progress to the Sudanese people.' His Highness further noted that the festival also celebrates the UAE's unique model of tolerance and coexistence, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praising the country's inclusive society built on mutual respect and shared prosperity. His Highness concluded his remarks by expressing confidence in Sudan's ability to overcome its challenges and build a peaceful and prosperous future, offering His Highness's sincere appreciation to the Sudanese people and affirming their continued strength and resilience. The Gate of Sudan festival, which attracted a large turnout from the Sudanese community, featured participation from notable Sudanese figures residing in the UAE, including business leaders, artists, intellectuals and athletes. The programme included cultural and artistic performances, traditional heritage displays, and a dedicated exhibition showcasing Sudanese customs and crafts. Sudanese singer Nancy Agag performed a selection of her songs, while the entertainment segment also featured stand-up comedy, social media influencers and content creators. The vibrant atmosphere celebrated the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Sudan. A dedicated exhibition highlighted traditional music, folk dances, handmade goods, and Sudanese cuisine, allowing visitors to explore various elements of Sudanese culture. Highlights included performances by the Salwa folklore troupe, as well as a comedy segment, which saw enthusiastic audience interaction. A traditional market area inspired by Sudan's iconic Omdurman Market and Nile Street provided an immersive experience, while the heritage exhibition offered opportunities for visitors to dress in traditional Sudanese attire and enjoy henna art, incense-making and other cultural activities. A special zone designed to replicate the historical region of Meroe served as a visual centrepiece. The Gate of Sudan festival follows the success of last year's "Sudan in the Heart of the UAE' event held at Dubai World Trade Centre, which saw significant participation from Sudanese families, business leaders and professionals based in the UAE.
Al Jazeera
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Gaza Palestinians speak about Israel's plan to force them out
Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip, Palestine – Listening to the radio a few days ago outside the tent he now has to call home, 77-year-old Mohammed al-Nabahin heard about an Israeli plan to establish a 'voluntary' migration office for Palestinians in Gaza. The news report gave al-Nabahin the details. An agency planned by Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, and approved by the cabinet. Its aim was to organise and secure the exit of Palestinians 'wishing to migrate' to third countries. Palestinians returning to their original villages in historical Palestine was not mentioned. The plan follows some similar suggestions by US President Donald Trump earlier this year. 'The idea is completely out of the question,' Mohammed said flatly. 'If they want to displace us voluntarily, then let them allow us to return to our lands in occupied Palestine, from which they expelled us!' he told Al Jazeera. 'Why should we leave our country?' Mohammed has already experienced being forced out of his home. When Israel's genocidal war on Gaza began 17 months ago, Mohammed was forced to flee and leave his home in central Gaza's Bureij. He still thinks living in a tent in Gaza is better than leaving. 'All of my children agree with me. They are all against leaving Gaza, no matter what happens,' Mohammed said. In the tent opposite, 47-year-old Salwa al-Masri is preparing food for her family, fanning the wood fire to keep it going. She shares Mohammed's disdain for the idea of leaving Gaza. Her struggles in the war are the same as so many others in Gaza. Forced into displacement, she is barely able to find enough food to feed her family since Israel decided to block the entry of goods to Gaza. She has to rely on foraging for edible plants like mallow and spinach, which grow wild nearby. The hunger, along with Israel's bombs, has left her 'waiting for death'. But for Salwa, it's that very suffering that means she can't bear the idea of leaving. 'We've endured all this only to leave? That will never happen,' she said. 'We've lost everything. I lost my entire home in Beit Hanoun [in northern Gaza], and I have chosen to live the rest of my life as a displaced person in the south, enduring hardship and hunger, but I will not leave,' she added. Salwa believes Israel is using the bombings and starvation to pressure people into leaving, waiting for desperation to build before offering 'exit options'. 'Where would we go, wandering in foreign lands? Why is every option available, except for us staying?' she added. Israel has recently killed all eight of Salwa's sister's children in a strike on Beit Hanoun. 'Do you think my sister, after such a loss, would choose to leave? Of course not,' she said. Israel's attempts to get Palestinians to leave Gaza have been denounced by human rights organisations as an attempt to ethnically cleanse the territory. Palestinians already have a long experience of being displaced at the hands of Israel, starting in 1948 when at least 750,000 Palestinians were ethnically cleansed from their homes and villages by Zionist militias to make way for the state of Israel to be declared. Ethnic cleansing has repeatedly been brought up during Israel's war on Gaza, under different guises – many Israelis see it as a goal of the war, hoping to extend the cleansing to include the occupied West Bank. Israel's war on Gaza has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, and with no end in sight, Israel is betting that thousands of Palestinians will be desperate to leave, even if they are unable to return. And in Gaza, while many older Palestinians are determined to stay, many from the younger generations see no future for themselves in the enclave. On a street corner, 25-year-old Mahmoud al-Rai is fixing kicycle tyres in a small makeshift workshop. When told about the migration agency, which he had not heard of, Mahmoud responded with a wide smile: 'Where do I sign up?' 'I want to leave Gaza as soon as possible,' he told Al Jazeera. 'We are exhausted by the wars – no human being can endure what we go through here. There seems to be no end to this war and its tragedies. Every minute we live here is like dying.' Mahmoud said he doesn't care where he goes, and he doesn't care that Israel would be facilitating his exit. He added that he was not alone – many of his friends and peers share his desire to leave Gaza permanently. 'We all see that we have no future here. No life, no work, no education – only destruction, wars, and bloodshed,' said the young man, who helps support his family of 10, including his parents. 'Just open the crossings for migration and see how many people, especially the young ones, will leave Gaza immediately.'
Gulf Today
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Salwa Saleem's art flowers with roots in architecture and stems in painting
Visual artist and architect Salwa Saleem says she has a 'passion for creating meaningful Islamic art that blends faith, culture, and creativity.' She walks the talk, because her work focuses on paintings that highlight the beauty of Quranic verses, with intricate calligraphy touched by architectural elements. She works in acrylic, water colour and mixed media. 'As an architect, I draw inspiration from the elegance and depth of Islamic architecture, infusing those influences into my art to create pieces that are both spiritually uplifting and visually captivating,' she says. She is drawn to the beauty of Islamic architecture, its intricate patterns, arches, and the meaning behind each detail. 'Translating that into my paintings is a joy like no other,' Salwa says. 'It's where my two passions (architecture and painting) meet, and I get to share the elegance and stories that architecture carries, through my art.' She has worked on bespoke commissions for clients across the globe; she has sold over 100+ paintings worldwide to buyers in countries like Singapore, Norway, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Italy, Australia, Germany, Canada, USA, France, Netherlands, Belgium and UK. She is a regular participant in exhibitions that celebrate cultural and artistic heritage, like World Art Dubai 2024 and Rang 2025 by Funun Arts, Dubai. She has collaborated with charitable organisations, using her work to contribute to causes 'that bring small yet meaningful change.' This includes a venture with MATW in 2024 to raise funds for Palestine by auctioning art via Instagram and the donation of a painting for a charity event at Hunter College, New York City. 'Knowing that my work can have even a little impact gives me a sense of purpose,' Salwa says. 'Art, to me, is about more than just what's on the canvas. It's about connecting people to faith, beauty, and the idea that even small acts of creativity can bring a little bit of change to the world.' 'How many of us can truly say that we have an opportunity to pursue our passions?' asks Million Fikre, UN officer. 'When we have discovered our passions, they are often self-centered in nature, placing ourselves at the centre of the universe. There are, however, a determined few that make this opportunity — following your passion is a proactive measure! ... Art is nothing if not passion.' Salwa Saleem speaks about her work Why does painting draw you, since you studied architecture? Painting has been my passion since childhood. I've been creating art for as long as I can remember, and it's always been my way of expressing myself. Studying architecture deepened my understanding of design, form, and balance; painting gives me the freedom to convey emotions and stories without constraints. It's where my heart truly lies, and it allows me to connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. What is the quality that makes a subject fit for your canvas? A subject must evoke a strong emotional or cultural connection. I'm drawn to themes that tell a story, whether it's spiritual, architectural, or inspired by nature. It's the potential to create depth, meaning, and beauty that makes it worthy of my canvas. How do you find your inspiration? Inspiration comes from everywhere, travelling to places and admiring vibrant cultures, or reflecting on my spiritual practices. My emotions, the stories people share, and the beauty of everyday life, all serve as Muse. How does a religious text like the Quran be a subject for art? The Quran is a profound source of inspiration, filled with beauty, guidance, and depth. Through calligraphy and abstract forms, I aim to honour its sacredness, while creating art that resonates spiritually with others. What do you find in calligraphy? Calligraphy is both an art and a meditation. It transforms words into visual poetry, merging meaning and form. I find joy in weaving intricate letters with modern designs, celebrating both tradition and creativity. Can you tell us about your work for charity, especially how you assisted Palestine as an artist? My art is a medium to give back. I've contributed paintings to auctions and exhibitions that raise funds for causes like Palestine. It's fulfilling to use my creativity to support people in need and amplify their voices through art. How do you market your work for commissions, for example? I share my journey on platforms like Instagram (@handsofsalwa), where I post videos, tutorials, and completed works. Engaging with followers through stories, updates and responding to messages, also builds trust and relationships with potential clients. How has taking part in exhibitions such as World Art Dubai and Funun Arts helped you as an artist? Exhibitions connect me to a global audience, allowing me to showcase my work and learn from other artists. They've expanded my network, brought commissions, and boosted my confidence as an artist. Do you find it difficult to switch between the Indian and Emirati art worlds? It can be challenging, but is enriching. India's art world is steeped in tradition and diversity, while the Emirati scene embraces innovation and global influences. Switching between the two keeps my work versatile and culturally rooted. How does art connect people? Art transcends language and borders. It evokes shared emotions, tells stories, and sparks conversations. Whether through a painting of a familiar place or the universal beauty of calligraphy, art unites people by reminding them of what they have in common.
