Latest news with #Sharjah
Zawya
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Six Degrees graduation showcase celebrates a year of student creativity and achievement
Sharjah, UAE – The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, Six Degrees, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit. Six Degrees Graduate Showcase In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programs—architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE. 'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.' 'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centered cities and products for the future,' said H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognized for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. ' Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase—it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou. CAAD is widely recognized for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design. AUS Artist-in-Residence showcase This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered color, ornamentation and abstraction—offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity. Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life. Exhibition Details: The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP. Dates and Open times: From June 1, the exhibition will be open to public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6. Location: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park For more information, please contact, caadcomms@ Video:
Zawya
an hour ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirati designers shine at the 55th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show
Sharjah: A stunning collection of gold and diamond jewellery designed and carefully handcrafted by twenty Emirati female designers has caught the eyes of jewellery enthusiasts visiting the 55th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, set to conclude tomorrow, Saturday, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Their creations, blending global appeal with Emirati heritage, were featured under the 'Emirati Goldsmiths' platform, an initiative by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) aimed at empowering local talent by connecting them with over 500 participating exhibitors from across the region and the world. This year, the 'Emirati Goldsmiths' platform saw new participation from designers across the UAE, who presented jewellery collections rooted in the nation's environment and cultural heritage. Crafted from gold and gemstones, the designs incorporated traditional 'Talli' handicrafts by productive families in innovative and modern styles. Among the standout pieces are the 'Zayed Lantern,' the 'Palm Necklace,' the 'Well' design, and the 'Emirati Dama'a,' each distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship and creative excellence. In his remarks, H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasised the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to supporting young Emirati talents and expanding their role in the national economy, with a special focus on the dynamic gold and jewellery sector. He highlighted the 'Emirati Goldsmiths' Platform as a strategic initiative aligned with this objective, now serving as a central hub for nurturing female designers. The platform currently includes approximately 400 members from all emirates. For his part, H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, stated that the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show continues to solidify its position as a leading regional and global destination in the jewellery and watch industry. He praised the notable presence of Emirati women designers this year, highlighting the high caliber of their creative work. Mona Sultan Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)'s Chairman and in charge of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, said that the platform the platform remains committed to empowering Emirati women designers by offering them a supportive and innovation-driven environment. 'This year, we have witnessed a significant progress of several returning participants who have become key exhibitors in the show and successfully established their own brands with strong local market positioning. This achievement is a key indicator of the Platform's success and its positive influence on the professional growth of its members,' she added. Mohra Al Muhairbi, founder of Noul Jewellery, marked her debut participation in the exhibition by launching distinctive collections that blend Emirati heritage with contemporary design. Her creations include standout pieces including the 'Zayed Lamp' and the 'Emirati Dama'a' which incorporates the traditional 'Talli' motif, crafted in gold and embellished with precious stones. Designer Sawsan Al Jaberi from Abu Dhabi explained that her creations were inspired by the 'water well,' symbolising strength, depth, and hope, values she translated into elegant pieces using 18-karat gold and carefully curated gemstones. Meanwhile, Mira Youssef Al-Muhairi, the youngest participant in the 'Emirati Goldsmiths' Platform, presented a new gold piece shaped like a palm tree. She conceived the design during a visit to Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah, drawing from the natural scenery and the reflection of palms to create a modern piece that artistically embodies the Emirati landscape. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Trade Arabia
2 hours ago
- General
- Trade Arabia
Blaze hits Al Hamriyah Port; no injuries reported
A massive fire that broke out early today at a fuel warehouse in the Al Hamriyah Port area has been contained with no injuries, according to local media reports citing Sharjah Police. The blaze engulfed flammable materials, thus sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, said the report. This triggered an extensive emergency response from the UAE Civil Defence, the Sharjah Police, and the National Guard, which quickly swung into action and prevented it from spreading to adjacent facilities. Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and Chairman of the Local Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team in Sharjah, confirmed that the fire has been fully brought under control. He noted that relevant authorities have begun cooling operations at the site. Specialised technical teams from Laboratories and Forensic Evidence Department will determine the cause of the fire and assess the damages in coordination with concerned entities, he added.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah fire: Cooling operations underway after massive blaze in Al Hamriyah
Cooling operations are currently underway at Al Hamriyah Port in Sharjah, following a massive fire that took 24 hours to bring under control. The fire broke out at 6.10 am on Saturday and was fully contained by 6.25am on Sunday morning, according to officials. The cooling process aims to prevent any potential flare-ups; once the area is declared safe, forensic and technical teams will be allowed to enter the site and begin investigations into the cause of the fire. Results of the investigations will be announced after all technical assessments. The fire, described as one of the largest industrial blazes in the emirate in recent years, was caused by the ignition of highly flammable petrochemical materials. The intensity of the flames and smoke was such that they could be seen from neighbouring emirates. Authorities responded swiftly, activating a coordinated emergency response that involved local and federal entities. Sharjah Civil Defence deployed advanced firefighting equipment including foam tankers and high-capacity water pumps. The Sharjah Civil Aviation Authority and the Sharjah International Airport Authority provided aerial surveillance using helicopters and air jets to assess the spread and intensity of the fire. Municipal teams from Sharjah and Al Hamriyah supported the operation by supplying water tankers and logistical support. Sharjah Police cordoned off the surrounding areas, evacuated nearby buildings, and managed traffic to ensure public safety. Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police and Chairman of the Local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team, praised the professionalism of the teams involved. 'The rapid response, high-level coordination, and use of specialised equipment played a vital role in bringing the situation under control without casualties,' he said. 'What we witnessed was an integrated national effort.' Key support also came from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, National Guard, National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), all of whom contributed equipment, personnel, and technical expertise.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 3 rare Arabian spotted eagle owl babies hatch in Sharjah
In a rare and heartwarming event, three Arabian Spotted Eagle Owl chicks hatched at the Kalba Birds of Prey Centre, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah announced. This particular species — rarely found in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen — originates from Africa. The centre said the event "marks a milestone" in the captive breeding programme for birds of prey, which aims to "protect rare species from extinction and rehabilitate them in their natural environments". Take a look at one of the baby chicks. The first time the species of this owl was found in the UAE was in 2003, after a donor from Dibba gifted it to the Dubai Zoo, claiming it was from the Dibba mountains. In the beginning, the staff did not take much notice of it, but after some time they realised it looked different in appearance than other chicks of the Desert Eagle-Owl owl. Meanwhile, according to the World Wildlife Fund, the Arabian Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus milesi) — part of the same family — was first discovered in 2017 in Fujairah's Hajar Mountains. At the time, Jacky Judas, Manager & Scientific Advisor of Terrestrial Biodiversity, EWS-WWF, had said that despite the UAE's hot and arid climate, a "wide variety of resilient and fascinating species thrive in our deserts and mountain areas". "Unfortunately, the rapid pace of development has become a major threat to many of these creatures. Thus, it is crucial — now more than ever— that we ramp up collective efforts to protect and safeguard key habitats and endangered species, all of which constitute the UAE's rich natural heritage," Jacky had said at the time. He continued: 'If a large bird, 45cm in height, weighing 600 to 800g — even if nocturnal and elusive — went unnoticed up to the beginning of the 21st century, what about much smaller species of animals and plants, or under-surveyed taxonomic groups? We have very little doubt that so much more is still to be found in the Hajar Mountains.' Recent rare appearances In August of last year, a Mediterranean Gull was spotted for the first time in 28 years at Dubai's Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Over the past quarter-century, there have been only 15 recorded sightings in the country, with nine in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai, and two in Sharjah. Another rare species of bird was also spotted that year. The red-footed Booby was seen in Abu Dhabi. One of the rarest and smallest species of Booby, the creature is found on the coasts and islands of tropical regions. It is very rare to see it in the Arabian Gulf region due to the absence of resident groups in the UAE. Meanwhile in 2019, the Arabian Caracal (Caracal schmitzi) was sighted on Jebel Hafeet National Park in Al Ain. The medium-sized, sand-coloured cat with characteristically elongated, tufted black ears was last seen in Abu Dhabi in 1984.
