Latest news with #SheikhaHoorAlQasimi
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
DoC releases Issue 334 of Al Rafid Magazine
A landmark historical publication One of the highlights is the encyclopedic work titled The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in the Annals from 1497 to 1757 , authored by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Spanning 21 volumes and including 1,138 rare documents, the work documents over two and a half centuries of regional history. Advancing education and research The magazine also sheds light on the launch of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, aimed at improving educational quality and aligning it with labor market needs. It further highlights the University of Sharjah's partnerships with global institutions such as the Royal European Academy and its introduction of programs in AI and sustainability. Celebrating international recognition The issue honours Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi for winning the Bologna Ragazzi International Children's Literature Award for her book House of Wisdom , making her the first woman from the Gulf to earn this accolade. It also features Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi's recognition with the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Republic for her role in fostering UAE–France cultural dialogue. Youth, arts, and innovation Coverage includes the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, held under the theme 'Education through Books,' with 1,024 interactive activities and the launch of the 'Reader of the Century' platform. It also details the success of the third Sharjah International Animation Conference, where 72 global experts discussed the future of animation with a focus on AI technologies. Preserving heritage and supporting Arab poetry The Sharjah Art Museum's 28th anniversary celebration and the launch of the 'Generations Meeting' heritage initiative are featured. The issue concludes with coverage of the sixth Moroccan Poets Festival in Tetouan, which gathered over 40 Arab poets, along with reports on the activities of poetry houses across the Arab world—underscoring Sharjah's continued leadership in supporting Arab cultural dialogue.
Sharjah 24
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Art Foundation unveiled 16th edition of Sharjah Biennial
Exploring the ever-expanding questions of what to carry and how to carry it, SB16 is an invitation to encounter the different formations and positions of the five curators, which extend to more than 17 venues across the Emirate of Sharjah, including sites in Sharjah City, Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid and Kalba. Each venue proposes a conceptual framework, often inspired by the cultural and historical context of the location. Through this collaborative effort, curatorial ideas find collective expressions that add different layers to reading and experiencing the Biennial. SB16 looks at how we navigate life within spaces that are not our own and how we respond to these spaces through the cultures we hold. The title to carry connects stories and traditions across generations and cultures, asking what we bring with us when we travel, flee, survive or stay. The Biennial therefore becomes a space for collective wayfinding, helping audiences make sense of the world by reflecting back, inwards and across in times of transition. SB16 opened on 6 February 2025 with a public ceremony at Mirage City Cinema, the open-air theatre in Sharjah's historical quarter, led by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation and Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation, along with the five SB16 co-curators. The day concluded with a gala dinner and awards ceremony in the presence of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This year's Sharjah Biennial Prize winners, Aziz Hazara, Pallavi Paul and Pratchaya Phinthong were selected by a distinguished jury comprised of architect and curator Paula Nascimento, co-founder of Beyond Entropy Africa and co-curator of the award-winning Angola Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2013); Eungie Joo, formerly Curator and Head of Contemporary Art at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Artistic Director at Instituto Inhotim, Brumadinho, Brazil, and curator of Sharjah Biennial 12 (2015); and Gerardo Mosquera, co-founder of Havana Biennial, and co-curator of the San Juan Poly/Graphic Triennial (2015–2016) and Guangzhou Image Triennial (2021). The Biennial's four-day opening programme continued until 9 February 2025, offering a series of performances by Reetu Sattar, Mila Turajlić, Rully Shabara, Luana Vitra, Joe Namy, Sancintya Mohini Simpson, Ellen Pau, Bilna'es, Septina Layan and Tishani Doshi; activations by Michael Parekōwhai, John Clang and Jorge González Santos; and a film screening by Roy Samaha. 'We are truly honoured by the recognition and respect that the Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Art Foundation have garnered over the years. This is reflected in the ever-expanding network of relationships we continue to nurture with our esteemed partners and institutions, both regionally and internationally,' said Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of Sharjah Art Foundation. This year's biennial is made possible by several generous supporters including Sharjah Tourism & Commerce Development Authority, Crescent Enterprises and Alef Group. 'Sharjah Biennial is a leading platform that reflects Sharjah's commitment to supporting arts and culture, while strengthening its position as a creative hub that brings together artists and innovators from around the world. This exceptional event embodies Sharjah's vision of fostering cultural exchange and highlighting artistic dialogues that enrich both the local and international cultural landscape,' remarked His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Tourism & Commerce Development Authority (SCTDA). 'At SCTDA, we are proud to support this initiative, which plays a key role in positioning the emirate as a premier destination for cultural and artistic tourism. Sharjah Biennial combines rich heritage with modern creativity, offering a unique experience for visitors and participants alike. We look forward to welcoming art and culture enthusiasts from across the globe to be part of this extraordinary event that reflects the spirit of Sharjah and its ambitious vision,' H.E. Al Midfa continued. "Sharjah Biennial 16 underscores the power of artistic expression in fostering cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue. As a proud patron and strategic partner, Crescent Enterprises is honoured to support this platform, which cultivates talent and inspires fresh perspectives. We congratulate the Sharjah Biennial Prize winners and remain committed to advancing innovation and creativity to connect and enrich communities in the region and beyond,' commented Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises 'We are proud to sponsor the 16th edition of Sharjah Biennial. Our partnership with this landmark event goes beyond mere support; it reflects our deep commitment to fostering the arts and culture in Sharjah, the UAE, and beyond. It underscores our dedication to bridging local and international communities while shaping an artistic future that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary expression,' stated Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group. 'We congratulate all the artists on their outstanding contributions and reaffirm the Biennial's pivotal role in nurturing talent and enriching the cultural landscape,' Ataya continued.
Sharjah 24
20-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah launches SFL to elevate the fashion industry
The 'Sharjah Fashion Lab' aims to empower designers in the emirate, the United Arab Emirates, and the Gulf region to reach global markets. By offering access to specialised services, advanced machinery, and technological innovations, the lab will enable designers to meet global manufacturing standards. Additionally, it will enhance the growth of the Emirati fashion industry through consulting services, model development, and production in line with international standards. Commenting on the launch, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Creative Quarter and President of the Sharjah Art Foundation, stated, "The Sharjah Fashion Lab will contribute to Sharjah's existing vibrant cultural scene by providing a platform for fashion designers to collaborate. By providing a supportive environment equipped with the latest tools and technologies, we empower local designers to develop their craft and refine their work. The lab reflects our commitment to enhancing the creative industries in the emirate and encouraging young people to present new ideas that keep pace with regional and international fashion industry developments." The lab will empower designers to develop their creations and adopt global manufacturing standards by offering specialised services and advanced technologies, including digital innovation in pattern making and 3D modeling. It will also provide integrated solutions for fashion prototypes and small-scale production runs, with quantities of up to 30 units. Additionally, the lab will offer consultancy services in the production process, support the entry to local and global markets, and develop programs for local fashion designers and creators. Furthermore, it will play a key role in supporting education and professional development within the fashion sector by offering opportunities for emerging designers to participate in local and international markets. The Sharjah Fashion Lab marks a significant step toward establishing Sharjah as a platform for local designers to access new and diverse markets, acting as a bridge between local creativity and global requirements. This project reflects Sharjah's commitment to providing an ideal environment that nurtures creatives from across the region, helping designers share knowledge and promoting cultural diversity in the fashion industry.
The National
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Sharjah Biennial returns with powerful message of solidarity
Sharjah Biennial returns on Thursday, showcasing more than 650 works of contemporary art across the emirate. The event, which will be running until June 15, is being held under the title To Carry, a theme which reflects the memories and traditions we individually carry with us. The works interpret the theme in several ways, touching on migrant experiences, sidelined histories or re-examining ancient customs in a new light. Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, the organising body behind the biennial, said the event is a celebration of diverse practices and cultures as much as it is a moment of international solidarity. 'The biennial had its first edition in April 1993, 32 years ago, making it the longest continuously running biennial in the region,' she said. The event, Sheikha Hoor added, has developed over the years, achieving 'remarkable acclaim and an unassailable reputation, both regionally and internationally". This year builds on that history, she said. 'These 650 works offer us an evolving collection of narratives across time, place, ideas and cultures, elaborating on the biennial theme of what to carry and how to carry it,' she added. Works by almost 200 artists are on show across 17 locations in Sharjah, extending beyond the city to sites in Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid and Kalba. The biennial has been curated by Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala and Zeynep Oz. The curators come from disparate practices and backgrounds. Their research ranges from the role of storytelling in collective learning and activism to explorations of societal and economic systems. As such, each has brought a distinct focus to the biennial and its theme. This diversity is reflected in the exhibited works. 'As we engage with the biennial, you'll sometimes find the projects of different curators converging within a single venue,' Sheikha Hoor said. 'At other sites, the story of one curator unfolds across the entire space.' Given the event's theme, Sheikha Hoor said it was important to take a moment and recognise the tribulations of those in less fortunate places around the globe. 'Before I end my speech, I would like to just ask everyone to keep in mind the people of Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, the Congo, Armenia and all other parts of the world where people are less fortunate than ourselves,' she said. 'We have to be in solidarity. If there's anything we learnt from our fathers and grandfathers and mothers, it is that they had such immense solidarities and there is a beauty in coming together and being in solidarity with one another. I hope with us being in solidarity, we can pray and hope for a better future and for a free Palestine.'
