Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant aligns with the government’s efforts to position Dubai as a leading global hub for the creative economy. By supporting local artists and galleries, the initiative helps expand their international presence while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a thriving cultural center.

Strengthening Dubai’s Art Ecosystem

Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to:

• Enhance the city’s reputation as the region’s art capital.
• Encourage both emerging and established UAE-based and Emirati artists.
• Provide financial backing to galleries for international exposure.
• Drive growth in Dubai’s creative economy by attracting long-term commitments from galleries and artists.

Eligible galleries must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a full-time presence in Dubai.
• Represent Emirati artists or those who have resided in the UAE for at least three years.
• Regularly showcase their programs beyond their gallery space, such as at institutions or art fairs.

Qualifying galleries can apply for up to 50% financial support for their booths at international art fairs, depending on the portion dedicated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted the grant’s significance, stating, “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely due to its vibrant art scene and thriving galleries. Through this grant, we aim to raise the international profiles of our galleries and artists, contributing to the global discourse on contemporary art and promoting Dubai as a center for artistic excellence.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi Gallery also praised the initiative, emphasizing that it is a vital step in strengthening Dubai’s role in the international art scene. “This grant supports our participation in global art fairs and helps us showcase our artists on an international level,” he said.

As part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to foster creativity and innovation, the grant ensures that the city remains a key player in the global art industry. By offering financial aid and international exposure, Dubai Culture continues to strengthen the local art community while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a dynamic and evolving cultural hub.

The post Dubai Culture Launches Grant for International Art Fairs appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Cultural Experiences Across Museums and Libraries

Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, will host Hag Al Leila-themed activities in collaboration with Kinder from 14 to 16 February. Children dressed in traditional attire will embark on ‘Hag Al Leila Trails’ through Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, collecting sweets, singing folk songs, and engaging in creative workshops. Inspired by Emirati traditions, the workshops will feature art installations reflecting the iconic Hag Al Leila bag and local delicacies.

Kinder will also introduce a digital element, allowing children to design their own Ramadan characters on iPads, which will be displayed on a large screen. To enhance the festive spirit, 400 kilogrammes of Kinder chocolate will be distributed. Visitors will also have access to the museum’s exhibitions, offering deeper insights into Dubai’s cultural heritage.

Etihad Museum will host an immersive programme on 15 and 16 February, bringing Emirati customs to life. ‘Dukkan Al-Mathaf’ will recreate a nostalgic Emirati grocery store, featuring classic sweets. The Basma Choir will perform traditional Hag Al Leila songs alongside Arabic and Khaleeji classics. The event will also include workshops, entertainment sessions, and film screenings, all centered around themes of heritage and belonging.

The Kutubna Cultural Center will present a storytelling session featuring Emirati folktales that highlight unity and cultural harmony. Guests can enjoy traditional games and view ‘Eternal Gateways,’ an art installation by Abdulla Al Neyadi inspired by old Emirati doors. The museum will also feature dedicated spaces for visitors to sample local cuisine, while Emirati creatives will have the opportunity to showcase and promote their work.

Extending the Celebrations Across Dubai

Dubai Public Library branches will host school visits, offering activities such as traditional games, henna stations, and a ‘Dukkan Al-Taybeen’ (Old School Grocery). Visitors can also explore ‘Raa’i Al Sambosa’ (Samosa Corner), ‘Al Khabbazat’ (Traditional Bakery Corner), and the ‘Kharareef Yadoh’ (Grandmother’s Tales) storytelling session. Additionally, an Emirati dialect workshop will provide deeper cultural engagement.

The celebrations will conclude on 19 February at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. This event will feature interactive workshops, including bracelet-making, tote bag painting, and a themed drawing competition, all led by expert facilitators.

Through these diverse activities, Dubai Culture continues to safeguard Emirati traditions, ensuring they remain an essential part of the city’s cultural identity for generations to come.

The post Dubai Culture Celebrates Hag Al Leila with Engaging Festivities appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

A Unique Collaboration

Jun’s is a restaurant that blends diverse cultural influences, creating dishes with a strong narrative. Since opening, it has built a reputation for creativity. Now, it teams up with Shams El Balad, Jordan’s top restaurant, for an evening of bold flavours and inventive pairings.

Both chefs bring distinct backgrounds to the table. Chef Qais, influenced by his Palestinian-Jordanian roots, and Chef Kelvin, shaped by his Chinese-Canadian upbringing, will craft a menu that merges traditional techniques with modern interpretations. Having previously worked together at the Jordan Food Festival, they are eager to reunite in Dubai, sharing their culinary journeys with guests.

A Curated Tasting Experience

The multi-course menu, priced at AED 495 per person (food only), features an array of refined dishes. The evening begins with fresh oysters, followed by aromatic lobster. A refreshing watermelon dish provides a crisp contrast before the rich, savoury kofta. Next, guests will enjoy earthy foul, leading into scallop, which balances umami and spice. The indulgent short rib rounds off the savoury courses with deep, satisfying flavours.

A selection of sides will accompany the main dishes, adding layers of tangy, smoky, and vibrant notes. For dessert, a refreshing sago dish cleanses the palate before an assortment of petit fours provides a sweet finale.

An Unmissable Evening

This exclusive dinner offers more than just a meal—it is a celebration of culture, creativity, and fine dining. With two of the Middle East’s top chefs collaborating, guests can expect an unforgettable evening of flavour, artistry, and culinary storytelling.

Reserve your seat for this one-night-only experience and witness the fusion of two extraordinary culinary minds.

The post Jun’s x Shams El Balad – A Fusion of Culture and Flavour appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Running until 9 February, the festival features over 450 workshops and talks covering arts, design, architecture, visual storytelling, and traditional crafts. The event supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, ensuring a rich cultural experience for attendees. The festival’s sessions are led by industry experts and artists, offering valuable insights and practical training. Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, has been transformed into a dynamic hub for creativity.

Sikka Art & Design Festival : Hands-On Artistic Workshops

The festival offers workshops tailored to various creative disciplines. Emerging City is hosting Gypsum Art, where participants explore gypsum carving techniques. The Traditional Jewellery House presents Jewellery Making: Marriyah (Necklace), providing hands-on experience in crafting traditional ornaments.

Visitors at the People and Faith House can join Henna Stencil and Prayer Bead Crafting sessions. The Traditional Crafts House introduces Spindle, a workshop on hand-weaving using traditional tools.

At House 355 – Masterpieces, creativity takes center stage with Graffiti Art: Express Yourself with Spray Paint, where participants learn graffiti fundamentals from a professional artist. House 341 – Realiity House offers Doodles & AI, transforming simple sketches into digital art using artificial intelligence. The Glitch Art session explores creative distortions inspired by digital effects.

Workshops at House 314 by Sxill Lab include Handmade Tile Making and Cheese Board Design. Meanwhile, House 326 – Sikka Platform presents sustainability-focused sessions such as Sustainability Now: Eco-Friendly Solutions and Perfume Making for Adults. At House 15, Tashkeel hosts modern printing workshops like Hand Printing on Bags and Riso Printing.

Sikka Art & Design Festival : Music, Writing, and Storytelling

At House 196 – Urban House by The Workshop DXB, singer Shilpa Ananth leads Unlocking Authenticity: The Psychology of Songwriting. The session delves into emotional and experiential influences on songwriting, helping participants refine their music composition skills.

The Merin Pavilion hosts Letters to the City: Writing Public Spaces, where attendees reflect on meaningful locations in Dubai by writing personalized messages dedicated to them.

Inspiring Talks and Creative Discussions

The festival includes Sikka Speaks, a dedicated space featuring leading creatives discussing industry trends. Highlights include:

• Creative Minds: Art Therapy for Young Explorers – Art therapist Caline Boghos guides children through therapeutic practices and imaginative play.
• Immersive Magic: Where Art, Music, and Technology Transform Experiences – A panel featuring Anna Lebedeva, Jalal Luqman, Maryam Al Obeidli, Denis Rosiev, Evgenia Romanidi, and Nicholas Mann, moderated by Elias Attallah.
• Decoding Humour: The Art of Multicultural Comedy in Dubai – Featuring comedians Shadi Jad and Saniya Abbas, moderated by Liz Baines.
• Artistic Intervention in Satwa: Tracing Urban Nostalgia – A discussion led by Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari.
• Go Global! International Opportunities & Strategies for Dubai-Based Artists – Moderated by Sophie Mayuko, featuring Sanaz Askari, Giuseppe Moscatello, and Behrang Samadzadkan.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is organized in partnership with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development. This collaborative effort ensures a world-class platform for artists, designers, and cultural enthusiasts.

With an extensive lineup of workshops, talks, and exhibitions, Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025 continues to establish Dubai as a leading creative and cultural hub.

The post 450 Engaging Workshops and Talks at the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Bringing the Past and Present Together Through Art

The Resonance installation, created by graphic designer Maryam Namvar and architect Neda Salmanpour, is an immersive and interactive art piece that invites visitors into a sensory conversation with the past and present of Al Shindagha. Curated by Munira Al Sayegh, the piece comprises three delicately suspended metal panels that move with the wind, reflect shifting light, and echo the rhythms of the creek. The installation draws inspiration from the constant movement of water, trade, architecture, languages, and communities that have long shaped life in this area. The piece’s dynamic nature highlights the cultural evolution of Al Shindagha, incorporating elements of the community’s history, while also adding a contemporary touch.

Promoting Public Art for Community Engagement

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stressed that public art plays an essential role in the emirate’s cultural ecosystem. He emphasized that the Dubai Public Art Strategy is a platform for artists to draw from Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and express their creative visions. “Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood stands as a witness to the evolution of Dubai into a global city,” said Dr. Bin Kharbash, highlighting the importance of the site in Dubai’s collective memory.

Maryam Namvar and Neda Salmanpour, the artists behind the installation, said, “Al Shindagha serves as a cultural and historical touchstone, and, with our artwork Resonance, we wanted to capture the emotion of being there. We aim to contribute to the ever-evolving culture and context of the city by creating a piece that will evoke thought, emotion, and conversation.”

Continuing Dubai’s Public Art Journey

Resonance is the first in a series of three Dubai Public Art projects, which will continue to bring thought-provoking art into public spaces like the Shindagha Historic District, Al Quoz Creative Zone, and Hatta. This initiative reflects Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Alserkal Arts Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic excellence among UAE-based artists, fostering deeper connections between the city’s creative community and its people.

The post Resonance: An Artistic Tribute to Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Michael Adam, Founder of Fashion TV, expressed his excitement: “The opening of our first branded Restaurant & Club in Dubai is a momentous occasion for Fashion TV as we continue to expand our visibility across the UAE, spanning Real Estate with partners like Danube, Sports City, and Marjaan RAK. Our partnership with Parvez Rupani encompasses Hospitality, Real Estate, and Lifestyle, and we eagerly look forward to the launch of more Fashion TV locations under his leadership. We’re thrilled to have 111 Management as our appointed operator, bringing their unmatched expertise to this venture. I’d also like to express my gratitude to Badal Saboo, Global Director and Business Development representative from Fashion TV, who has extended Fashion TV’s brand equity across luxury, fashion, real estate, hospitality, wellness, and events through brand licensing and franchising.”

Parvez Rupani, visionary leader and Fashion TV partner, highlighted the significance of this venture: “This marks our exciting entry into the Hospitality sector with diverse formats, including the award-winning Indian fine dining concept Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia and Bistro Arabia by Fashion TV, offering Arabic Fusion. As we scout locations for additional FTV Restaurants & Clubs, this collaboration showcases the convergence of three icons: Fashion TV, 111 Management, and IHG, an iconic hotel brand. I’d like to thank Michael Adam for making the effort to attend our soft opening despite his health challenges—a testament to his commitment to the brand and our partnership.”

Benoît Lamonerie, CEO of 111 Management, commented: “We are honored to operate the first-ever FTV Restaurant & Club, which enriches the diverse portfolio of 111 Management. This is a remarkable opportunity to work alongside Michael Adam, the founder of an iconic global brand, and to bring to Dubai its first Parisian-inspired fashion brand in a restaurant and club concept. On behalf of the entire team, I extend my gratitude to Parvez and Michael Adam for entrusting 111 Management with this venture. Other venues in the portfolio of 111 Management include African Queen, Kaspia, Beefbar, Terra Solis, and more.”

A New Icon of Luxury in Dubai The FTV Restaurant & Club boasts an extraordinary ambiance defined by:

• Opulent Décor: Lavish interiors adorned with bespoke branded furniture, exquisite cutlery, and a glamorous LED tunnel.
• Gastronomic Excellence: A carefully curated menu featuring signature dishes by a world-class chef.
• Elevated Experiences: An exclusive VIP area, a stunning terrace, and a rich variety of sheesha offerings.
• Convenient Luxury: Private parking and a dedicated entrance for VIPs, ensuring seamless access for distinguished guests.
• Day-to-Night Appeal: While currently a nightlife hotspot, plans are underway to open for lunch, offering a versatile dining experience.

The grand opening was a star-studded affair, with performances by dancers, singers, and a DJ, as well as appearances by high-profile and VIP guests. Notable attendees included Michael Adam, Benoît Lamonerie, Badal Saboo, and the esteemed owners—who together celebrated this landmark achievement in Dubai’s hospitality scene.

The post Grand Opening of FTV Dubai at Voco Hotel: A New Luxury Hospitality Benchmark appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

This new edition reflects Dubai Culture’s ongoing commitment to fostering the growth of the cultural and creative industries, with the goal of further establishing Dubai as a global creative hub and incubator for talent. The programme offers creatives from the UAE and MENA the opportunity to apply for a chance to be part of this transformative experience. The deadline for applications is 10 January 2025, and the event is limited to a select group of participants.

The four-day bootcamp will provide an exclusive opportunity to network with top creative talent, collaborate on innovative projects, and receive one-on-one mentorship from Google’s AI experts. The bootcamp’s main events will be held at Google’s Dubai office, with the final day taking place in the Al Quoz Creative Zone, where the focus will shift to digital art, innovation, and AI.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi’s Insight

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, the Director of the Marketing & Corporate Communication Department at Dubai Culture, spoke about the significance of the AI & Innovation Edition of the bootcamp. She emphasized how it aligns with the UAE’s broader goals under the National Innovation Strategy and the country’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation. Al Suwaidi explained, “Through this bootcamp, Dubai Culture seeks to open new horizons for creatives and provide them with access to experts, tools and knowledge to explore technology and advanced AI applications that can be applied to their creative practices and projects. These applications possess unique capabilities in content creation and generating original ideas for their projects, contributing to Dubai’s global leadership as one of the most future-ready cities in the world.”

Building on Past Success

The previous edition of the bootcamp, themed around sustainability, garnered significant attention, with over 88 applications from creatives across the region. The inaugural programme attracted 21 creatives from 10 countries, who were mentored by 41 experts in various fields. The event featured a series of workshops and one-on-one sessions focused on sustainable design and eco-friendly practices. This success underlined the bootcamp’s potential as a key platform for nurturing talent and driving innovation in the MENA region.

How to Register

The bootcamp organisers have encouraged creatives to apply before the 10 January 2025 deadline to be considered for a chance to participate in this prestigious event. To register, visit the official bootcamp registration page.

The post Dubai Culture and Google Announce Open Call for 2nd MENA Creatives Bootcamp – AI & Innovation Edition appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

This free, two-day forum hosts an engaging lineup of keynotes, panel discussions, practical workshops and networking sessions, offering aspiring creative entrepreneurs, thinkers and makers unparalleled access to industry pioneers and a platform to collaborate, network, and grow.

A standout highlight of the forum is the much-anticipated Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, which invites aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas live to a panel of judges. Winners will secure a grant to bring their creative visions to life.

Programme highlights include:

• Keynotes by industry leaders sharing transformative insights and strategies.
• Lightning Talks packed with business tips and success stories.
• Panels on entrepreneurship, sustainability, diversity, and community.
• A Community Hub connecting participants with finance, licensing, and manufacturing partners.
• Mentorship Sessions for tailored advice on marketing, strategy, and more.
• Interactive Workshops to refine entrepreneurial skills

Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
Date: December 10 & 11, 2024
Location: Concrete, Alserkal Avenue and WH 46, Alserkal Avenue
Registrations open: https://www.dubaiculture.ae/en/events/Al-Quoz-Forum-24

The full programme will be announced soon.

The post Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum Returns to Alserkal Avenue appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Designed to host an array of live shows, the New Covent Garden theatre will feature a wide variety of stage productions, including iconic West End musicals, Arabic theatre, ballet, opera, comedy acts, family-friendly performances, and concerts. The venue is expected to become a major addition to Dubai’s thriving entertainment landscape.

The Creative Vision Behind New Covent Garden

Major players from the entertainment industry are behind the creation of this new arts venue. Pop star Lisa Scott-Lee, known for her work with the legendary 90s band Steps, and her husband, creative director and choreographer Johnny Shentall-Lee, are the driving forces behind New Covent Garden. Together, they have envisioned a place where performers can not only showcase their skills but also connect with others in a space dedicated to creativity and the arts.

Lisa Scott-Lee, also the founder of the Dubai Performing Arts Academy, expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “New Covent Garden has been a passionate dream for Johnny and I for years. Being professional performers ourselves and having made Dubai our home over 10 years ago, we wanted to create a unique space and a home for Performers, Dancers, Musicians, Artists and the Theatre and Performing Arts Community — a creative hub where people from all walks of life can come together and share their passion and their love of the arts.”

A Home for Creativity

In addition to its state-of-the-art theatre, New Covent Garden will feature 10 dance and rehearsal studios, providing an ideal environment for both seasoned professionals and emerging artists to refine their craft. These spaces will accommodate a variety of performances, from dance rehearsals to intimate performances, encouraging collaboration and creativity. Furthermore, New Covent Garden will be home to a branch of the renowned Pineapple Dance Studios, marking the first time this celebrated London institution will expand outside of the UK.

“New Covent Garden is an exciting and unique venue with a beautifully equipped 575-seater Theatre in the heart of Mall of the Emirates, along with 10 accompanying Dance and Rehearsal studios, a performer’s dream to be able to rehearse, train and perform in one location, with a fully working Theatre and 10 backstage dressing rooms,” Scott-Lee added.

Opening Soon

The grand opening of New Covent Garden is slated for the first quarter of 2025, and it is expected to feature a collaboration with Live Nation Middle East for its inaugural performance. The venue is set to transform Dubai into a global hotspot for the arts, where visitors can experience exceptional live shows and engage in artistic expression like never before.

The post Mall of the Emirates Opens New Arts Venue appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

“This strategic partnership aligns with Dubai’s vision to amplify its media presence on a global scale,” said H.E. Mohamed Al Mulla. He underscored the importance of empowering content creators whose works echo local culture and languages, asserting that the media industry plays a pivotal role in nurturing these narratives.

As part of the agreement, Dubai Studios will sponsor the International Emmy World Television Festival and the prestigious International Emmy Awards Gala in New York in 2025.

Furthermore, it will host semi-final judging events for the International Emmy Awards competition in Dubai each year, highlighting the UAE’s growing influence in the global television sector.

“We are delighted to welcome Dubai Studios as a sponsor of the International Academy,” commented Bruce L. Paisner. “We look forward to bringing the global television community together in Dubai for Academy Day.” This event will serve as a vital platform for networking and collaboration among industry professionals.

In addition to these initiatives, Dubai Studios plans to organize an exclusive invite-only “Academy Day in Dubai” for International Academy members, with the date to be confirmed shortly. This four-day event aims to shine a spotlight on the region’s culture and media landscape, offering participants a deeper understanding of local business models and cultural institutions. By facilitating cross-border cooperation, this partnership is set to enhance the cultural tapestry of the international entertainment industry, further establishing Dubai as a pivotal hub for media and creativity.

The post Dubai Studios Partners with International Academy at Mipcom appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.