New exhibit in Sharjah showcases some of the best works by Emirati artists from last 40 years



What does it take to create and nurture an environment in the UAE where the arts and artists can flourish?

This is a question that, since the start of the year, a number of events — such as the recent Andy Warhol-inspired party at the NYUAD Art Gallery, a Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan ­Foundation- hosted panel discussion at Mina Zayed’s Warehouse421 and Dubai’s Global Art Forum 10 — have chosen to focus on.

“Our 10th anniversary led the panel to reflect on the growth of the art scene in the UAE, and how the UAE has not just become a meeting point in the international art scene but a place where art and ideas are produced and then disseminated to the rest of the world,” Art Dubai’s director, Antonia Carver, told an audience at the Dubai Design District in January.

But as 1980 — Today: Exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates, a new exhibition at the Sharjah Art Foundation's Flying Saucer gallery shows, fostering local creativity is something that Sharjah's Emirates Fine Arts Society (EFAS) understood long before the Saadiyat Cultural District or Art Dubai were even thought of.

Established in Sharjah in 1980 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing the fine arts and nurturing local talent through lectures, workshops, seminars and exhibitions, EFAS launched its 34th annual exhibition in January.

1980 — Today: Exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates was curated by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the head of the Sharjah Biennial and president of the Sharjah Art Foundation, last year for the UAE national pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale and now that it has returned to the UAE, local audiences have the chance to see more than 100 works by 15 Emirati artists that were selected by Sheikha Hoor.

A retrospective of contemporary art exhibitions in the Emirates over the past 40 years, the works include animal-bone and wood sculptures by Khor Fakkan-based artist Abdullah Al Saadi, paintings such as Turathona Al Mi'mary (Our Architectural Heritage) by the 60-year-old painter Obaid Suroor, from Ras Al Khaimah, and the early, 1968 oil painting Al Intithar (The Wait) by Abdul Qader Al Rais.

These are accompanied by the photographic collage Jumping No 1 (1983) by the veteran contemporary artist Hassan Sharif; Tongue (1994), a series of nine silver gelatin prints by the pioneering conceptual artist Mohammed Kazem, and uncharacteristic sculptures such as the clay relief Palestine (1995) by Najat Meky, the only female artist whose work features in the show.

1980 — Today: Exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates is at The Flying Saucer, Dasman, Sharjah until May 14

nleech@thenational.ae

Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

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Tree of Hell

Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla

Director: Raed Zeno

Rating: 4/5

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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

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Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

The Freedom Artist

By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)

The Penguin

Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz

Creator: Lauren LeFranc

Rating: 4/5

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
The 10 Questions
  • Is there a God?
  • How did it all begin?
  • What is inside a black hole?
  • Can we predict the future?
  • Is time travel possible?
  • Will we survive on Earth?
  • Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
  • Should we colonise space?
  • Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
  • How do we shape the future?

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

Tips from the expert

Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

  1. Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
  2. It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
  3. Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
  4. Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
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Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 

 


 

The biog

Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

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Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.