Anood Al Obaidly has always been interested in art and viewing it, but it was only three years ago that she started dabbling herself.
“I think creativity is not only based on making art or being an artist, but also on observing the arts around us and noticing it,” the 25-year-old says.
Al Obaidly has her own art studio at home, and since graduating from the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed University, where she earned a degree in visual arts, has had her work exhibited at the Tashkeel gallery in Dubai.
Last year she was awarded the Shaikha Salama Artist in Residence Award, which gave her the opportunity to work for a year as an artist in residence with a visiting faculty from Rhode Island School of Design.
“To me, making art is an experimental process. Each piece of work is a result of a process that we should be proud of,” Al Obaidly says. “It’s a journey that keeps moving forward.”
For the Abu Dhabi-based artist, inspiration for her works – which are generally achieved using mixed-media collage, paint, installation, “found” materials, and photography – is found anywhere and everywhere.
“I explore surrounding indoor and outdoor spaces. Photography is my research study tool. I use photographs to study colour and space. Recently I’ve photographed spaces at Al Falah, Saadiyat and Al Bahia,” she says, adding that these areas are ideal because they are open with farms, villages, buildings and sea views.
Al Obaidly also tries to visit as many local events as she can and says she finds a lot of support here. “The Emirati community is supportive of the arts, and art education is developing here.” she says. “This has helped the art scene to be unique and to lead worldwide exhibitions.”
While enjoying her art as a form of expression, Al Obaidly aspires to develop her skills and become involved in art education, especially, she says, in art research.
What's your favourite book and why?
I read a lot from classical writers such as Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemingway. Books to me are either classical or educational references.
What words best describe you?
Art, sketch book, journal, paper, pencil.
What music are you currently listening to?
I only own a radio to listen to opera classics – I like the music of Pavarotti.
Where do you enjoy going in Abu Dhabi?
I like to go to areas that include nature, such as Saadiyat and Al Bahia.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Any destination that includes nature and wide spaces. Even my own garden is enough of a holiday destination for me. We do not need to travel so far away to look for a moment of peace.
Who inspires you the most?
My mother, Layla. I see her as an art supporter and artistic soul. She lives and shares my art journey and challenges with me.
What's your favourite film?
I rarely watch general movies. I am more into biography and documentary films that discuss certain subjects, such as the movies of Joseph Beuys.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I do not wish for any superpowers. Making art is a power to be thankful for.
What's your biggest achievement so far?
Everything I experience is an achievement. I do not think about how it’s big or small, I just live it.
mhealy@thenational.ae
'Downton Abbey: A New Era'
Director: Simon Curtis
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan
Rating: 4/5
The years Ramadan fell in May
MATCH INFO
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
Race card
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,200m
6.30pm: Liwa Oaisi Group 2 (PA) Dh300,000 1,400m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
The National selections: 5pm: Flit Al Maury, 5.30pm: Sadah, 6pm: RB Seqondtonone, 6.30pm: RB Money To Burn, 7pm: SS Jalmood, 7.30pm: Dalaalaat
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
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The%20specs
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Pakistanis%20at%20the%20ILT20%20
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ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hoopla%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jacqueline%20Perrottet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20required%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Company%20Profile
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Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
IF YOU GO
The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs: 2018 Maserati Levante S
Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Specs%3A%202024%20McLaren%20Artura%20Spider
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The%20specs
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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.
Napoleon
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