UAE National Day is just about here and with that, the many achievements and tremendous development in all sectors of the country. HEALTH speaks to residents and citizens alike in the creative sectors about this awe-inspiring success.
Amal Al Jabry, an Emirati journalist and presenter from Dubai reporting for Emirates News on Dubai One TV:
Thoughts on UAE’s rapid development in creative sectors
I’m in awe of how the UAE has transformed itself in such an unimaginably short span of time, and needless to say that living here in the midst of that metamorphosis is truly jaw-dropping.
And as if Dubai Opera, Dubai Tram, and IMG Worlds of Adventure weren’t enough, it’s the continuous landscape changes, the roads and bridges alone continue to surprise me. Poor Google
maps gets confused at times too!
Fostering growth in your field
Media is an industry here that’s experiencing a dynamic growth, and it’s a field that’s hugely supported and encouraged by the UAE Government. In fact, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was quoted in saying ‘the media serves as the first line of defense to protect the significant achievements of civilization’. So we have a pretty huge responsibility on our shoulders, and are proud to implement it with our best foot forward.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
With all the rapid changes taking place right now ahead of the World Expo 2020, and with the support and encouragement from the UAE leadership, it’s easy to see Dubai bounce it’s way to being the Smartest City in the world, and not only is this city looking towards the future, but with all the latest technology already being adopted and utilized here, Dubai has become THE future.
Rahma Himid is a creative Emirati entrepreneur who founded Grace & Garbo, a Public Relations and Marketing firm focusing in fashion, entertainment, and F&B industries.
Thoughts on UAE’s rapid development in creative sectors
The UAE wins accolades for being at the forefront of unified strategy, consistency, and combined efforts to realize the overall vision.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
The sky is the limit; in Dubai, we do not conform to the norms. We break records and barriers in our bid to become an example of a modern city. We have 2020 ahead of us however; we are busy projecting post 2020. Our leaders envision for us what we cannot comprehend; this has been instilled from our forefathers so we understand when we have to take the leap of faith. Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personifies a visionary; he leads by example and encourages us not to limit ourselves. development and innovation. Key projects like Dubai Opera, several hotels and shopping malls, (City Walk, Box Park, The Mall) and Dubai Parks will further add to the city’s landmarks, but those are minor milestones. As we prepare to unveil the envisioned Smart City strategy, we see several locations becoming Wifi equipped, and the driverless car tested recently is a testimony of where we are progressing towards.
Fostering growth in your field
Dubai is a perfect example of how PR strategy should look like. The city’s marketing and PR machine is one of its kind; 45 years ago no one knew where Dubai was, today everyone is here, wants to be here or aspires to be here. This is achieved by a unified strategy, consistency, and combined efforts to realize the overall vision.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
The sky is the limit; in Dubai, we do not conform to the norms. We break records and barriers in our bid to become an example of a modern city. We have 2020 ahead of us however; we are busy projecting post 2020. Our leaders envision for us what we cannot comprehend; this has been instilled from our forefathers so we understand when we have to take the leap of faith. Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personifies a visionary; he leads by example and encourages us not to limit
ourselves.
Najat Makki is an Emirati artist who mostly works with paint, sometimes with sculptures and acrylic on canvas and travels abroad for exhibitions, art workshops and lectures.*
Thoughts on UAE’s rapid development in creative sectors
In the past five years, we have more art galleries and more art institutions which have set up courses and exhibitions in addition to cooperation with local and international artists. 10 years ago, there were a few galleries in the UAE and few
artists, however, now we have so many art galleries, different kinds of museums in all Emirates, and art colleges. This is
very important for us as artists.
Fostering growth in your field
In the UAE, you see more biennales and symposiums which attract local or international artists. Sheikha Noor from Sharjah made an attractive exhibition about the art of history of the UAE at Venice Biennale. And UAE art can be seen at Art Basel, in Asian countries – we travel to such events, and we have the opportunity to display our work. Abdul Qader Al Rais, the
famous artist in the UAE, started in the past in the UAE, but now displays work in famous museums in Europe, and Mohamed Kazim is another.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
I think Dubai always has something new coming up. Dubai’s art scene is getting more artists coming in with new ideas, and more variety, like work with crystal and glass. And more art related business is coming to Dubai. I believe the Arts & Culture scene in the UAE will have a similar position as the business and economic sectors.
Fatma Al Bagali, an Emirati professional Arabic calligrapher is currently working as a project executive in Dubai Arabic
Calligraphy Center.*
Thoughts on UAE’s rapid development in creative sectors
I have witnessed lots of support from the UAE government in many kinds of art; for example: there are many fine arts colleges and centers, art biennials, many international galleries, international art museums, art competitions and awards, international and local exhibitions, in addition to UAE art and cultural days in many countries in Europe, Asia, and
America. Furthermore, there are many professional art materials shops in the UAE now readily on-hand for those of us in reative fields.
Fostering growth in your field
Arabic Calligraphy is our identity; it has a special and very big support in the UAE. This is evidenced in the many international and local events in many emirates. This includes: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, with events such as the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, The Dubai Arabic Calligraphy Center, Horoof Arabiya Magazine (the very first Arabic magazine specialized in Arabic Calligraphy arts), the Al Owais Award in Calligraphy, international Calligraphy
biennials, the Islamic Arts Festival, the Calligraphy Museum, the Islamic Civilization Museum, and the Al Burda Award, to name a few.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
Insha’Allah, it will be amongst one of the most famous central arts cities in the Middle East as well as one of the top arts cities around the world as always.
Meral Jamal is a blogger, writer, and aspiring photographer who enjoys writing and travelling.
Thoughts on UAE’s rapid development in creative sectors
I think something I’ve witnessed personally amongst people my age is modernization and liberality. With modernization, a lot
more youth is moving around on their own at all times without fear of time or place or even transport issues. This is especially true for girls, especially as the UAE is so safe.
Fostering growth in your field
Being a blogger is so fun in the UAE because so many teenagers are now involved in social causes. And they’re all so well connected! I think as a generation, we’re privileged to be able to talk about these things and not feel threatened in countries as open minded as the UAE.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
I would like to think of Dubai as the hive of young digital creators – bloggers, photographers, YouTubers and viners – who are all part of a large community involved in many humanitarian causes such as tackling gender inequality, discrimination and the like. This country is so culturally diverse and gives you the freedom and respect to be your own person.
Johanna Vandeberg is a Belgian self-educated abstract painter who has been living in Dubai for almost one year now.*
Thoughts on UAE’s rapid development in creative sectors
I can see that the UAE has really developed within the art scene for the past decade. For example, there are now so many exhibitions featuring known various artists as well as new artists. This exhibition encourages meetings, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas between UAE artists, fostering an expression and evolution of stylistic and conceptual diversity. There is also the UAE Art Archive from Emirates Fine Arts Society (EFAS) who provides continuous care and encouragement in cultural
matters and to the visual arts in particular.
Fostering growth in your field
I do believe that the UAE is ripe with regards to my field. As I have mentioned, there are so many support groups that
encourage artists and supporters of art here in the UAE. The supply of art in the UAE is humongous, but additional demand from the clients/ buyer would be even better.
Where do you envision Dubai in the next five years?
Having seen the current evolution, both architectural and cultural… Dubai will be the place to be and undoubtedly, the center of international art.
*ABOUT SWISS ART GATE UAE
Swiss Art Gate Uae promotes mutual understanding between Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates through cultural exchange and also organizes events and exhibitions with local, regional, and international artists. For more details, visit: www.swissartgateuae.com demand from the clients/ buyer would be even better.
