The grand finale of the 10th Dubai Art Season, World Art Dubai, runs until Saturday at the World Trade Centre. Having been warmed up for all things artistic by Art Week last month, the city welcomes another celebration of the arts. Billed as "a fusion of art, education and entertainment", the annual retail-focused event has a carnival, community feel, with many workshops and events targeted at children and students. However, the event, now in its fourth year, remains an important marketplace for affordable art, with the prices of the art on offer ranging from Dh360 to Dh70,000.
With 30 per cent of the 300 or so artists taking part being based in the UAE, it is certainly local in flavour, although the nationalities of the artists is incredibly diverse, reflecting the melting pot that is the Emirates. Several galleries do attend from abroad, and artists have the chance to take a space themselves, such is the free, eclectic nature of the event.
Content has been curated by Zaahirah Muthy, Stephanie Neville and Atul Panse. All three are artists; all three live in Dubai. The often-conflicting roles of artist and curator doesn't seem to have caused alarm. Muthy's organisation Zee Arts holds regular exhibitions of mainly female artists, nearly always including Muthy's own work; Neville will be showcasing some of her embroidery pieces at booth D52. Panse, is an illustrator and graphic designer who is also an active educator, leading regular workshops at Tashkeel, DIAC and the University of Sharjah.
Spanning the global offerings on display, here are our tips of artists to keep an eye out for.
What's on show
Besher Koshaji, Syrian based in Jordan, showing with Wadi Finan Art Gallery, G24
Fresh from their eye-catching salon-style booth in Art Dubai Modern, Wadi Finan bring three of their artists, including Koshaji. You may remember his solo exhibition in March last year at the Workshop, Dubai, where his paintings so poetically captured a spirit of displacement and disorientation. Having initially followed the cubist sensibility and concentrated on the heady impressions of buildings in cities, his recent works focus on figures; their faces broken-up and unreadable, yet full
of pathos.
Patti Endo, part of the exhibition Walking the Line, Create Hub Gallery, F18
Winner of best regional gallery at last year's event, Create Hub return with a group exhibition of emerging African artists, which is their area of speciality, as seen in the roster of exhibitions at their Al Quoz gallery space. Endo is half Japanese and half Kenyan, raised in Tokyo, living in Nairobi. Her distinctive drawings of figures often follow the technique of continuous line work, so the pen stays on the paper from start to finish.
Fu Wenjun, China, D38
The creator of the digital pictorial photography technique, Wenjun's mesmeric artworks fuse the acts of painting and photography in surprising ways, printed on archival, handmade traditional Chinese paper.
Samar Kamel, Egypt, D22
Using materials such as nail polish, comic strips and tea bags, Kamel exclusively creates paintings of women. An Egyptian based in Dubai, her powerful female forms often recall the energy of her daughters. Last year, she collaborated on a work with Batool Jafri, a Pakistani artist based in Dubai, sold to raise money for female prisoners in Egypt. Given that Jafri is showcasing her work on the neighbouring booth (D23), there is every chance the pair might repeat the exercise.
Jeff Murray, UK, A31
Murray's aerial cityscapes were a hit in previous years; this year he brings with him Paris and Florence, but also new work inspired by Tutankhamun. His signature exacting draughtsmanship and intense detail are still in evidence.
Beatriz Elorza, Spain, A15
The lightness and spontaneity of Elorza's largely abstract, floral paintings is a breath of fresh air. Reflecting her love of colour and nature, she paints when taking a break from her architectural practice.
Shreya Mehta, India/US, B23
Liquid Tapestries is the name of the latest body of work by Mehta, an Indian artist who trained in Belgium and lives in New York. Inspired by the traditional intricate geometric patterning common to carpets and architectural detailing from her homeland, she builds several layers of different images, one on top of the other, creating illusions and an intense depth of field that is very contemporary and 3D in feel.
Mika Yajima, Japan, A12
A sign of how artists can progress year on year, Yajima participated in a group exhibition of Japanese artists in 2017 and returns with a solo presentation of three recent series, experimenting in different ways with plant fibre materials. Trained in the craft of kimono-making, she works with tapestry and weaving processes, always maintaining a close connection to her spiritual calling.
Marisha Nell/Design by Mariska, South Africa, B25-5
Famous for taking unwanted objects such as used Nespresso pods and cans, and recycling them into her artworks, for this year's World Art Dubai, Nell has created a unique piece, Father of the Nation, to honour the Year of Zayed. In the 30 days running up to the event, she has participated in a Waste Me Not challenge, attempting to wear all the waste she generates in that time.
The Ajala Project, UAE, E13 & 14
The social enterprise organisation is a special events partner of WAD, organising talks and a doodle marathon. They also present 360-degree virtual-reality installation Noor, which had its premiere at Sikka Art Fair last month.
World Art Dubai runs daily until Saturday, from 2pm to 9pm. Tickets are Dh25 from the
door or Dh20 from dubai.platinumlist.net
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
MO
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20electric%20motors%20with%20102kW%20battery%20pack%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E570hp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20890Nm%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%20428km%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C700%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 445bhp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh474,600
On Sale: Now
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The%20Woman%20King%20
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Company profile
Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
Movie: Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster 3
Producer: JAR Films
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Chitrangda Singh, Kabir Bedi
Rating: 3 star
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MATCH STATS
Wolves 0
Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 90 4' pen)
Red cards: Joao Moutinho (Wolves); Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Man of the match: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai,
HBKU Press
Overall standings
1. Christopher Froome (GBR/Sky) 68hr 18min 36sec,
2. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) at 0:18.
3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:23.
4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 0:29.
5. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 1:17.
Tips for used car buyers
- Choose cars with GCC specifications
- Get a service history for cars less than five years old
- Don’t go cheap on the inspection
- Check for oil leaks
- Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
- Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
- Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
- Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
- If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell
Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
