Manal Dowayan - Landscape of the Mind

‘Maraya Art Centre’ welcomes public to capture remarkable experiences in ‘Regarding Borders’ exhibition

Sharjah, August 28, 2010:  Al Qasba—the premier tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the emirate of Sharjah—has announced that registration has begun for an exciting new photography exhibition, ‘Regarding Borders’, which aims to reveal and depict the social, cultural and geographical frontiers of the Arabian Peninsula.

Open to the public at large, residents and visitors alike are invited to explore the region’s rich natural environment and examine the interplay between its many contrasting cultures.   All lens-based art including photography, photo-collage, and film & video works will be considered for inclusion in the exhibition as long as they are received ahead of the September 25th deadline.

It is the hope of exhibition curators at ‘Maraya Art Centre’ to collect a “visual record” of this particular time and place in Middle East history, creating a snapshot of the Arabian Peninsula in the modern era while promoting a greater appreciation for the treasures that define the region today. ‘Regarding Borders’ exhibit will be finalized this autumn and appear to the public before the end of 2010, hosted at ‘Maraya Art Centre’ in partnership with ‘The Shelter’.

‘Regarding Borders’ is an open invitation for local artists to express their unique perceptions of life in the Gulf”, says ‘The Shelter’ Curator, Madeline Yale.  “This is an ever-changing region where ancient traditions are kept alive in a modernizing global system, and that balance sets the stage for an incredible insight into the character of Arabia and its people.”

‘Maraya Art Centre’ frequently hosts cutting-edge exhibits from all over the world, including recent shows from countries like Iraq, Italy and UAE.  Most recently, the Centre hosted ‘Life in Ramadan’ photography exhibition showcasing the works of 13 photographers from the region that express their view of the holy month.

For more information about the exhibition, please log on to www.alqasba.ae

Cooperative exhibition features creative works for 13 photographers

Sharjah, August 23, 2010:  Bringing colourful insights into life of UAE residents during the Holy Month of Ramadan, ‘Life in Ramadan’ photography exhibition was inaugurated yesterday (August 22), 10:00 pm at Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba. The exhibition which is held in collaboration with the Emirates Photography Society will run from August 22nd – September 18th showcasing photographic works of UAE’s talented photographers. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of H.E. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba; H.E. Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting General Director at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Mr. Peter Jackson, Architect Advisor, HH The Ruler’s Office along with other distinguished guests.

Featuring the works of 13 photographers, 10 of which hold the UAE nationality, the ‘Life in Ramadan’ exhibit gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterize this very special time of the Islamic year.  With predominantly local photographers, organizers say that they are also working to promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

Open to the public at large, Life in Ramadan is one of several cutting-edge exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent projects have included partnerships with institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and award-winning pieces on display from the 2009 Abraaj Capital Art prize.

AROUND 13 photographers from different parts of the UAE have gathered to bring colourful insights into the life of UAE residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The ‘Life in Ramadan’ exhibition started at Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba on Sunday.

The exhibition, which will continue till Sept. 18, is being held in collaboration with the Emirates Photography Society to showcase the photographic work of the country’s talented photographers.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of CEO of Al Qasba Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, Acting General Director at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Saeed Al Nabouda, and Architect Advisor- The Ruler’s Office Peter Jackson, along with other distinguished guests.

Local perspective

Featuring the works of 13 photographers, 10 of whom are UAE nationals, the exhibition gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterise this very special time of the Islamic year.  With predominantly local photographers, organisers say that they are also working to promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

Talking to The Gulf Today, Ammar Al Attar, one of the photographers who has displayed a unique project of photography, said that he had been taking part in various exhibitions and showcased his work throughout the UAE.

At Maraya Art Centre’s exhibition, Al Attar has displayed his work “Untitled” - a combination of 500 still images covering the “Taraweeh” prayers in a series - through a video. “Taraweeh is one of the important prayers during Ramadan and through this project I am showing the importance of this to the world,” said Al Attar. “I had completed this project in  two days to capture 500 pictures. I then combined them to use a timeless technique and am showcasing it in the exhibition to highlight the different aspects of Ramadan in the UAE.”

He noted that it was not an easy task for him, but  he managed to do so with the help of his associates.

Al Attar said that last year the theme of Al Qasba exhibition was mosques and before it was prayers in which various photographers under the banner of Emirates Photography Society took part. “Photography is a way of documentation of various accounts and sharing with other people,” he added.

Young photographer

The exhibition is also showcasing the work of a 16-year-old Emirati photographer, Naser Ali Naser, entitled “Some people in Ramadan,” which drew attention of almost every visitor.

Naser resides in Abu Dhabi and came to Sharjah to take part in the exhibition. He is a student of Grade 12 and is self-taught in terms of photography techniques. This is his third exhibition to showcase his work.

“I have captured every mood of life but love landscape photography very much to help me explore nature,” he said. “I will continue my hobby of photography to capture more and more scenes and will display them in other exhibitions.”

Open to the public at large, Life in Ramadan is one of the several exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent projects have included partnerships with institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and award-winning pieces on display from the 2009 Abraaj Capital Art prize.

Al Qasba

All-inclusive destination records nearly a quarter of a million visitors in first half of the year as Ramadan festival gets underway this month

Sharjah, August 17, 2010:  Now celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Ramadaniat Al Qasba festival, officials at Sharjah’s premier entertainment destination Al Qasba have revealed high attendance number pushing almost a quarter of a million visitors in just the first six months of 2010.  One of the leading cultural destinations in the Emirate of Sharjah, the company’s mix of leisure attractions and business facilities has proven to be an attractive combination not only for UAE residents but a growing tourism industry in the Emirate.

Situated in the centre of “new Sharjah”, location has become a key factor in driving places like Al Qasba to diversify their offerings to attract a combination of leisure and business visitors in 2010.  “Here families can find a lively evening’s entertainment, friends can share in five-star international cuisine, and business people can take advantage of stylishly sophisticated conference facilities all within a single picturesque setting,” says Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority.

A number of events have made this an especially rewarding year for Al Qasba, including a community walkathon to support the children of Palestine, an Earth Hour event supporting energy conservation, and the recently concluded ‘Scream for Your Team’ event held during the FIFA World Cup this year.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah tourism industry has maintained a steady growth as the number of tourists and hotel occupancy rate rose in the first half of the year. 

“As Sharjah’s popularity increases, we have worked diligently to offer leisure and business customers not only excellent amenities, but a combination of attractions unlike any other available in the Emirate,” adds Sawaf.

The venue has proven widely popular with people of all ages with notable attractions such as the Etisalat Eye of the Emirates—the largest Ferris wheel in the Middle East having alone drawn almost 40,000 visitors during the first half of the year.  Other cultural ventures include traditional Abra boat rides along the Sharjah’s waterfront, with creatives also getting a flush of inspiration at the Maraya Art Centre, presenting three distinct galleries and a number of monthly workshops and lectures. Plenty of cafes and restaurants also line the Al Qasba waterfront, offering guests everything from European bistros to relaxed Arabian coffeehouses. 

Inspired by the success of the first six months, the Sharjah destination is determined to bring even more action to the latter half of 2010 as the Holy Month of Ramadan kicks of this week.

“This is typically one of our busiest times of the year as people across the region seek to capture a glimpse of the past while exploring the many wonders of contemporary Islamic society.”  We are especially thrilled this year to be extending Ramadaniat Al Qasba under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival, supporting the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr,” concluded Sawaf.

Giving visitors the chance to walk away with something special this Ramadan, Al Qasba is sponsoring a series of giveaway promotions for all visitors spending AED 100 or more at any of Al Qasba’s facilities.  Through the Scratch & Win campaign, customers will be able to take home any number of fantastic prizes including Al Qasba Value Vouchers, free attraction tickets, and or course instant prizes.

Additional information about the seasonal and permanent activities at Al Qasba can be found online at www.alqasba.ae
 

Al Qasba Mosque

Sharjah’s leading cultural venue to host series of Islamic lectures, entertainment events & grand Ramadan banquets

Sharjah, August 3, 2010: Sitting in the heart of downtown Sharjah, Al Qasba—the Emirate’s leading tourist, cultural and entertainment destination—has announced preparations to welcome in the Holy month of Ramadan with an expanded agenda for its annual Ramadaniat Al Qasba program, held this autumn for the sixth consecutive year.

Representatives at Al Qasba say that they are thrilled to be extending Ramadaniat Al Qasba under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival—a   program aimed at supporting the time-honored values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.  The Sharjah Ramadan Festival will be spread across the Emirate of Sharjah from Ramadan tents to shopping festivals, accompanied by a series of family activities and promotions attracting people from all age groups and backgrounds.

One of the many unique events planned at Al Qasba will be the ‘Eman Oasis’, hosting notable clerics from across the Islamic world as they come together to support a remarkable schedule of religious lectures dealing with issues affecting modern Islamic society.  The schedule will include nineteen lectures covering various topics from August 12 – 26, including a number of events for non-Muslims. Held within a classical Arabian tent, the air-conditioned venue will be fitted for visitors of all ages with a special area for ladies only.

Dina Al Nakhi, events manager at Al Qasba, says that her team is excited to be putting all the final touches on what is typically one of the largest and most anticipated events of the year. “We are incredibly proud to be hosting Ramadaniat Al Qasba once again and welcoming audiences from across the region to enjoy the many activities present for all age groups,” adds Al Nakhi.

In the spirit of fun and giving, visitors to Al Qasba will also have the chance to win great prizes during the Holy Month. 

Al Qasba is preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan Modern with a distinctive Islamic feel reflecting the identity of Al Qasba and the Emirate of Sharjah, complete with palm trees, bridges and buildings in Al Qasba being lit with special Ramadan lights.  Al Qasba restaurants and cafes will be adding a special touch to family meetings as visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere with a wide range of Iftar and Suhour meals with extended hours and menus.  For younger visitors, the Al Qasba Kids Fun Zone will be featuring some special educational events aligned with the theme of Ramadan.

Cooperative exhibition to reveal joyful spirit of “Life in Ramadan” from across the UAE with features from over 20 local photographers

Maraya Art Centre

Sharjah, July 28, 2010:  Bringing colourful insights into life of UAE residents during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Maraya Art Centre is proud to announce a new alliance with the Emirates Photography Society for an upcoming art exhibition titled Life in Ramadan, running from August 22 – September 18 at Al Qasba. 

Supported by a variety of both young and experienced photographers living in UAE, the Life in Ramadan exhibition gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterize this very special time of the Islamic year.  With predominantly local photographers, organizers say that they are also working to promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

“The treasured moments shared between family and friends during the Holy Month of Ramadan are fantastic memories to capture as part of our modern Emirati history,” says Ammar Al Attar, Manager of Emirates Photography Society. “It is the hope of Maraya Art Centre that this will be the first of many collaborations with Emirates Photography Society as our two organisations share mutual ambitions for supporting artistic creativity in the Emirate of Sharjah.” 

Open to the public at large, Life in Ramadan is one of several cutting-edge exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent projects have included partnerships with institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and award-winning pieces on display from the 2009 Abraaj Capital Art prize.

HE Justin H. Siberell explores around the Centre’s three floors viewing the latest art works showcased

Sharjah - June 30, 2010:  HE Justin H. Siberell, Consul General of the United States of America in Dubai, recently made a visit to explore the local UAE art pieces being featured at the Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba—one of the leading galleries located in the Emirate of Sharjah. The visit by the Consul General coincided with a newly opened exposition titled ‘Peripheral Vision’, a series of masterpieces held by the Barjeel Art Foundation and featuring artwork from Barjeel’s founder, Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi’s personal collection. 

Following his tour of the Barjeel Art Foundation collection, HE Siberell also visited the Experiment exhibition—a set of works coming from five young Emirati artists.   Spread over the entire third floor of Maraya Art Centre, the artists and curators of Experiment were in attendance to guide HE Siberell through the various features of each floor and the origin and symbolism of the art pieces.

Some of the attendees present during the Consul General’s visit included co-curator of Maraya Art Centre Mr. Giuseppe Moscatello, founder of The Shelter arts centre Mr. Ahmed Bin Shabib, and gallery manager at Barjeel Art Foundation Ms. Mandy Merzaban.

Ambassador impressed with Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi’s Art Collection at Barjeel Art Foundation

Sharjah - June 16, 2010:   H.E Julius Lauritsch, Ambassador of Austria to the UAE visited yesterday, June 15th, Al Qasba—the premier tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the Emirate of Sharjah.  During the visit, H.E Lauritsch roamed around the various attractions in Al Qasba and viewed the latest artworks featured at Maraya Art Centre. Welcomed by H.E. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba,  the Austrian Ambassador was impressed by the exclusive art collection of Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi’s which is currently exhibited at Barjeel Art Foundation in the second floor of Maraya Art Centre. Al Qassemi briefed the Ambassador on the art works, their origin and their symbolism and the future art works that the foundation plans to showcase for its visitors.  

Sharjah, June 6, 2010 – A delegation of 35 participants from the ‘Third Workshop on Conservation Professional Education and Practice in the Arab Region - ‘Athar’, visited Sharjah’s leading touristic, cultural and entertainment destination, Al Qasba. The delegation, formed from Professionals, Doctors, University instructors, and specialists from all over the Arab region was welcomed to dinner at ‘Shababeek’ restaurant and then invited to enjoy a unique water ride through Abras and an unforgettable sky fly with Etisalat Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel. Representatives from Al Qasba Development Authority briefed the delegation on the recent developments of Al Qasba over the past years and the current plans to strengthen the leading position of Sharjah’s unique destination.
 
It is worth mentioning that the delegation was formed from key representatives of educational and cultural institutes from UAE, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen and Egypt.

Sharjah’s leading touristic destination selects world’s hottest vacation spot as recent studies expect 30,000 visitors from UAE to Malaysia in 2010

Sharjah, June 2nd, 2010 – With summer travels just around the corner, Al Qasba, in collaboration with Etisalat as a strategic partner, has launched an exciting new promotion in which winners have the chance to grab cash prizes, dining vouchers, a wide collection of electronics, and even win the grand prize of airline tickets to Malaysia to visit the Eye of Malaysia attraction.  Sponsored by Sharjah National Travel and Tours Agency (SNTTA), the promotion is in line with the recent five year anniversary celebration of the Etisalat Eye of the Emirates—the region’s largest Ferris wheel and one of Al Qasba’s greatest tourist attractions.  The promotion is also supported by Al Qasba’s restaurants including SugarBox, Nando’s, Dunkin Donuts, Caribou Coffee, Carino Cafe and Sumo Sushi & Bento.

“The Etisalat Eye of the Emirate has always been a very special icon within Sharjah,” says Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba. “Our newest figures show a 10% increase in the number of thrill seekers taking a trip on the ride with an average crowd of nearly 10,000 visiting the attraction every month. That achievement continues to inspire us in developing new attractions within Al Qasba, and promotions like this one are a great way to kick off the summer season.”

Those who purchase Al Qasba’s summer promotional package—which will be available until July 23—will be automatically entered into three raffle draws, taking place on June 18, July 2 and July 23. Sawaf says that the latest promotion will encourage people from across the country to explore new and exciting activities during the summer months. “Malaysia is one of the world’s favorite destinations, and a travel package from Al Qasba will be the best surprise for those who are looking to spend their summer in an atmosphere rich in culture, full of entertainment and  incredibly beautiful,” says Sawaf.  “Family-oriented activities are very popular in Malaysia, and with theme parks such as Genting Highlands, Sunway Lagoon and A’Famosa Resort receiving thousands of visitors every month, this is but one of the many surprises that Al Qasba has in store for the summer”.

Recent news from the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board have said that the country’s target is to attract 300,000 visitors from the Arab world to Malaysia in 2010, increasing traffic by as much as 5% compared to 2009. Malaysian tourism officials said that their goal is to welcome over 30,000 visitors from the UAE alone, including families, young adults, honeymooners and business travelers.