Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi reflects on his journey in curating art from the 22 nations where Arabic is the official language, focusing on interconnected figures within the diaspora. Read more »
Unlocking insights from ‘The Business of Philanthropy’ at the Emirates Literature Festival
With the world grappling with a $5 trillion annual funding gap to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notable leaders from philanthropy, business and the social sector convened at the Emirates Literature Festival to discuss the role of philanthropy in meeting these goals. Moderated by Badr Jafar, the panel featured Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation; Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chair of Wamda Group; and Isobel Abulhoul, Founder of the Emirates Literature Foundation. Read more »
UAE literary heritage shows how much Arabic fiction can offer young people
Stories serve as a vital foundation for shaping and reinforcing national identity, and the UAE is no exception. Like many nations, it possesses a rich repertoire of legends and folklore, yet these narratives risk fading with each generation as the custodians of oral tradition pass on. Preserving and revitalising this heritage while also pushing the envelope of storytelling is an imperative of the present era – one that Emirati writers have embraced through literature. By capturing these tales in written form, they not only protect the nation’s intangible heritage but also fortify a collective sense of belonging across generations. Read more »
Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi explores the evolution of modern Arab art in Post-Impressionism era at Louvre Abu Dhabi
On the sidelines of the Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances exhibition, which runs until February 9, Louvre Abu Dhabi hosted an art talk. During the event, on January 18, Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, author, researcher, and founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, shared his insights on the evolution of Arab art during the Post-Impressionism art movement, as well as how this movement continues to influence the region’s artistic landscape today. Read more »
Plan to save historic UAE buildings will enrich future generations, experts say
A new programme to preserve the UAE’s modern architecture will enrich future generations’ understanding of history, support economic growth and enhance community identity. Read more »
Syria after Assad can use its rich history to build a bright future
The overthrow of the Baathist government is poised to have significant repercussions, not only within the country but also across the broader region. Whether these consequences will be positive or negative will depend on the choices made by Syria’s interim and long-term leadership. Read more »