The physical works within Abdullah Al Saadi’s ouevre are only a fragment of his art.
They can be seen as mere vestiges of an engrossing artistic process involving solitary excursions to the UAE countryside as well as a meticulous archiving practice. What comes before, during and after the creation of each piece is integral to the object in itself.
This is what Tarek Abou El Fetouh, curator of this year’s National Pavilion UAE, wants to highlight at the Venice Art Biennale.
The exhibition – Abdullah Al Saadi: Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia – will be running from Saturday until November 24. It will bring together eight bodies of Al Saadi’s works, two of which were created specifically for the biennial.
But it is how these works are curated, and how they are presented to the pavilion’s visitors, that unpacks the significance of the Emirati artist’s process as well as his importance to the local artistic landscape.
Al Saadi is a forerunner of the local art scene. He is considered one of the key figures in the development of contemporary art in the UAE, having been actively creating works since the 1980s. His practice involves painting, drawing, sculpting and photography as well as collecting and cataloguing found objects and the creation of new alphabets.
Abou El Fetouh previously worked with Al Saadi for his Expo 2020 Dubai commission Terhal. The work consists of boulders on which maps – or rather artistic reflections – of Fujairah’s Wadi Tayybah have been painted. The pieces are a permanent installation in an outdoor seating area at the Expo site.
Abou El Fetouh had known Al Saadi for years before curating Terhal, but the work gave him a sharp insight into the artist’s practice. “He took me in his car and drove into Wadi Tayybah,” he said. “I actually saw that there’s quite a lot of thought behind the selection of the rocks.”
For Terhal, Al Saadi ventured out alone into Wadi Tayybah, camping there until he felt attuned to the landscape. He brought a poem with him, which he read and reflected on amid the jagged, green landscape of the surrounding mountains. It was only then that he began to select the stones that would form the project.
Terhal, of course, is a single body of work – and it gives just a sliver of an insight into Al Saadi’s artistic methodology. With Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia, Abou El Fetouh found he had a lot more room to explore the rituals surrounding Al Saadi’s art – as well as a greater breadth of work to showcase.
The exhibition will explore several series of works that Al Saadi has created in the last decade. These include The Purl and Silk Journey, which presents long vertical scrolls that the artist produced in 2015 during two excursions to the eastern part of the UAE, not far from his hometown of Khor Fakkan. For the first part of the work, The Purl Journey, the artist meditated on the mountainous landscape of Wadi Madha by drawing and writing on long scrolls. He stood over verdant valleys, contemplating concepts of nourishment and vitality while, over the course of five days, he lived on a diet of flatbread, tea and coffee. The Silk Journey, meanwhile, comes as a result of a bicycle trip the artist took across Madha, Khor Fakkan, Dibba and Wadi Bih.
Al Zannoba Journey, on the other hand, involved another more grounded mode of travel. The artist set out on a walk wearing zannoba, or slippers the artist made from goat skin and rubber. As he walked, he pushed a wheelbarrow that carried his supplies. His slippers unravelled and his wheelbarrow, too, gave way. Each hurdle prompted novel considerations and reflections. Al Saadi captured these elements through traditional paintings as well as footage from a GoPro camera he attached to the wheelbarrow. He also kept a journal and painted his journey on stones gathered during the passage.
However, the stones, paintings and scrolls can only tell so much, and Abou El Fetouh wanted to capture the more ineffable dimensions of Al Saadi’s practice.
“Once we started to work on the pavilion, this was my first obsession,” Abou El Fetouh said.
The exhibition space itself is a starting point. It has been designed to reflect upon the swerving routes Al Saadi takes during his excursions – on which he ponders as he paints on stones or renders his asemic letters. Steel shelves curving through the space will display the confectionery boxes that Al Saadi uses to contain his works.
Similarly, the artworks stored in boxes and metal chests allude to the artist’s studio space in Khor Fakkan, as well as his “meticulous cataloguing approach”, where everything is precisely dated and filed – a decades-long effort that Abou El Fetouh says made it easy to sift through what is otherwise a monumental body of work.
Within the exhibition, the displayed works have also been arranged with an aesthetic consideration. The show will begin with pieces that have a more restrained colour palette – almost monochromatic – gradually becoming more vibrant as visitors tread deeper into the exhibition and towards the performance space.
Storytelling and performances are the keys to unravelling Al Saadi’s methodology. Professional actors as well as interns will be animating the pavilion in Venice, going through artworks stored in chests, they will be touching upon Al Saadi’s cataloguing approach. Opening the confectionery boxes and metal chests, actors will unroll scrolls and elaborate on artworks. Performers will enact facets of the artist’s process as they unpack any given work, “telling you the story of this journey.”
They will read poems that Al Saadi recites during his excursions. They will talk about the animals that sometimes accompany him. They will discuss how he reflects on landscapes, painting them not with cartographic accuracy but rather with impressionistic flair. And perhaps most insightfully of all, they will recite literature that in some way relays the poetics of his craft – including the works of the sixth century pre-Islamic Arabian poet Imru al-Qais.
As much as Al Saadi is an artist with a uniquely idiosyncratic approach, he also sustains a legacy rooted in Arabian poetry that involves engaging with the natural environment.
“This artistic relationship with nature is something that has existed in the region for centuries,” Abou El Fetouh says. “From the pre-Islamic poets to the time of Abassids and even after. It emerges in a contemporary framework within the works of Abdullah. The performances aim to highlight this, going “more in depth about the connection between the journeys and the tradition of the Arab poets.”
This artistic dialogue with nature somewhat extends to the two new works. However, they are much more involved with the exhibition’s title – Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia – and relate to the act of remembrance, which effaces as much as it evokes.
This tide of images and thought are encapsulated poignantly within contraptions that unfurl a scroll, allowing viewers to see only part of the work at the time. Maps and writing are revealed, as are symbolic notations, which then move aside as new ones come into view.
Even though the artworks in Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia are deeply rooted within poetic specificities, locations and experiences, as a whole the exhibition is set to confront universal themes that, Abou El Fetouh says, will hopefully resonate with an audience that may just be discovering Al Saadi’s works.
“When you talk to people about memory, and collective memory, they immediately start to reflect on where they’re from and what they consider their own sites of memory and amnesia,” Abou El Fetouh says.
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Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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How to help
Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.
Account name: Dar Al Ber Society
Account Number: 11 530 734
IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734
Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae
RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner: Dirilis Ertugrul, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ismail Mohammed (trainer)
2.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: Kidd Malibu, Sandro Paiva, Musabah Al Muhairi
2.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,000m
Winner: Raakezz, Tadhg O’Shea, Nicholas Bachalard
3.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,200m
Winner: Au Couer, Sean Kirrane, Satish Seemar
3.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
Winner: Rayig, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m
Winner: King’s Shadow, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
SPECS
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Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Ukraine 2 (Yaremchuk 06', Yarmolenko 27')
Portugal 1 (Ronaldo 72' pen)
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
The details
Heard It in a Past Life
Maggie Rogers
(Capital Records)
3/5
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
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How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
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.
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The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Tim Paine (captain), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
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