Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi and Amazon are teaming up once again for the Eid holidays.
Lutfi, known for his quirky black-and-white drawings, collaborated with the online retailer in 2022 to create limited-edition electronic Eid gift cards.
This year, they’ve joined forces again to design gift cards, inspired by Amazon’s effort to celebrate eidiyah, the tradition of giving money to children during Eid. Lutfi's designs capture different aspects of the celebration, from family meals to traditional attire and visits to grandparents.
The Emirati artist, who is on the autism spectrum and has savant syndrome, says his inspiration comes from fond childhood memories of the occasion.
“I remember visiting my grandparents' house with my family and receiving traditional gifts and eidiyah. I also drew inspiration from our family meals together, which always felt warm and special. I wanted my artwork to capture the joy and togetherness that Eid brings to families," he says.
Stefano Martinelli, vice president of Amazon Mena, says the company wanted the artwork for the gift cards to be a “celebration of both local artistic talent and regional heritage”.
“We are particularly proud of our renewed partnership with talented Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi, whose exceptional work for our 2022 Eid eGift Cards collection captured hearts and led to our exciting, renewed collaboration with him.”
This is the fifth year in which Amazon has released Eid-themed gift cards for the holiday, and the second collaboration with Lutfi. Martinelli says the Emirati artist's distinctive monochromatic artistic style beautifully captures the warmth, joy, and togetherness of Eid celebrations.
“As a savant artist on the autism spectrum, Abdulla brings a fresh and deeply personal perspective to his work, making this year’s Eid eGift Card collection even more meaningful," says Martinelli.
He adds that Lutfi’s artwork reflects Dubai’s cultural identity, capturing its unique balance between tradition and modernity.
“His illustrations often depict moments of everyday Emirati life, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks alongside its deep-rooted customs. Through his signature monochromatic style, Abdulla’s work celebrates the UAE community, making his art instantly recognisable and deeply connected to the region.”
Martinelli also says that Amazon will continue to collaborate with Emirati artists on their electronic gift card designs. “We remain committed to discovering and showcasing diverse artistic voices from across the UAE, each bringing their personal interpretation of Eid's magical moments and cherished traditions to share their art.”
Meanwhile, in addition to the gift cards, Lutfi has also had his work shown in exhibitions. During the opening of his exhibition Luffy Lutfi: Emirati Manga in December, the artist sent a message to parents: “Please parents, do not disrespect the autistic people. Just love and accept them the way they are and help them support their life better and give them hope."
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
The biog
Profession: Senior sports presenter and producer
Marital status: Single
Favourite book: Al Nabi by Jibran Khalil Jibran
Favourite food: Italian and Lebanese food
Favourite football player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese and some Spanish
Website: www.liliane-tannoury.com
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
More on Quran memorisation:
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Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs
Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
