After a morose 2009, the 37th edition of Paris's flagship contemporary art fair FIAC looked stronger than it has for years, with 194 galleries from 24 countries, broadly split between the established names at the Grand Palais and younger galleries in a marquee in the Cour Carrée at the Louvre. There was also an outdoor sculpture trail in the Tuileries gardens between the two.
Around FIAC, the constellation of offshoot fairs was bigger than ever - young galleries and a new Oriental section at Slick, solo shows at Show Off, more mainstream commercial art at Art Elysées, alternative Cutlog and newcomer Chic with a mix of art, innovative design and a rooftop show at the exciting new Cité de la Mode et du Design. Parallel events were headlined by the arrival of the Gagosian Gallery (after New York, Beverley Hills, London, Rome and Athens), in a smart two-floor space just off the Champs-Elysées, and Chantal Crousel opening an annexe to her Marais gallery in the vast, disused former customs warehouses near the Canal St-Martin.
The most talked about of the Off fairs was Slick and its creation of a special Slick Orient section of nine galleries presenting artists from a loosely defined Middle East and Asia. Smaller and more affordable than FIAC, yet highly international with 43 galleries from 15 countries, the five-year-old Slick established its identity as the fair for very young galleries and was clearly also seeking to be the fair for emerging markets in a global art scene.
This year also marked a coming of age for Slick, as it moved from a location in northeast Paris (first at the Bellevilloise, then at the CentQuatre art space) to a neat niche on the esplanade between the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and the Palais de Tokyo, gaining the symbolic endorsement of two of Paris's most adventurous art institutions.
Departing from its previous, grungy look and an emphasis on street art, Slick this year came pared down in size but more professional in feel, and enriched by an art prize sponsored by the Arte TV channel, debates, book signings and events - among them, a screening of Road Movie, an ironic look at Afghan refugees in France by Ghazel, who is represented by Carbon 12 gallery in Dubai. Is there, however, a danger of pigeon holing or sidelining these artists and countries at Slick under the label Orient, when some artists who have already made it (among them the Iranian artists Farhad Moshiri at Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin and Shirin Neshat at Galerie Jérôme de Noirmont, and Franco-Algerian Adel Abdessemed, who occupied the entire stand of New York's influential David Zwirner Gallery) could be seen on big-name stands over at FIAC in the Grand Palais? "No", insisted Slick's director Johan Tamer-Morael, himself of Lebanese origin. "I'm not interested in ethnicity, our interest is in contemporary art and I think these artists have their place in contemporary art. That is why we have decided to mix the galleries together with galleries from other countries and not group the Orient galleries together."
While in English, the term Orient has some pejorative connotations, in French the associations are not the same, and Tamer-Morael says he used it "because I am Lebanese and I wanted to get closer to my origins".
The impressive stand of The Running Horse Contemporary Art Space, opened by Lea Sednaoui in an industrial district of Beirut in May 2009, presented sophisticated artworks that included Rasha Kahil's striking series of photos of nude women. "We can show work that is very raw," confirmed Sednaoui, although she added that it is easier to exhibit Kahil's nudes in Beirut than the more politically sensitive work of Alfred Tarazi, also on show here.
Founded three years ago, the Drawing Room Gallery in Lahore specialises in the modern miniature movement that has developed in Pakistan over the past decade by artists who are rejuvenating the ancient Moghal miniature tradition, in a sometimes surprising mix of modern subjects and painstaking draughtsmanship.
"It looks very soft when you look at it initially, but the themes are tough. They are coming from a tough place in tough times, there are often themes such as displacement, identity, international humiliation," explained the gallerist Sanam Taseer. "The themes are like other themes you see in Muslim countries but the medium is specific to Pakistan."
Among the artists she presented were Aakif Suri, whose drawings caricature Asian and western perceptions of Pakistan, and Rehana Mangi, who takes a more conceptual approach, deconstructing the miniature in a delicate grid made of knotted human hair. This was the first time Taseer has participated in a fair such as this and for a young gallery such as hers, it is an important way of gaining visibility and reaching new clients, as she admits that if most of her artists were not also exhibited internationally, it would be difficult to survive under current conditions in Pakistan alone.
Probably the most astonishing discovery for European visitors, where information about Afghanistan is largely restricted to war reports and news of kidnappings, was the stand of seven Afghan artists presented jointly by Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt, a long-standing Paris gallery, and the Etemad Gallery of Tehran, which revealed a scene that many in Europe cannot even imagine existing. Nikki Diana Marquardt has made several visits to the country and stresses that what counts is the art not the origins. "Art is universal for me," she said, but she is also deeply committed to raising and facilitating awareness of this burgeoning scene. "The importance of contemporary art in Afghanistan is to connect people to the outside world," she said.
Undoubtedly, the star figure on her stand was Amanullah Mojadidi. Part of a reverse diaspora, he grew up and studied in the US and has now moved back to Kabul, where he is a key mover in a still-underground art scene, both through his own work and in his encouragement of younger Afghan artists, such as Sheenkai Stanizai. In his Jihadi Gangster photo series, Mojadidi stages himself to poke fun at cultural taboos, as well as explore his own dual cultural background.
In one work, he poses as a Talibani wearing a golden gun on a chain around his neck like a pendant, while carrying another pistol in his belt; in another, he sits on a sofa, his golden false leg propped beside him, a girl on his lap, behind a table laden with western brands of alcohol. Such works are exhibited only in Kabul in very underground circles, but Mojadidi also did a more public art happening earlier this year, when he stuck up posters for a fake election campaign: "Vote for me! I did Jihad and I'm rich."
And who is actually buying this emerging art? Two days in, Taseer confirmed happily that to her surprise, all the buyers so far had been European. It's too early to say yet, said Tamer-Morael. However, he did say he is considering continuing the project next year.
Nikki Diana Marquardt confirmed that interest was widespread from European buyers, with "an important French private collector" buying a woven carpet work by Rahim Walizada for €20,000, (Dh102,500) sales of photoworks by Amanullah Mojadidi and Sheenkai Stanizai, and Arte taking Mohsen Wahidi's black-and-white film for future screening on television.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Uefa Nations League
League A:
Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, France, England, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Iceland, Croatia, Netherlands
League B:
Austria, Wales, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Turkey
League C:
Hungary, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Norway, Montenegro, Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania
League D:
Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Latvia, Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Liechtenstein, Malta, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Gibraltar
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
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Bharat
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
How to donate
Text the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
6025 - Dh 20
2252 - Dh 50
2208 - Dh 100
6020 - Dh 200
*numbers work for both Etisalat and du
Mental%20health%20support%20in%20the%20UAE
%3Cp%3E%E2%97%8F%20Estijaba%20helpline%3A%208001717%3Cbr%3E%E2%97%8F%20UAE%20Ministry%20of%20Health%20and%20Prevention%20hotline%3A%20045192519%3Cbr%3E%E2%97%8F%20UAE%20Mental%20health%20support%20line%3A%20800%204673%20(Hope)%3Cbr%3EMore%20information%20at%20hope.hw.gov.ae%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
'Midnights'
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Abandon
Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Translated by Arunava Sinha
Tilted Axis Press
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sweet%20Tooth
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
