A diverse mix of UAE-based poets, musicians, fashion designers, comedians and filmmakers are set to take the stage this Saturday for the first edition of the Twinge Urban Arts and Culture Festival in Dubai.
The week-long event, hosted at Wild Peeta Open Space in the Dubai World Trade Centre, is free of charge.
Sherif Abaza, the managing partner of the organisers Sphere Events, said the idea to create such a diverse line-up began two months ago when he was approached for ideas on how to showcase a friend's art work. The idea then grew to a full-fledged festival for the community. After word on the concept spread, support started pouring in.
"It's not what people would describe as mainstream art. The artists are non-conventional and the most important part of this festival is that it's a platform and a community event," said Abaza. "I don't want it to become a major commercial festival. That's not going to happen."
The Egyptian national, who was raised in Dubai, added that planning for Twinge Abu Dhabi and Twinge Sharjah was already underway. A Twinge Kids is also set to launch in 2012 with a series of workshops.
Just days ahead of the festival, Abaz was still receiving calls from interested artists for Twinge Dubai.
"One of the challenges is definitely not a lack of talent. There cannot be enough of these events because there will always be a need for a creative outlet," he said.
On opening night, three authors, including the Emirati writer Sultan Al Darmaki and Alexander McNabb will take part in Praise for Prose, during which they will interact with the audience.
A host of six music performers will then take to the stage during the second night, including the British-born singer/songwriter Abbo, who describes himself as a "travelling musician".
"I love Sherif's idea of creating this concept. Especially as a platform for local artists because that's what people need," said Abbo, who counts Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone among his main inspirations.
He describes his music as the type "to keep you company, when you want to be alone".
Having been in Dubai for the past four months, Abbo said performances are limited, which is why such festivals are crucial.
Another musician set to perform is the Dubai-based original singer/songwriter Sach Holden, who describes his style as similar to Abbo's.
"Our music, not many people can dance to it because it's more contemplative and for an intimate audience. This is what I love about the way Twinge has been organised - in a space where I can handle emotions," said the Indian national. "I love taking the audience through a journey."
Holden will also interact with listeners, relaying the stories behind his songs to see if the crowd shares similar experiences.
"The songs range from emotionally charged love songs, riots in India to songs inspired by Japanese and Korean films," he said. "I met Sherif luckily through two fans who are also performing at Twinge, which features all my favourite artists."
One such artist is Neel Kumar, the founder of Akela Films and one of the talents featured during Reels of Dubai, on closing night. Kumar will be screening a short film for the first time. With an open-ended finale, he aims to raise the curiosity of the audience.
"The film is about six minutes long and without giving too much away, no matter who you are there are certain times when you draw the line - when you throw in the towel," he said. "I don't like closed endings. I like to see people's reactions and what they take away from it."
The Dubomedy founders Ali Al Sayed and Mina Liccione, as well as Omar Ismail and Andrew Reynolds, will offer a mixture of stand-up and improvisation comedy, predominantly in English, during the fourth night. The next evening will see stilt walkers, jugglers and fire dancers performing during the Variety night.
The Magic of Poetry evening will feature the Poeticians - a group of poetry lovers focusing on spoken word and non-classical poems.
Hind Shoufani, a Palestinian writer and filmmaker, started the poetry group in Beirut in 2007. After moving to Dubai in 2009, she created the same platform.
"We are keeping it very raw. We have between six to eight performers and I will MC the event," said Shoufani. "One will focus on the Middle East, Beirut and nostalgia while another, for example, is more spiritual and soulful."
She will perform a Palestinian related poem, "some reasonably innocent love poems" and a piece related to Dubai.
"We try to do things that are straight forward and intense," she said. "It's an eclectic group of people. Some are published, some are in other professions who like to write."
Abaza said in order for the event to be the success they envision, they will ensure performers understand their responsibility to the audience.
"At the end of the day, they will respect the people that are leaving their work, their homes and getting on the Dubai Metro to the World Trade Centre station," he said. "The word is passion. It's passion with a sense of responsibility to your work and audience, that's the bottom line."
For more information, visit www.twingedxb.com
melshoush@thenational.ae
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Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
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7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
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- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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Available: Now
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Scorecard:
England 458 & 119/1 (51.0 ov)
South Africa 361
England lead by 216 runs with 9 wickets remaining
hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
