Over the past few years, arts and culture in the Middle East have undergone a period of immense development. This is evident by the ways in which several countries, particularly in the GCC, are intertwining national identity and pride in tradition with contemporary values.
There have been several impressive attempts in recent years to display this delicate fusion. Increasingly, regional entrepreneurs and designers are incorporating traditional methods and resources into their craft – whether in architecture, urbanism, fashion or by empowering artisans of traditional craft, such as calligraphers.
In doing so, a reservoir of knowledge is rediscovered and reimagined. This helps not only artists and entrepreneurs, but the younger generations as well, who are then able to learn about their roots, thereby ensuring the continuation and evolution of cultural heritage.
At the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, which ran from last November to March, traditional forms of architecture and the use of materials were discussed. There were discussions around how heritage practices encompass a wide spectrum of disciplines, and each offers insights into craftsmanship, cultural identity and sustainability.
Architects and artists often use scarce resources in innovative ways. Many of them increasingly design structures that are not only functional and efficient, but also in harmony with natural surroundings.
Examples of such structures show traditional principles and are being integrated with modern techniques and materials to create authentic yet functionally efficient spaces. Projects such as Sharjah's Al Buhais Geological Park, Abu Dhabi's Masdar City campus, the new Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Naseej textile factory in Bahrain exemplify this blend of traditional motifs with contemporary approaches. The result is stunning architectural landmarks.
A challenge in leveraging heritage practices for innovation lies in finding the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change
Another integral part of heritage practices is handicrafts. They offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and creativity of generations of artisans who have honed their skills over centuries.
Whether it is the Islamic patterns of carpets and jewellery of the Mughal Empire or the vibrant embroidery designs by the Bedouin people of the Arabian Peninsula, these techniques are not just visually appealing but also remarkable in their intricacy and ingenuity.
Organisations such as the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, established by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, play a crucial role in preserving and promoting these crafts through pioneering initiatives, locally and globally.
The Irthi initiative has developed a unique archive to record and celebrate the history of craft in the region and the Global South. For instance, Bedouin weaving, still crafted on a stick loom with ancient knowledge of natural dyes and fibres, bears traditional patterns and meanings unique to different geographical regions.
By preserving, studying and adapting these techniques, contemporary designers and artisans can infuse their creations with the richness and essence of traditional craftsmanship, which would be a way to ensure their longevity and relevance even for future generations.
There are countless local examples of Emiratis such as Khalid Al Shafar, Maysson Al Otaiba, Ayseha Hadhir and Azza Al Qubaisi, to name a few, who are successfully merging ideas of innovative design, art and heritage to promote traditional Arab resources and crafts.
On a larger scale, initiatives such as Irthi have collaborated with international fashion houses, incorporating traditional textiles and techniques into modern clothing and accessories, appealing to a global audience while preserving cultural authenticity.
A notable collaboration in the Mena region is Qasimi, the successful London-based but Sharjah-born brand, which featured in its recent past collection, the Emirati crafts of Safeefah (weaving palm fronds) and Faroukha (textile knotting to make handwoven tassels).
Bil Arabi by designer Nadine Kanso is another significant UAE-home-grown brand in the fashion world. Her collection of jewellery, which she began creating almost two decades ago, redefines boundaries of traditional calligraphy and Arabic typography. In her craft, she has embraced Arabic cultural heritage in new and original ways.
These are all noteworthy. A challenge in leveraging heritage practices for innovation lies in finding the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change.
In Saudi Arabia, Princess Noura Al Faisal, the chief executive of Art of Heritage – an organisation dedicated to conserving Saudi cultural heritage, has drawn inspiration for many of its collections from the colourful motifs from the five regions of Saudi Arabia.
By weaving a multitude of regional colours, motifs and embroidery techniques, Princess Noura has created a distinctive visual narrative in a handbag collection that fosters pride and connection among Saudis.
The Saudi fashion scene continues to grow and thrive with numerous designers making a name for themselves regionally and internationally while incorporating Saudi heritage in their designs or with support of the local artisan community. This includes designers such as Shahd Al Shehail, Nora Al Shaikh and the brand Kaf by Kaf by Kawthar Alhoraish.
While honouring heritage is essential, it is equally important to recognise the dynamic nature of culture. As societies evolve and technologies advance, traditions must adapt to maintain relevance and resonance.
It is crucial to invest in education and preservation efforts so that heritage practices are elevated and continue to evolve. The benefit of documenting and studying traditional techniques also ensures that they are passed down to future generations.
By valuing the rich knowledge of the past while exploring the possibilities of the future, regional entrepreneurs can encourage societies to acknowledge tradition while pushing the boundaries of creativity.
As we draw from the cultural tapestry of the Middle Eastern, Arab and Islamic worlds, let us remember that our treasured cultural heritage is a vibrant source of inspiration for the future.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Building boom turning to bust as Turkey's economy slows
Deep in a provincial region of northwestern Turkey, it looks like a mirage - hundreds of luxury houses built in neat rows, their pointed towers somewhere between French chateau and Disney castle.
Meant to provide luxurious accommodations for foreign buyers, the houses are however standing empty in what is anything but a fairytale for their investors.
The ambitious development has been hit by regional turmoil as well as the slump in the Turkish construction industry - a key sector - as the country's economy heads towards what could be a hard landing in an intensifying downturn.
After a long period of solid growth, Turkey's economy contracted 1.1 per cent in the third quarter, and many economists expect it will enter into recession this year.
The country has been hit by high inflation and a currency crisis in August. The lira lost 28 per cent of its value against the dollar in 2018 and markets are still unconvinced by the readiness of the government under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to tackle underlying economic issues.
The villas close to the town centre of Mudurnu in the Bolu region are intended to resemble European architecture and are part of the Sarot Group's Burj Al Babas project.
But the development of 732 villas and a shopping centre - which began in 2014 - is now in limbo as Sarot Group has sought bankruptcy protection.
It is one of hundreds of Turkish companies that have done so as they seek cover from creditors and to restructure their debts.
FIXTURES
Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
Nov 23-27: 1ST TEST v AUSTRALIA, Brisbane
Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
Dec 09-10: v Cricket Australia XI, Perth
Dec 14-18: 3RD TEST v AUSTRALIA, Perth
Dec 26-30 4TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Melbourne
Jan 04-08: 5TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Sydney
Note: d/n = day/night
Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
KLOPP%20AT%20LIVERPOOL
%3Cp%3EYears%3A%20October%202015%20-%20June%202024%3Cbr%3ETotal%20games%3A%20491%3Cbr%3EWin%20percentage%3A%2060.9%25%3Cbr%3EMajor%20trophies%3A%206%20(Premier%20League%20x%201%2C%20Champions%20League%20x%201%2C%20FA%20Cup%20x%201%2C%20League%20Cup%20x%202%2C%20Fifa%20Club%20World%20Cup%20x1)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Roll of honour 2019-2020
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain
West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership
UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes
UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II
UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
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