A major drive to boost Dubai's creative sector has been hailed by schools and universities set to develop the next wave of talent.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on Saturday the government aims to increase the GDP contributions of the creative and arts sectors from 2.6 per cent to 5 per cent.
This vision calls for the number of companies and employees operating in the sector to double by 2025.
Education experts predicted a surge in interest in creative courses.
The National spoke to some of those helping to harness the potential of young minds.
A push for performing arts
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park launched a BTEC Level 3 qualification in performing arts last year.
“The news that the arts will be a major driver for the future of Dubai and that there will be many more opportunities for professional entertainers is greatly encouraging to us all," said Rebecca Coulter, principal designate at the school.
"This optimism is reflected in the increasing number of sixth form pupils applying for next year’s course.
"We have long since recognised the importance and benefits of offering a pathway in the performing arts in schools, Ms Coulter said.
"I am sure that this announcement will further encourage young people to pursue a career in the performing arts, knowing that there is such support from the highest of levels."
Education provider Taaleem partnered with Dubai Performing Arts – founded by Lisa Scott-Lee and Johnny Shentall-Lee – to launched the BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts qualification last year.
The two-year programme will feature 720 guided learning hours split across multiples units and will be equivalent to two A levels.
Switched on for game design
Last month, Gems FirstPoint School The Villa launched BTEC courses in digital game design and Esports.
The Esports qualification aims to provide learners with an understanding of the video game competition industry and careers in the sector.
The BTEC courses will be offered from September at the Dubai school.
Pupils will have access to industry-level hardware and software, while classes will be held in a specially created creative media suite and immersive room.
“Our school continues to respond to the evolving needs of industry and listen to pupil's voices, and personalising the pathways we provide for them," said Matthew Tompkins, principal at Gems FirstPoint.
The BTEC in International Esports and international Creative Media Game Design qualifications will be taught by industry-qualified teachers.
The courses will be an option for pupils in years 12 and 13, aged 16 to 18.
Esports will also be offered as an extracurricular activity for all year groups across the school.
A chance to master your art
New York University Abu Dhabi will launch a Master of Fine Arts in Arts and Media degree in September.
The two-year, full-time programme features interdisciplinary studio art theory and practice.
"The country is an incredible laboratory for the development ... I think of media-based arts in general, the arts as a source of cultural flourishing and a source of societal flourishing," said Dr Mariet Westermann, vice chancellor of New York University Abu Dhabi.
"Of course, STEM disciplines are of great interest to knowledge economies, but we care just as much about other disciplines."
Maya Allison, executive director of NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery and chief curator at NYU Abu Dhabi, also welcomed the move.
"There is no shortage of students who would gladly work in the arts, on all its different facets – not just as artists, but in the many roles that go into the world of art presentations.
"I believe that the growth of the UAE's cultural sector that we have seen has already led to a surge in arts-specialised employment, even in the decade in which I've been working here," said Ms Allison.
"This means a wider variety of people settling in the UAE, for a wonderfully rich conversation."
Art Dubai 2021 showcases the emirate's creative culture
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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
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In numbers
Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m
Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’ in Dubai is worth... $600m
China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn
The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn
Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Our legal advisor
Rasmi Ragy is a senior counsel at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Prosecutor in Egypt with more than 40 years experience across the GCC.
Education: Ain Shams University, Egypt, in 1978.
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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
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