Disabled artists in Dubai say golden visa will make them dream bigger


Ramola Talwar Badam
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Two artists with disabilities in Dubai have been awarded a golden visa that they say opens the door to greater independence.

Zambian painter Victor Sitali, Indian artist Sharan Budhrani and their art teacher Gulshan Kavarana received the 10-year residency for their cultural contribution.

The artistic community said the UAE visa was a tribute to their talent and spirit.

I now have independence. I can think only of working hard.”
Victor Sitali,
Zambian artist

“It gives me the opportunity to expand my ideas for my art. I can work harder and dream bigger,” Mr Sitali communicated in sign language.

“I am very happy. I now have independence. I can think only of working hard.”

Mr Sitali lost his hearing at the age of three and was introduced to art as a teenager by Ms Kavarana.

His distinctive oil and acrylic work on canvas earned him studio space in Tashkeel, an art gallery, in Dubai.

Victor Sitali, an artist from Zambia, works on a painting. Photo: Victor Sitali
Victor Sitali, an artist from Zambia, works on a painting. Photo: Victor Sitali

The 31-year-old holds domestic and overseas exhibitions, as well as workshops for students, adults and children with disabilities.

The Sitali family has lived in the UAE for more than a decade. His mother Dorothy said the family was proud of his latest achievement.

“This has brought us unbelievable joy,” she said. “We thought this visa was for senior executives. It came as a total surprise, a good surprise.”

Ms Kavarana, 57, met the family when she worked as a volunteer with the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

“I worked with Victor when he was only 16 and he didn’t know anything about painting. I soon realised how talented he was,” she said.

Ms Kavarana said it was “wonderful” to be recognised.

“I dedicated my life to working with people of determination, doing art with them and taking them to the next level. I thank the UAE government for giving us this opportunity.”

Mr Sitali and Mr Budhrani were part of a vibrant artist community at Mawaheb, a studio in Dubai that nurtured the creative skills of young adults with disabilities.

Mr Budhrani has muscular dystrophy that weakens his muscles and limits his mobility. Seated in a wheelchair, he uses remote-controlled cars, spoons and sticks to paint on large canvasses.

“This is very exciting news,” said the 30-year-old, who was born in the Emirates and has always known the country as home.

“I feel there is hope ahead in the future for me. I can still go on my creative journey to inspire and motivate more people with art.

Sharan Budhrani creates art using a remote-controlled car. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sharan Budhrani creates art using a remote-controlled car. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Currently recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia, he requires a tracheostomy tube and a ventilator to breathe at night.

He has not stopped painting despite the discomfort of being fitted with the tube to open up his air passage.

“I feel I must always keep going and never give up,” he said.

Ms Kavarana said the golden visa acknowledged the resilience of the artists.

“Sharan has a never-give-up attitude. He is on the ventilator but there is nothing stopping him from his passion of art,” she said.

Nasser Juma bin Sulaiman, manager of the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, nominated Mr Budhrani and Ms Kavarana to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

“These are very special cases. Dubai Culture gave these artists an opportunity so they can make their own business here and also make Dubai their home,” he said.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, Tashkeel's deputy director, nominated Mr Sitali and described his contribution as vital to the community.

She said he recently ventured into abstract art demonstrating his appetite for experimentation.

“He works with passion and energy as a full-time creative professional in Dubai and deserves to be acknowledged for his unwavering commitment and dedication,” she said.

The golden visa was launched in May 2019, to give exceptional workers and foreign investors the opportunity to establish deeper roots in the country.

The 10-year residency scheme was expanded to attract people in the fields of health, engineering science and art.

Art studio Mawaheb’s final exhibition - in pictures

How to apply for a drone permit
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Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

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Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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The Uefa Awards winners

Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)

Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)

Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Despacito's dominance in numbers

Released: 2017

Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon

Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube

Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification

Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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World Series: South Africa
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Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
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Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack

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Updated: October 01, 2021, 9:51 AM`