Women key focus of Dubai’s MIA ART Collection gala
The annual MIA Gala and Awards Ceremony, held on International Women's Day, celebrates and recognizes the contributions of women artists.Arts & Culture
Riyadh set to debut historic Saudi opera ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ on April 25
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The capital city of Riyadh is abuzz with excitement as preparations are underway for the premiere...Arts & Culture
Lebanese hatmaker keeps ancient skill alive
Youssef Akiki believes he may be the last commercial maker of the sheep wool "labbadeh", a waterproof and warm cap...Those buying the caps are mainly tourists -- or Lebanese nostalgic for their childhood -- and they often buy them not to wear them but to display them at home.
Akiki believes the labbadeh design is rooted in the caps worn by the ancient Phoenicians, although their style was "more elongated".
Embrace indigenous languages, urges UN expert
“Language rights are also important human rights matters for both minorities and indigenous peoples. Special Rapporteurs have already been critical...States must be more inclusive in the treatment and use of minority and indigenous languages, says the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Fernand de Varennes
Languages are essential tools to communicate and share knowledge, memory, and history, but they are also key to full and equal participation, he adds
In Old Cairo, residents reconnect with their heritage
Cairo, Egypt--For most of their lives, children from historic Cairo's Al-Khalifa district only saw the mausoleums, mosques and madrasa schools...The Athar Lina initiative, whose name means "the monument is ours" in Arabic, has carried out workshops, tours and summer camps in the Egyptian capital since 2012.
Since the 1980s, the authorities increasingly protected monuments by keeping "them under lock and key", said conservation and cultural heritage expert Omniya Abdel Barr.
Blind Saudi rider’s resolve earns him equestrian body’s recognition
Badr Al-Sharari had to train at least three times a week for nearly two years before finally being admitted into...The data sector worker told AFP that just as important as his journey into the official ranks was the parallel one to self-empowerment.
Equestrianism is popular in Saudi Arabia, the world's leading producer of purebred Arabian horses and home to several clubs.
$42,000 Koons sculpture breaks at art fair
The mishap occurred during a VIP preview at Art Wynwood in Miami, and some collectors thought it was performance art...The shiny blue sculpture, one of Koons' famous "balloon dog" series, was valued at $42,000.
The sculpture sat alone on an acrylic base emblazoned with Koons's surname.
Qatari businessman mulls taking over Man Utd
London, United Kingdom - A consortium led by a Qatari banker announced it had submitted an offer to take full control...Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani "confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 percent of Manchester United Football Club"
The statement from Sheikh Jassim, chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), did not give any details on the amount proposed in the bid for United
Saudi reports add to Manchester United takeover intrigue
London, United Kingdom--Saudi Arabia has joined the race to buy Manchester United ahead of Friday's bid deadline, according to a report...Saudi joined the race to buy Manchester United, according to a report in Britain's Daily Telegraph, raising the stakes in what could be the most lucrative deal in sports history.
There have been suggestions of a possible Qatar bid, with The Guardian reporting the state's ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, was interested in buying United.
AI, learning models can’t replace human creativity
“AI, Web3 and NFTs have opened new markets. We must embrace and seize the opportunity. As artists, it provides us...The rise of Web3 and NFT photography, along with AI and deep learning models, are transforming the landscape of photography and the creative industry at large, says an expert
As artists, it provides us with new avenues for monetising our work and reaching new audiences. It's crucial that we address the security concerns, adds another expert at Xposure
Israeli excavation may wipe out Jerusalem’s Mughrabi quarter
The only indication of the Western Wall plaza's North African heritage is a Moroccan flag, flying discreetly in a nearby...The Moroccan quarter was demolished by Israeli forces after they captured east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War.
Some stone remains which were discovered during excavations, appeared to have been removed and the area was covered up once more.
Egyptians hope to bag bargains at Arab world’s largest book fair
Cairo, Egypt---Thousands of Egyptian bibliophiles weave through a labyrinthine display of books, reviving an annual tradition at the Arab world's largest...The 54th Cairo International Book Fair was overshadowed by a punishing economic crisis that has seen Egypt's currency halve in value and prices skyrocket in the past year.
To incentivize readers, Egypt's publishers' association has encouraged sellers to give the option of buying books in instalments through popular buy-now-pay-later services.