National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity

The Remaining Spaces project aims to produce a publication that archives and documents the history and transformation of two devastated neighborhoods in Dubai: Al Shabiyah and Police and Defense. This project will offer a visual and narrative journey through the neighborhoods' past, capturing their essence before they were demolished. The primary goals are to preserve historical content, engage with the local community, and contribute to education and knowledge transfer in the Gulf region. This publication will serve as a cultural resource for the region, emphasizing the importance of documentation and archiving in rapidly changing urban environments.

Under the Ghaf Tree will be an illustrated, comprehensive book that provides an accessible exploration of the UAE's culture, traditions, and intangible heritage. The book will also serve as a cultural guide, enriching the experience of millions of tourists visiting the UAE and helping them connect more deeply with the country beyond its modern attractions.

The novel Qasr Al-Zabaa explores an important historical era in the United Arab Emirates, dating back approximately 2,000 years. Given the scarcity of historical novels in the Emirati literary scene, this novel aims to enrich the Emirati library with a national historical work that encompasses various civilizations, kingdoms, and characters.

An illustrated book that presents Emirati proverbs, their meanings, and their ties to the Arabic language to a global audience. This project aims to foster cultural exchange by translating the UAE’s cultural and historical heritage into languages such as Chinese and Italian.

"Taga" is a term from Emirati society referring to a roll of cloth still used today. I undertook this project out of a deep love for preserving my homeland's identity and capturing cherished memories, particularly from the 1950s. This project explores various aspects of traditional clothing, including familiar fabrics and popular designs of the era, aiming to nurture curiosity about our heritage and the beauty of our grandmothers' attire.

The Writing Short Stories to Address People of Determination in School project aims to develop innovative and inspiring educational resources to improve students' understanding and acceptance of their peers with special needs. This initiative will involve crafting short stories that highlight the experiences and challenges faced by students with disabilities, promoting positive attitudes and creative solutions. The stories will explore various settings and issues, including physical and mental disabilities as well as learning difficulties.

This story is aimed at children aged 8-16 and follows the journey of Falah and Maryam toward financial awareness. The series consists of 12 stories, each building progressively on the characters' understanding. Initially, the two children have limited financial knowledge and struggle with managing their money. Through various experiences and lessons, they gradually improve, and by the end of the series, they achieve a level of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The book Noklas and Kerdane explores the philosophy behind traditional jewelry making, focusing on four main elements: imitation of nature, repetition, contrast, and the integration of sound and movement. It examines the historical and artistic significance of jewelry crafted in traditional workshops across the Arabian Peninsula, including women's adornments and men's weapons and tools. The book also highlights the creativity involved in decorating horses and camels and the innovations in creating both decorative and functional items.

This project documents the artistic and administrative journey of Ras Al Khaimah National Theater from its inception to the present. It stands out as the first comprehensive study of the theater's history, featuring detailed records and interviews with the theater's founders and early pioneers who experienced its establishment firsthand.

The project is a unique initiative to enhance cultural dialogue and exchange experiences through literature and art. It reflects the rich cultural diversity of the UAE and highlights the universality of the human experience on a global level. This project will connect local talents with those from around the world, offering inspiring experiences that will transform their approach to writing and thinking.

The book will examine modernity and postmodernity as intellectual and social approaches that have profoundly influenced literary productions. Poetry, especially Emirati poetry, is one of the most significant and influential literary forms in the United Arab Emirates. The book will explore modernist perspectives and their impact through topics such as symbolism, racism, emotionalism, and other critical concepts related to Emirati poetry. This critical exploration and the associated work will undoubtedly contribute to the development of literary circles through in-depth readings and methodologies.

Archiving the Present is a documentary initiative focused on capturing images of daily life in the UAE. The project aims to create a visual archive of cultural heritage, believing that today's images will become the legacy of the future. These images are essential for preserving history, maintaining cultural value, and passing this heritage on to future generations.

The project aims to produce a short EP featuring a unique collaboration between two prominent Emirati artists: myself, Arqam Al Abri, a distinguished soul singer and songwriter, and Ihab Darwish, a renowned composer. This venture will fuse Al Abri's soulful vocals and lyrical talents with Darwish's masterful compositions, promising an exceptional musical experience.

The three songs will combine traditional Emirati musical elements with contemporary sounds. As a unique musical experience, they will resonate with local audiences and highlight the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.

FEEL's main goal is to create an interconnected community of artists and cultural musicians around a unified theme. The performances will be released over five months on YouTube in full versions and on social media in shorter segments. The performers will include singers, musical bands, composers, DJs, interdisciplinary artists, and folk musicians/bands. The first phase will focus on artists based in the UAE, while the second phase will expand to include artists from other countries in the region and the Arab world as a whole.

The aim of this project is to advance cello-playing proficiency and collaborate with orchestras on both national and international stages. This endeavour represents a commitment to nurturing talent and realizing aspirations within classical music, while also contributing to the enrichment of Emirati music.

Musical live performances composed by Hamad Al-Taie, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, and featuring live performances with ballet and visual arts.

"Blanket" is the first feature film co-production between the UAE and France. The project began in January 2024 when the treatment was created as part of the French workshop Produire au Sud, which supports emerging films from the UAE. Set in the late '70s in Abu Dhabi, the film follows 17-year-old Mahra, who finds herself married to 20-year-old Mohammed, who has Down syndrome.

Tomina caters to a diverse audience, appealing to families, young adults, and anyone who cherishes a blend of heartwarming drama and light-hearted comedy. Its themes of acceptance, family dynamics, and individuality resonate across age groups, making it a perfect watch for those seeking emotional depth in a family-friendly setting. The film's setting in Al Ain adds a unique cultural touch, making it especially appealing to audiences interested in exploring different traditions and societal norms. Notably, the story takes the teens at its center seriously in relation to the robotic helper. While this may seem simple, very few films with mainstream reach captured youth culture at the time. Tomina captures the true essence of the neighborhood setting in the '90s.

"Yathoom" is more than just a sleep paralysis nightmare; it embodies depression and guilt. It serves as a metaphor for internal struggles in the otherworld. After a traffic accident kills her father and brother but leaves her alive, Layla grapples with accepting that it was never her fault. Her strained relationship with her mother and her inability to confront her heavy guilt have led her to isolate herself from everyone, including her best friend. Depression is a spiral that pulls you down a deep black hole, where the only solution lies within yourself—and that is what Layla will come to realize by the end. By using the cosmic horror subgenre, I aim to make a greater impact on audiences and introduce a new storytelling style from the UAE that could be showcased at film festivals both internationally and regionally.

The main goal of this film is to shed light on the struggles of people before the oil era and the impact of crises on their living conditions. It aims to portray the moral values that collapse under the pressing need for material resources, emphasizing the role of art in expressing social realities through murals and music. The film seeks to raise awareness and prompt reflection on societal issues, highlighting the suffering of vulnerable groups and encouraging viewers to take a stand. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of traditional professions, such as the Nukhada, Safar, and Hayam, and their evolution over time. Ultimately, the film underscores the importance of human relationships and the need for love and friendship regardless of the circumstances.

The stories were few and rarely shared. We explored the most beautiful love stories in Islam, inventions that the West claimed as its own, and music and sciences that originated in the Islamic and Arab worlds. The storytelling style was modern and contemporary.

"BAAB" is a Emirati film that is culturally rich and highlights the beauty of our heritage, showcasing our traditions against the backdrop of the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. The objective is for our film to compete in prestigious film festivals around the world, featuring both local and top talents.

My Collections Program presents personal stories of museum owners, including the history of their collections, interviews with them, reviews of their historical artifacts, and insights into their cultural and historical backgrounds.

A play for children and families, designed to convey educational messages and values, will be performed across various emirates in the country. The project’s central themes of love and peace align with the values the UAE aims to share with the world. Through its performances, the play seeks to instill these values in young audiences.

Enrolling in a group program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the oldest and most prestigious drama school in the world, will enhance stage performance and singing skills. This program is designed to prepare participants for entry into classical theater in the United Kingdom and to elevate the international profile of the United Arab Emirates. Under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, RADA is renowned for its long-standing tradition of excellence in dramatic arts.

The project has garnered significant local acclaim, notably receiving over 14 awards in the theater category at the Emirates Creative Arts Festival. The play explores themes of resistance against oppression, the pursuit of freedom, and the realization of dreams. Its primary aim is to inspire and motivate audiences to persevere through difficult circumstances, strive to achieve their goals, and unite in the fight against injustices and obstacles that impede their progress.

A purposeful play that addresses fundamental issues within the Emirati household with a professional comedic touch. It highlights the importance of respecting parents and reminds us of the significance of adhering to customs and traditions in the current circumstances.

The play Cinderella and I for children aims to deliver educational and moral messages through an engaging and entertaining narrative. It seeks to provide both an enjoyable experience and valuable lessons, instilling positive values in young audiences. This project aims to make a notable contribution to family-oriented comedy in the UAE, supported by a dynamic young team ready to establish itself in the UAE's entertainment industry.

A theatrical performance (Monologue) conveys a clear message and noble purpose through poetic dialogues, utilizing available support and resources, and incorporating actors and expressive movements.

Dreaming of Jumeirah’s Waters is an artistic exploration focusing on the natural cycles and phenomena of water in Jumeirah. This project examines the environmental significance of water through digital art, scientific data visualization, and immersive installations. It highlights how natural water cycles impact the region's ecosystem, climate, and cultural landscape, culminating in a series of immersive installations, including "Echo."

Postural Effects of the Horizon on Land and at Sea is an exploration of color theory and material experimentation through the process of metal oxidation. Traditionally associated with landscape painting, the horizon represents the point at which the sky and the land or sea appear to meet. In this context, the horizon line might be interpreted metaphorically as a boundary or threshold, a point where different realities or perspectives intersect. It could also symbolize the limits of our perception or the ways in which our understanding is shaped by external forces.

I Was Once A Mountain is a hybrid of scientific and artistic research that seeks to highlight the significance of the UAE desert’s architect, the wind, in shaping the UAE’s prominent desert landscapes. It aims to emphasize the environmental appreciation embedded within the UAE’s cultural practices and how identity is shaped through land, actualized in art installations across the various desert landscapes within the country. This project examines both the macro and micro aspects of the desert landscape to explore how a landscape is experienced.

The outcomes of this project are diverse, aiming to achieve both artistic excellence and substantial contributions to the cultural and creative sector in the UAE. By developing two distinct art projects—wood sculptures and Jacquard-woven textiles—I intend to create works of outstanding quality that embody the modern heritage and artistic innovation of the region.

The International Curatorial Program aims to equip emerging curators with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional mentorship necessary to succeed in contemporary art curation. Through a comprehensive curriculum of tailored courses, interactive live sessions, and ongoing mentorship, the program seeks to foster a new generation of curatorial leaders capable of conceptualizing, developing, and executing innovative curatorial projects. By focusing on both conceptual understanding and practical application, the program empowers participants to engage critically with contemporary art practices, contribute to cultural discourse, and shape the future of curatorial practice worldwide.

Artist residency and exhibition at Air3331 in Tokyo, Japan. During this residency, artists develop and execute projects that are showcased through exhibitions or open studio days. The proposed project aims to create a site-specific exhibition focused on the moving image aspect of social and visual elements of people and sites. The exhibition will feature a series of moving image documentations of the surrounding areas, exploring the social and visual fabric of the city, and reintroducing them through images and video installations using the scannography method.

A three-week intensive workshop on the art of marble sculpture in Tuscany, Italy. This workshop serves as a catalyst for developing stone carving skills, transitioning from two-dimensional to three-dimensional sculptures. Participants will learn from distinguished sculptors in Italy, where this art form originated, gaining insights into the intricate details that will shape their personal understanding of stone sculpting.

The objectives of this project are to create an interactive public artwork that highlights the importance of bees and pollination and to raise awareness about bees and beekeeping in urban environments within the UAE. The public interactive installation will be set up in 3-4 Emirates in collaboration with local park associations and cultural entities. Programming will be developed around the installations to educate the public about the processes and traditions of beekeeping in the UAE.

An intensive training workshop in specialized architectural photography, utilizing advanced precision imaging tools. Conducted one-on-one by leading global experts over 5 intensive days, the workshop covers advanced equipment details, optimal working techniques based on needs and lighting conditions, advanced training in photo editing and retouching, and guidance on how to publish images as required.

"Yowlah Superstars" is a 2D pixel art video game for smartphones that incorporates the traditional art of "yowlah" as a central and engaging element. In the game, players use their weapon to target and throw at drones. By selecting different characters and navigating through various stages set in expansive environments, players can explore various aspects of the traditions and culture of the United Arab Emirates while enjoying the gameplay.

The art of making the Emirati burqa is a cherished tradition with deep cultural significance in the United Arab Emirates. Fatima Al Obaida, a renowned burqa maker, along with her daughter Maha Al Neyadi, aims to create a book that preserves this artistic form while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. This book will serve as both a historical record and a practical guide, celebrating the craftsmanship of Emirati women.

A training program to introduce the crafting of jewelry and learn the engraving techniques, to be included in the book specifically in the section on traditional crafting, and to create some jewelry pieces. This will serve as one of the key references for designers, artists, and those interested in heritage and history, acting as a bridge between these fields.

The mission of this project is to develop engaging, effective, and research-driven Arabic language education resources for nurseries. Our goal is to support educators with insights into language acquisition, a detailed curriculum, and supplementary materials, including teaching resources, activity kits, and props.