Asaad Arabi emerges as a luminary whose work is interwoven with the essence of the United Arab Emirates in the vivid tapestry of modern art. His five-decade career is a monument to the transformational power of cities, memories, and cultural transitions, which resonates powerfully with the UAE’s changing terrain.

Asaad Arabi’s artistic journey began in Lebanon during the vibrant mid-century art scene. Arabi’s early works, influenced by visionaries such as Nicolas de Stal, danced on the edge between reality and abstraction, producing a visual language that transcends borders. As he landed in Abu Dhabi, the cosmopolitan vibrancy of the city poured fresh life into his paintings, infusing them with UAE colours and rhythms.

Arabi’s brushstrokes reflect the UAE’s lively pulse, where tradition and modernity coexist. Scenes inspired by Abu Dhabi’s soaring skylines and the serene serenity of the Emirates’ natural surroundings come to life on his paintings. Arabi’s work embodies the UAE’s heartbeat, a vibrant nation that is continually growing while honouring its rich legacy.

For Arabi art reflects the paradox of a country that values both tradition and progress. His dualistic technique, which combines expressive, constructivist strokes with abstract, lyrical compositions, reflects the UAE’s own path of conserving cultural traditions while moving forth into the future. Reflections of the UAE’s skyline, the play of light on desert dunes, and the interaction of many cultures can all be seen in his work.

Arabi’s artwork is a symphony composed of several inspirations, with every brushstroke reflecting the vivid fabric of the United Arab Emirates. Arabi’s canvases serve as a home for the heritage of painters such as Shafiq Abboud and Saliba Al-Duwaihi, whose ghosts may be heard in his creations. His canvases are given vitality by the UAE’s rich history and varied cultural tapestry, which serve as a continual source of inspiration.

For Arabi, art is more than just a painting; it incorporates a melody that is expressed via photography. Verticals and horizontals combine to form notes in a symphony, enhancing his technique and giving his creations a distinct brightness. The UAE’s own philosophy of accepting many influences while creating a distinct identity is reflected in this blending of artistic disciplines.

“Still Life to Abstraction,” Arabi’s next show, seems to be an engaging tour of his foundational works. This collection, which spans the years 2008 to 2023, provides a distinctive look into Arabi’s artistic development while capturing the essence of the United Arab Emirates. Viewers are welcome to take part in a visual investigation of Arabi’s complex, multifaceted universe, which is firmly anchored in the UAE, at the Artbooth Gallery in Abu Dhabi.

Entering this exhibition transforms us from viewers of Asaad Arabi’s development into participants in a conversation with the dynamic contemporary art scene, set against the colourful backdrop of the United Arab Emirates. We are reminded by his canvases that art is a symphony—a live, breathing tribute to the human experience.

Participants of the Dubai Ride can now collect their bibs at Run and Ride Central starting October 30th. The Dubai Fitness Challenge, which began on October 28th, faced a delay in bib distribution due to unexpected weather.

Bib collection will be available until November 11th, from 2pm to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends. The Dubai Ride, scheduled for November 12th, will close Sheikh Zayed Road to regular traffic to ensure a safe and friendly atmosphere for cyclists of all levels. Run and Ride Central, located at One Central, offers a range of fitness amenities and is easily accessible from metro stations.

In addition to bib collection, the venue offers free fitness classes, a fitness hub for the local business community, a spinning studio to assist with 30X30 fitness targets, and a variety of retail outlets featuring popular fitness brands.

For further information and updates, participants can refer to the official Dubai Fitness Challenge website.

In a glittering ceremony that illuminated the heart of Deira, Dubai, the third annual Global Filipino Icon Awards unfolded with grace and grandeur on October 28, 2023. The Star Cinemas at Al Ghurair Centre played host to an evening of celebration, recognizing Filipinos who have etched their names in the annals of history through outstanding contributions to both local and international communities.

Among the luminaries, one figure shone brightest: Andrea Sanidad-Brindley, the 27-year-old dynamo behind Pinay Mums in UAE. This online community for Filipina mothers in the UAE, initially christened as “First Time Mamas UAE,” has grown exponentially, capturing the attention of Facebook for its meteoric rise in both membership and engagement.

Pinay Mums in UAE stands as a beacon of support, a sanctuary where Filipino mothers find solace, camaraderie, and invaluable resources. Andrea’s brainchild has transcended the digital realm, morphing into a true family for many, where genuine bonds are forged, emotional sustenance is exchanged, and even business ventures take root. It is a testament to Andrea’s unwavering dedication to community service and her embodiment of the Filipino value of “bayanihan” – the spirit of collective effort and mutual aid.

As the awards night unfolded, an overwhelmed Sanidad-Brindley confessed to having never anticipated this moment. She recounted her initial reaction to the email from The Global Filipino Magazine with a touch of humor, half-convinced there had been some sort of administrative slip-up.

Sharing the limelight were 11 other exceptional Filipinos, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields: Blair Agero, Leslie Baptista, Engr. Teofilo De Sagun, Chef Roberto Fortuno, Rommel Tuscano, Jover Dela Cruz, HE Dr. Edna Joyce Santos, Ricardo Amante, Dr. Jay Hontanosas, Maria Paz Marquez, and Engr. Ronet Closa. Their stories are woven into the vibrant tapestry of Filipino excellence, each a testament to the nation’s enduring spirit.

In addition to the finalists, the event paid tribute to a select group of Special Awardees: Lorgie Asaad, Cris Gudia, Bengs Hyu, Shiela Alcaraz, Rizza Mae Alinsoot, Imah Dumagay, Margie Lumagbas Al-Abdali, Isabel Caronan Kassab, Aquino Plotado, and Donna Cepe. These individuals, through their exceptional endeavors, have exemplified the best of what it means to be Filipino on the global stage.

The culmination of the evening was the crowning of the Star Icon Awardees: Miss Mariane de Guzman, Salimar Salomabao, Winonah Buenaventura Bicodo, and Jonalyn Candelario. Their names will forever be etched in the annals of Filipino excellence, serving as inspirations for generations yet to come.

As the curtain fell on the event, the night echoed with applause, resonating with the collective pride of a community that continues to excel, inspire, and elevate the name of the Philippines on the world stage. Andrea Sanidad-Brindley’s recognition as a Global Icon is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the enduring power of community, compassion, and Filipino spirit. Her story is a beacon of hope for every dreamer, a reminder that with determination and heart, anyone can rise to be an icon.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, emphasized the need for increased efforts to address adaptation finance gaps and make climate finance more accessible to vulnerable nations at the third Climate and Development Ministerial.

The event, co-hosted by the UK, Vanuatu, and Malawi, aimed to prioritize the concerns of climate-vulnerable nations. The importance of supporting the most vulnerable was underscored, with discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of adaptation finance. 

The UAE pledged support for various initiatives, including the delivery of the long-overdue $100 billion annual funding commitment by developed countries to help developing nations. 

This commitment is part of the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda. The event also saw efforts to address debt sustainability and create fiscal space for resilience investment.

The 2nd edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, a premier tournament in women’s tennis, is scheduled to take place from 3rd to 11th February 2024 at Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre.

With an impressive prize fund of AED 3.3 million and valuable ranking points on the line, this event has gained prominence in the tennis world. Featuring 28 players in singles and 16 teams in doubles, it promises fierce competition. 

Presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and hosted in partnership with Mubadala, the WTA 500 tournament offers a nine-day tennis extravaganza, showcasing top-level talent. Nigel Gupta, Director of Tennis Events at IMG, emphasized the event’s ambition to transcend sports and create a lasting legacy. 

Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, praised the tournament’s organization and its significant role in women’s professional tennis. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open not only elevates Abu Dhabi’s sports profile but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes and a unifying force in the tennis community.

Dubai will host the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit, marking the first time the event will be held in the MENA region. The announcement was made during this year’s summit in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The summit gathers member cities of the World Cities Culture Forum to exchange innovative ideas and best practices in cultural policymaking. Over 40 cities worldwide are part of this forum.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that hosting the summit underscores Dubai’s ambition to become a global cultural destination and a hub for creativity and talent. Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, highlighted that hosting the summit will strengthen Dubai’s global position and foster new cultural partnerships.

The World Cities Culture Forum, established in 2012, has grown to include 40 global cities representing 172 million people, with Dubai becoming a member in 2020.

The Liwa International Festival (Moreeb Dune 2024) is set to host over 1700 athletes participating in 14 different sports activities in the 2024 edition. 

Organized by Liwa Sports Club and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi), the festival will span 23 days from December 8th to 31st. 

The event encompasses a wide range of races including cars, bikes, drift, UTVs, alongside traditional competitions like falconry, camels, and horse racing. 

New competitions, including Monster Jam, have been introduced, with activities such as Moreeb dune park, paintball court, smart farm, Liwa village, traditional souq, and fireworks also on offer. 

Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Chairman of the Liwa Sports Club, anticipates record-breaking participation in this edition.

The UAE is anticipated to experience more wet weather in the coming week following recent heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. 

The National Centre of Meteorology has cautioned of further rainfall and high winds, with these conditions likely to persist until Thursday. Monday is expected to be partly cloudy with a chance of rainfall in coastal and western areas, alongside winds reaching speeds of up to 40kph. 

Despite the rainy conditions, temperatures will remain unseasonably high for this time of year. Daytime temperatures are projected to peak at 36°C in Dubai and Al Ain on Monday, and 35°C in Abu Dhabi. 

Typically, November marks the beginning of cooler weather in the UAE, with temperatures usually dropping below 30°C by the end of the month. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were experienced in parts of the Emirates this week, prompting advisories from government authorities. 

The UAE Cabinet advised remote work and distance learning for public sector workers and schools in response to the adverse weather conditions. Private sector companies were also encouraged to implement flexible work patterns. 

Abu Dhabi’s private schools shifted to distance learning on Friday, and a similar recommendation was made for Dubai’s private schools due to the hazardous weather.

The UAE has condemned Israel’s military ground operations in the Gaza Strip and called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern as Israeli troops entered Gaza, expressing worries about the potential humanitarian crisis in the region. 

The UAE emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians according to international humanitarian law and treaties, ensuring they are not targeted during conflict. The UAE also supported a UN General Assembly resolution for a humanitarian truce in Gaza and cessation of hostilities. 

Additionally, the UAE called for the immediate opening of safe humanitarian corridors to facilitate aid flow into Gaza. The country has requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation in Gaza. 

The Israeli military announced plans to allow more trucks with essential supplies to enter southern Gaza to support civilians in the area.