The influence of Islamic art on the designer William Morris seems so obvious that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Though Morris’s designs are synonymous with Britishness – his leafy designs grace tea towels across the UK – a new exhibition at London's William Morris Gallery reveals the profound impact of the Middle East on the designer and the studio he led throughout the late 19th century.
“Morris’s interest in Islamic art has always been a footnote but never fully understood,” says Rowan Bain, the gallery’s curator, who put together William Morris and Art from the Islamic World with Qaisra M Khan, a curator at the Khalili Collections. “We’re trying to look at Islamic objects he owned to draw links between them and his designs and to broaden our understanding of the quintessentially British designer.”
Morris set up an important design workshop in the 1860s that revived artisanal skills during a time of pervasive mechanisation. Eventually known as the Arts and Crafts movement, it was part of a wider desire to look back to pre-industrial Britain, such as the Pre-Raphaelite painters and writers, who drew inspiration from medieval Europe, or the fascination with the Gothic in design and architecture (such as the ornate Palace of Westminster, completed in 1876).
In Morris’s Art and Crafts designs, patterns were inspired by the seasons and the natural world; crafts such as tapestries and embroidery were re-employed; and technical skills were celebrated as forging a more honest relationship between maker and object.
But look at this work with another set of references in mind and a different world opens up: the interlocking, vegetal patterns are also typical of Ottoman tilework; the frilled flowers hark back to Persian textiles; and the refusal of difference between art and design reverberates with a similar blurred distinction in the Islamic world. Though Morris never travelled to the Middle East, the patient curatorship of Bain and Khan shows the depth of his interest, both as a collector and a student of these crafts.
The exhibition takes place in the sizeable East London mansion that was Morris’s home as a teenager. The curators juxtapose various examples of Morris’s design with Persian and Ottoman objects that he and others in the UK collected, underlining both the prevalence of Middle Eastern design and the direct inspiration they furnished.
His well-known “flowerpot” motif, a repeating pattern of white vases opening onto bouquets with interlocking branches and stems, hangs next to a Damascene tile panel from the 17th century that Morris owned – whose white pot and arching branches are clear antecedents.
For the “dove and rose” pattern, made later in his life when he was experimenting with more lavish material, he looked to the use of animals in Iran and Italy, incorporating the beasts into the pattern woven into rich silk.
“You can see the influence even in the choice of flowers,” says Bain. “If you look at his 'medway' textile and wallpaper, it uses a smaller and freer type of tulip that would have been typical to Turkey at the time. It’s not a Dutch tulip but something more wild.”
Throughout, one can also see the genius of Morris’s originality: he was not creating mere copies, but continuations of the ideas behind the designs. The bright palette of the Iznik pottery is darkened for England's wintery clime, and he often dislodges Islamic art's symmetrical organisation and moves away from framing devices. It is cultural appreciation rather than appropriation, which is perhaps how it flew under the radar for so long.
A maker and a scholar
In his lifetime, Morris’s involvement in the arts of the Islamic world was well-known. He had a sizeable collection of metalwork, rugs and textiles from Persia and the Ottoman Empire, which he mixed in his own decor with European and British objects. He helped advise the South Kensington Museum – which later became the V&A – on its acquisitions of objects from the Middle East, including the Ardabil Carpet, now one of its standout items.
He used these objects and textiles not just for decoration but as objects of study, keeping them in drawers to look at their patterns and unpicking their needlework to learn how they were constructed. In the 1880s, when he began producing carpets, he turned to Persia and Turkey to understand their hand-knotted technique. And the show reveals his appreciation to be profound.
When Morris died, his coffin was covered with a textile from Ottoman Turkey in the 16th century – a beautiful velvet and silk brocade of smoky, elegant tulip-like forms reaching upwards. (This pall is a new discovery on the part of Bain and Khan.) The curators also include two books that Morris (along with other artists) illuminated in gilded, fantastical patterns – the Shahnameh and the Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam.
Morris’s daughter May, whose Islamic-inspired patterns are also in the exhibition, recalls listening to Morris read the newly published French translation of the Shahnameh at night to the family.
Like all groundbreaking exhibitions, William Morris and Art from the Islamic World opens more questions than it answers. Cultural revisionism has mostly focused on reinstating under-acknowledged artists and influences into the narrative of art history. But Morris has always been about more than art. He saw his works as embedded in society – not just because he created widely used items like furniture and wallpaper – but because he also looked to the economic and social framework that produces culture, which he viewed through his deeply rooted socialism.
While the curators gesture towards the larger legacy of Islamic design, particularly in the accompanying publication (Tulips and Peacocks: William Morris and Art from the Islamic World), it remains unclear how the public received these influences.
While this exhibition is a step in the right direction to understanding the point, more work needs to be done to appreciate the interlocking cultural histories whose legacy, in middle-class notebooks, throw cushions and the tiles of innumerable Victorian hallways, continues to form the UK’s visual landscape.
William Morris and Art from the Islamic World is at the William Morris Gallery in London until March 9
Day 5, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Given the problems Sri Lanka have had in recent times, it was apt the winning catch was taken by Dinesh Chandimal. He is one of seven different captains Sri Lanka have had in just the past two years. He leads in understated fashion, but by example. His century in the first innings of this series set the shock win in motion.
Stat of the day This was the ninth Test Pakistan have lost in their past 11 matches, a run that started when they lost the final match of their three-Test series against West Indies in Sharjah last year. They have not drawn a match in almost two years and 19 matches, since they were held by England at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in 2015.
The verdict Mickey Arthur basically acknowledged he had erred by basing Pakistan’s gameplan around three seam bowlers and asking for pitches with plenty of grass in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Why would Pakistan want to change the method that has treated them so well on these grounds in the past 10 years? It is unlikely Misbah-ul-Haq would have made the same mistake.
Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1
Calvin Harris
Columbia
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE FIXTURES
Thursday, September 21
Al Dahfra v Sharjah (kick-off 5.35pm)
Al Wasl v Emirates (8.30pm)
Friday, September 22
Dibba v Al Jazira (5.25pm)
Al Nasr v Al Wahda (8.30pm)
Saturday, September 23
Hatta v Al Ain (5.25pm)
Ajman v Shabab Al Ahli (8.30pm)
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
The results of the first round are as follows:
Qais Saied (Independent): 18.4 per cent
Nabil Karoui (Qalb Tounes): 15.58 per cent
Abdelfattah Mourou (Ennahdha party): 12.88 per cent
Abdelkarim Zbidi (two-time defence minister backed by Nidaa Tounes party): 10.7 per cent
Youssef Chahed (former prime minister, leader of Long Live Tunisia): 7.3 per cent
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Donating your hair
• Your hair should be least 30 cms long, as some of the hair is lost during manufacturing of the wigs.
• Clean, dry hair in good condition (no split ends) from any gender, and of any natural colour, is required.
• Straight, wavy, curly, permed or chemically straightened is permitted.
• Dyed hair must be of a natural colour
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Profile of Tamatem
Date started: March 2013
Founder: Hussam Hammo
Based: Amman, Jordan
Employees: 55
Funding: $6m
Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
MATCH INFO
Wales 1 (Bale 45 3')
Croatia 1 (Vlasic 09')
Company%20profile
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Results:
5pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600 metres
Winner: Dasan Da, Saeed Al Mazrooei (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Saabah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Mukaram, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: MH Tawag, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) | Dh70,000 | 1,400m
Winner: RB Inferno, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Juthoor, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10
ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons
Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page
Hawks
Coach: Chaitrali Kalgutkar
Squad: Chaya Mughal (captain), Archara Supriya, Chamani Senevirathne, Chathurika Anand, Geethika Jyothis, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kashish Loungani, Khushi Sharma, Khushi Tanwar, Rinitha Rajith, Siddhi Pagarani, Siya Gokhale, Subha Srinivasan, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish
Falcons
Coach: Najeeb Amar
Squad: Kavisha Kumari (captain), Almaseera Jahangir, Annika Shivpuri, Archisha Mukherjee, Judit Cleetus, Ishani Senavirathne, Lavanya Keny, Mahika Gaur, Malavika Unnithan, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Shashini Kaluarachchi, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Vaishnave Mahesh