Ten UAE-based creatives have been enlisted in an annual "catalyst for creativity" programme in Abu Dhabi that aims to help them develop their skills and showcase their talents.
The 10 musicians, choreographers and spoken-word artists have been selected to take part in NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre’s third Numoo programme.
Launched in 2021, the initiative supplies grants from the US Mission to to performing artists in the UAE in a bid to strengthen the local culture sector.
The programme aims to help artists further develop their craft and brand while showcasing their work through public performances.
The 10 selected participants are Emirati multimedia artist Afra Al Dhaheri; Emirati singer Arqam; Indian musician Dana Naidu and dancer Rashika Ojha; Moroccan dancer Karim Ennoury; Lebanese singer Nurzi; Palestinian theatre performer Mohammed Masharqa; Filipino spoken word artist Trixi Danielle; Syrian American dancer Kinda El Atrach and Slovenian performing artist Ksenjia Kovac Romano.
“We are dedicated to nurturing the vibrant local artistic and cultural scene. For the third year in a row, Numoo will serve as a catalyst for creativity, empowering UAE-based artists to showcase their talents and develop their professional skills,” said Bill Bragin, the centre's executive artistic director.
“I find participation in the Numoo workshops especially gratifying personally, as we watch artists have large and small epiphanies about how to approach their own career development with greater senses of agency and empowerment, in a mutually supportive community.”
All artists were chosen through an open application and nomination process. They will go on to take part in an industry course provided by NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre staff, in addition to performing public gigs arranged by the organisation.
Some of the topics covered in the course include ways to define and communicate an artistic vision, project management, budgeting, rights, royalties, intellectual property, technical production and touring.
“The US Mission to the UAE is thrilled to offer the Numoo programme once again in partnership with The Arts Centre at NYUAD to a talented third cohort of arts and culture professionals”, said the US Mission to the UAE’s Counsellor for Public Affairs Robin Solomon.
“Each year the thoughtful and substantive programme develops the practical business skills of local artists and creatives. The UAE’s creative industry is thriving, and we’re proud to sponsor Numoo in support of the local arts ecosystem.”
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Europa League final
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Atletico Madrid 3
Greizmann (21', 49'), Gabi (89')
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
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
Monster Hunter: World
Capcom
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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.
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
