Tools of the trade of the interior designer on top of a just completed 2d interior design drawing showing the colorized concept of a living room together with some blue and grey leather swatches and wood veneer samples, to complement the concept. (iStockphoto.com)
The Chelsea College of Art & Design brings its short courses to the UAE next month. iStockphoto.com

Chelsea College brings design courses to Dubai



If you're an amateur enthusiast looking to learn new practical skills or pursue a career in interior design, or an industry professional looking to top up your existing knowledge, check out the series of short courses being hosted by Chelsea College of Art & Design in Dubai next month.

This is the first time the prestigious London college has introduced its short courses to Middle East-based students. The classes are taught by tutors flown in from Chelsea College's London campus, all of whom are practising industry professionals.

The courses are as follows: The Principles of Interior Design (five days), Decorating Your Villa or Apartment (three days), Create a Colour Scheme for Your Home (two days), Designing Bespoke Fitted Furniture (four evenings), Lighting Design for Interiors (two days), Kitchen and Bathroom Design (three days) and Perspective Drawing for Interior Design (two evenings).

The courses will take place at the Pullman hotel in Mall of the Emirates between October 13-28.

Prices start from Dh2,325, with a 10 per cent discount for students registering before September 23.

For more information and details of how to book, visit www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses.

Company profile

Name: Yabi by Souqalmal 

Started: May 2022, launched June 2023

Founder: Ambareen Musa

Based: Dubai 

Sector: FinTech 

Initial investment: undisclosed but soon to be announced 

Number of staff: 12 

Investment stage: seed  

Investors: Shuaa Capital

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)

Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66

Company Profile

Name: Direct Debit System
Started: Sept 2017
Based: UAE with a subsidiary in the UK
Industry: FinTech
Funding: Undisclosed
Investors: Elaine Jones
Number of employees: 8

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.