A special exhibition in Dubai put on by an all-female collective is celebrating the role of women both behind and in front of the camera.
Rawiya, which translates to ‘she who tells a story’, is a collective of four female photographers who all have roots in the Middle East.
Unlike most of the images coming out of the region in recent months and years, the collective focusses on the peaceful normality of life in certain Arab societies.
Maryam Abdelaziz, Tamara Abdul Hadi, Laura Boushnak and Tanya Habjouqa offically lauched Rawiya in the UK in March 2011 and have since gone on to show their work throughout the world.
The Dubai exhibition, showing at the Gulf Photo Plus gallery, Alserkal Avenue, until October 18, features images of various topics including women in education in Yemen and scenes of daily existence in Palestine.
Currently based in Egypt, Jordan, Tunis and East Jerusalem respectively, the collective “seeks to present an insider’s view of a region in flux”.
Visit Gulf Photo Plus to find out more.
Below: The National’s Razan Al Zayani interviews Laura Boushnak and Tamara Abdul Hadi
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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