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There are books that speak loudly, and then there are books that whisper — gently, tenderly — yet leave an echo in the heart long after the final page. Whispers of Quiet Strength is one such book. The debut poetry collection by contemporary visual artist Shilpi Dabral is a soft yet powerful offering born from silence, lived moments, and deep emotional reflection. In this beautifully intimate collection, Shilpi invites readers into a quiet space — a place where feelings are ho

Faezeh Mohammed Hassan To mark the celebration of Chinese New Year, SHI unveils a special artistic collaboration with acclaimed Emirati artist Faezeh Mohammed, bringing together Chinese heritage and Emirati culture in a refined dining setting. In honour of the Year of the Horse, Faezeh Mohammed has created a series of bespoke artworks inspired by the strength, grace, and symbolism of the horse — an animal deeply rooted in both Chinese tradition and Emirati heritage. Represen

Book clubs are booming in Dubai. Books are everywhere — in Reels, in cafés, tucked beside cappuccinos and candles, peeking out of tote bags like accessories. Aesthetic? Absolutely. Aspirational? Of course. And I am all for it. But I worry when books become props instead of portals. At one club, pirated PDFs are passed around casually — sometimes by aspiring authors who joke, “When my book comes out, you better buy it!” At another, members are told not to bother reading at all

A Literary Masterpiece, A Global Legacy On 24 February 2026 at 9:00 PM, Louvre Abu Dhabi invites audiences to a special evening dedicated to one of the most profound works of mystical literature: The Conference of the Birds  by Farid al-Din Attar. This talk explores how Attar’s timeless allegory transcended centuries and cultures to become a universal symbol of the human search for meaning. Written in the 12th century, The Conference of the Birds  narrates the spiritual journ

A Landmark Coffee Painting Art Exhibition Opening & The Launch of the Coffee Art Marathon Edition 2 Dubai’s contemporary art landscape witnessed a distinctive and immersive celebration of creativity with the grand opening of THE COFFEE MARK | Traces, Tones & Transformations – Unique Coffee Painting Art Exhibition by Art4you Gallery at Qube Art Gallery, Al Quoz. The exhibition marked the official launch of the Coffee Art Marathon (CAM2), a pioneering initiative by Jesno Jackson

Photo: Gemini Dubai’s cultural calendar continues to pulse with vibrant cross-regional encounters, and this February promises an evening where heritage meets improvisation. At Etihad Museum, audiences are invited to experience Khaleeji Rhythm — a live musical performance that brings together Gulf traditions, contemporary jazz sensibilities, and collaborative artistry from across the UAE and Kuwait. The evening centers on Boom. Diwan, led by Grammy-nominated ethnomusicologist

Abu Dhabi is preparing once again to celebrate the power of words, rhythm, and cultural memory as the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival officially launches this Monday at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the festival reflects the emirate’s growing commitment to literature, heritage, and creative exchange. Organ

In a world that moves relentlessly fast, moments of stillness—true, luminous stillness—have become rare. Yet in Dubai, a city often defined by speed and spectacle, there are gatherings devoted not to noise but to depth, to inner listening, to the ancient rhythms of the heart. One such evening is A Night with Rumi : an immersive encounter with poetry, Sufi music, and spiritual movement that invites participants to slow down and step inward. Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century m

Some lives are not told in straight lines. They return, dissolve, reappear—like dust stirred by memory. Toz (Dust) is exactly this kind of story: intimate, fragile, and deeply human. Starring the acclaimed Turkish actress Zerrin Tekindor, Toz is a powerful one-woman play that traces the life of Handan, a woman whose memories stretch from the 1960s to the present day. On stage alone, Tekindor carries an entire lifetime, moving between childhood, adulthood, loss, love, and quie

Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation is setting the tone for a remarkable season of live performance—one that moves seamlessly between classical ballet and experimental theatre, heritage-driven soundscapes and contemporary musical fusion. With an ambitious programme stretching from January to May 2026, the Foundation once again positions itself as one of the UAE’s most dynamic platforms for cultural exchange and artistic exploration. From iconic international productions to immers

Dubai’s historic Creek district became the setting for a new artistic milestone as Radisson Blu – Creek Hotel partnered with ArtforumUAE to present their first curated art exhibition. Opening on January 24, 2026, the show gathered an international group of artists whose practices span continents, traditions, and contemporary approaches. The opening reception, held from 6 pm to 9 pm, welcomed collectors, cultural figures, and art enthusiasts into a space where hospitality and

Wang Fangwen in Dubai When was the first time you visited the United Arab Emirates? What was your first impression of Dubai? The first time I went to Dubai, UAE, was on May 24, 2025. Since I was a child, I have heard the story of Aladdin's magic lamp from my teachers, and I have long been fascinated by this place. Finally, the place in my dreams has become real. The magic lamp hidden in my heart, symbolizing miracles, has been lit for many years. That day, as soon as we stepp