Green shoots: protecting rainforests
Recent studies show that rainforests appear to be more resilient to climate change than first feared. Vision explores the role that these ecosystems play on a global scale and the measures that governments are taking to protect them
Traveller’s tales: origins of language
The way that language, the greatest of all our social tools, has developed throughout the centuries is the subject of an ongoing story. Vision delves into the next chapter
Sport of kings: beach polo
No other pastime evokes wealth and luxury quite like polo – just look to films like The Thomas Crown Affair and you’ll see that Hollywood, too, has adopted the sport as the ultimate symbol of power. Vision explores its long history
Setting the scene: movie locations
Sometimes breathtaking and at other times iconic, a film’s landscape can be a powerful tool. Vision highlights some of the silver screen’s most memorable backdrops as it looks at the crucial role they play – and the subsequent tourist industries they often help to fuel
Globe appeal: Shakespeare on tour
This year, the Globe Theatre in London chose to open its 2013 season in the Middle East before taking its production of Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet' back to the UK capital. Vision.ae considers the reasons behind the bard’s enduring popularity the world over
Creative environment: urban art
Contemporary art might often pop up unexpectedly, but now cities all over the world are finding there is much to be gained from so-called ‘street’ art
Word art: Islamic calligraphy
With thousands of years of history and a passionate contemporary following, calligraphy is one of the treasures that remains popular across the world
Arab cinema: universal pictures
Middle Eastern cinema has a rich history, but many films of the recent past have dwelt on the region’s political problems. Now a new generation of filmmakers are producing movies that offer crowd-pleasing entertainment alongside sharp social comment, as Vision finds out
Film hub: DIFF
The 8th Dubai International Film Festival was a star-studded affair with Cate Blanchett heading the jury this year. Vision.ae rounds up the ones to watch
Eastern promise: Alif Gallery
As one international gallery finds a new home in Dubai, the myths and legends of ancient Silk Road cities fuse with a concept that seeks to expand the vocabulary of fine art across the Middle East
Children’s literature: a new chapter
With their dark and dystopian visions of the future, writers such as Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth are breathing new life into the genre of children’s literature and capturing the imaginations of millions. Their popularity reflects a remarkable resurgence in the market for books for young people around the world.
Fashion statement: designing abayas
Dubai-based designer Huda al Nuaimi founded Malaak, her high-fashion label, after recognising a need for abayas that uphold the values and purpose of the garment while also offering style. Vision finds out more
Discovering science: Golden Age of Islam
Artefacts and ancient manuscripts show that Islam is responsible for any number of contributions to the science and technology world. Now a travelling exhibition aims to educate the world about these great achievements
Architect collaboration: Serpentine Pavilion 2012
The team behind Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium, architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron with Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, recently reunited to design the Serpentine Gallery’s annual pavilion in London. Alyn Griffiths reflects on their prestigious careers and looks back at past installations
Cultural Olympiad: Poetry in motion
Poetry Parnassus, a jewel in the crown of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, is being hailed as the largest gathering of poets in history. It is part of a remarkable popular renaissance, as Vision finds out
Through the keyhole: Al Ain’s hidden gems
British-born photographer Alex Jeffries moved to the UAE in 1996, but his passion for Al Ain, one of Abu Dhabi's cities, can be traced back to childhood. He shares with Vision.ae some of his intriguing imagery taken to record its unique and quirky history
Wild Arabia: conservation of the species
A new wildlife exhibition, Wild Arabia with National Geographic Al Arabiya, seeks to combine art with preservation, education and innovative research. Daisy Carrington takes a closer look
Freeze frame: Capturing the UAE’s Olympic hopes
A photography exhibition portraying the UAE’s Olympic athletes’ hopes and dreams will be on display in Abu Dhabi this month. Vision.ae finds out the motivations behind British artist Gabriella Sancisi’s latest project
Phoenix rising: The new face of Lebanese design
A dynamic new generation of Lebanese designers is contributing to a creative boom in this once conflict-torn nation, with the evidence on display at a new design fair in Dubai
Open doors, open minds: Building cultural bridges
At the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, no question is ever too trivial as it bids to foster understanding between Dubai Emiratis and the city’s expat community and help smooth the path for international corporations setting up in the region
Different strokes: Sharjah Biennial curator paints a new picture
As the Gulf region gears up for its arts season, the international chatter surrounding the bold approach of Sharjah Biennial's new curator is increasing in volume
Spreading the word of Emirati literature
The growing popularity of international book fairs, combined with a proactive young Emirati literary community, is creating a surge of interest in writing from the Gulf
Grandmother to the rescue!
There’s a new bunch of super-heroes coming to international TV station Cartoon Network – in the form of four Emirati grandmothers. Vision finds out about the development of Emirati cartoon Freej, already a sensation in Dubai and now available to view on a screen near you
Twin engine
Emirati brothers Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib, founders of arts and culture magazine Brownbook, talk about bringing the Middle East’s ‘cool creativity’ to a Western audience
Best boy
Thanks to its canny approach to financing, an outstanding local infrastructure and some impressive home-grown talent, Dubai is turning heads across the international film scene
Cultural timeline: changing fashions
This year's International Museum Day saw cultural centres from Brazil to Zambia and Macao in China throw open their doors in celebration
Tango fever: global dance
Argentina’s most soulful dance has captivated the world over the last century and remains as popular as ever. Vision explores its evolution into modern-day entertainment
In focus: Gulf film
With dynamic film festivals across the world showcasing Arab film at its best and Dubai attracting Hollywood studios with sophisticated new infrastructure, the UAE fulfils silver screen dreams
Interview: President Jimmy Carter
Since its foundation in 1982, the Carter Center has touched the lives of millions around the world. In this exclusive interview, President Jimmy Carter talks to Vision about the Center’s work eradicating diseases and his unwavering mission to improve the lives of the world’s poorest people
Changing trends: pop ups
Vision.ae examines the growing phenomenon of pop ups – from food outlets and retail stores to mobile art galleries – to find out the reasons behind their success
In a word: translating Arabic literature
Humphrey T Davies, named runner-up of this year’s Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation, shares with Vision.ae the challenges and intricacies associated with his little-known art
In vogue: London gallery reflects Arab art boom
The launch of a new gallery in the British capital this month is the latest demonstration of Middle Eastern art's growing international cachet
Passages from India: prize-winning literature
From A Suitable Boy to Slumdog Millionaire, Indian Writing in English has dazzled book lovers across the globe over the past three decades. Vision asks the most talented new Indian authors why their work is so popular with international readers
Making an exhibition: colourful art
Vision speaks with Turkish contemporary artist Beygü Gökçin at the launch of his first art exhibition in Dubai, in Media City's Radisson Blu hotel, which runs until 11 December
Picture perfect: Abu Dhabi Art
The fourth edition of Abu Dhabi Art fair, which took place earlier in November, was a platform for modern and contemporary art, including a diverse programme of exhibitions, film-screenings, performances and platforms of arts talks.
Camels: carrier to companion
From trade to warfare, the humble camel – the ship of the desert – has played a crucial role in the history of the Arab world. Far from being a simple beast of burden, it has sustained desert peoples from the Stone Age onwards. Vision traces why these miraculous animals have become known as ‘God’s gift’
Wide appeal – International art in the UAE
Swiss Art Gate UAE is an organisation that works to bring cultural platforms to Swiss and other international artists from which they can share their work with the wider Middle East region. Vision.ae takes a look at the most recent offerings and finds out more about the gallery’s objectives
Shifting markets: Middle Eastern art
As Dubai continues to establish itself as an art hub for the wider region, Ben East considers how overseas galleries are taking advantage of a growing interest in art originating from the Middle East
Changing perspective: Arab Film Festival Australia
Established in 2001, the Arab Film Festival Australia (AFFA) has laid witness to a wave of filmmaking coming out of the Middle East. Daisy Carrington discovers how, this year, festival organisers have noticed a spike in the number of submissions
Magic carpets: the art of weaving
Some of the world’s finest carpets originated in the Middle East and today can fetch millions of dollars at auction. Here Vision explores how the intricate and ancient art of carpet weaving has developed and evolved over the centuries
Dated dwelling: palm leaf architecture
With the need for sustainable and carbon-neutral building techniques continuallly rising, Alyn Griffiths discovers why western architects should look to examples of traditional Middle Eastern construction methods such as palm-leaf architecture for inspiration
Joining forces: Christie’s fights world hunger
Seven works donated by Arab artists have been sold by Christie’s to benefit the United Nations World Food Programme. Vision.ae finds out how collaborations with the art world are helping the organisation in its humanitarian efforts
Word art: spotlight on Arabic fiction
The fifth International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), an annual literary prize run with the support of the Booker Prize Foundation in London and funded by the Emirates Foundation in Abu Dhabi, will take place this week. Ben East considers what the attention will mean for writers focused on that region
UAE architecture: informed by the zeitgeist
From futuristic museum plans and award-winning bridges to iconic hotels and dizzying superscrapers, some of the world’s boldest architectural developments are currently to be found in the Gulf region. Vision meets some of the architects behind these iconic buildings
Awards season: Silence is golden
French silent movie The Artist is defying its early critics and is in the running to take home the Academy Award for Best Picture. Ben East considers how attitudes are changing when it comes to independent cinema
Box office bid: Emirati filmmakers make their mark
With UAE films starting to make an impact on the international scene, the eyes of the wider film industry are fixed with interest on the region’s homegrown cinematic offerings. Tahira Yaqoob discusses how Emirati moviemakers are beginning to garner attention
Tokyo calling
Ahead of a Dubai Futures exhibition at Tokyo Designers Week 2011, Laura Adcock considers how cultural synergies that exist between the UAE and Japan are merging to influence both countries’ design scenes
Dubai is on an important cultural journey
Art collector, design entrepreneur, curator and cultural ambassador – Rami Farook, owner of Dubai art gallery Traffic, is all these and more. He takes time out from his busy international schedule to tell Vision why art is so important for Dubai
East meets East
The arrival of Arabic manga is yet another paving stone on the modern day ‘Silk Road’ of cultural exchange between East and East. Vision learns more from Arabic manga’s enterprising Emirati creator, Qais Sedki
Pioneer spirit
One of an inspirational new generation of young Emirati filmmakers and the UAE’s first female producer, Nayla Al Khaja talks about truth, taboo and the power of the motion picture
Sharing game: museum exhibits
As a sneak preview of the treasures acquired for the Louvre Abu Dhabi gets underway, Vision looks at why and how priceless artefacts traverse the globe
Cultural kudos: Saadiyat Island
With luminary architects designing outposts of the world’s most famous arts institutions, Saadiyat Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a cultural beacon for the UAE
Bedouin trainer: horseman by nature
Ali Al Ameri is renowned across the world for his ability to “fix” problem horses. He tells Vision about his Bedouin upbringing, his globe-trotting career and why he still
prefers life in the desert
Bigger picture: an inside view
UAE-born photographer Tamara Abdul Hadi strives to bring out an alternative, human side to mainstream issues. Vision.ae takes a look at her latest projects
World photography: changing perspective
Thanks to advancements in technology and more affordable equipment, more people than ever are trying their hand at photography. Vision.ae takes a look at the international competitions looking to celebrate the work of amateurs and professionals alike, and asks whether the digital age has had a positive impact on the art form
Strong perfomance: music tours
With bands taking to the road in a bid to tap into lucrative revenue streams, Vision.ae highlights the key stops on the world circuit
Transport art: going places
Imaginative and playful, bold and irreverent, urban transport authorities in world cities are using art to enrich the journey experience, trigger emotion and inspire new perspectives on the world we live in
Colour association: shades of meaning
The connotations of colours have changed through the ages and across cultures. Now psychologists are discovering why we make colour associations, and what this says about the way we see the world, as Vision reports
Private view: museum of art
From the trailblazing to the bridge-building, private museums offer out of the ordinary art experiences around the world
Nour Festival: Arabian nights in London
Now in its third year, London’s Nour Festival of Arab arts gives its diverse audience a fascinating perspective on the rich cultures of the Middle East and Africa
Islamic art: Louvre opens new gallery
Islamic art has been collected all over the world for centuries. Now new Islamic galleries at the Louvre in Paris aim to foster cultural understanding while offering the public a chance to admire first-hand the fine materials and spectacular attention to detail in a collection of ancient pieces
Gold target: shooting for glory
When British athlete Peter Wilson won gold in the double trap last week he was quick to attribute his success to his coach, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum. Rob Kemp reveals the history behind this unlikely partnership and the long road to victory
Unlikely partnership: collaborative arts series
Over the centuries artwork has offered a window into foreign lands, allowing outsiders to gauge an understanding of cultures vastly different from their own. When contemporary performance artist Christian Jankowski from Berlin teamed up with Emirati curator Rami Farook in Dubai, the two came up with a unique concept for documenting all the emirate has to offer
Equestrian tradition: Arabia to Ascot
Since the domestication of the horse around 3,500 BC, the evolution of the species can be mapped out against the history of the human race. Vision.ae takes a look at some key moments depicted through ancient artefacts at an exhibition at the British Museum in London
On tour: Bollywood hits the road
Bollywood blockbusters have long used European countries as a backdrop. Now a new wave of Indian directors is swapping the Swiss Alps for China, Peru and Dubai, as Vision finds out
Virtual reality: Google Art Project
Google’s recent expansion of its online art service offers art enthusiasts everywhere the opportunity to explore galleries and their masterpieces no matter where they are located. Daisy Carrington considers the merits of the service and the impact it might have on the industry
A breed apart: the history of the Arabian horse
Renowned and revered for bravery, endurance, speed and agility, the Arabian horse takes pride of place at the heart of Arab heritage. Vision traces the bloodlines of this beautiful and remarkable creature
Artists’ quarter: why Dubai’s Bastakiya area is in the frame
Dubai’s historical Bastakiya district is emerging as a key hub for the local and international arts community
Beyond vanity: self-publishing’s digital revolution
The emergence of the so-called digital age has meant that traditional publishing houses are seeing their powers wane. Katie Boucher considers the changing face of the industry as electronic media opens up new avenues for writers
Getting the show on the road
Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai was not only the setting for the recent two-day Christie’s art auction, but also the venue for a selection of legendary jewels from the collection of film star Elizabeth Taylor. Ahead of both events, Vision.ae was given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the preparations
When arts collide: US artist inspired by Islamic design
For US artist Anne Morgan Spalter a long-held passion for the geometry of Arabic design, combined with a cultural exchange trip to Dubai, provided the inspiration for her most recent exhibition. She talks to Vision.ae about fusing East/West aesthetics
Elizabeth Taylor’s glittering legacy in Christie’s spotlight
Ahead of an exhibition of Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery in Dubai, Christie’s international jewellery expert, David Warren, tells the stories behind a few key pieces and reveals what made them so special to the Hollywood icon
Psst!
Ali Alsaloom is the Emirates’ leading man when it comes to explaining the UAE and its Arabic culture to non-Arabs. His engaging Ask Ali guides and website, and his regular media appearances, are helping to build bridges between the Middle East and the wider world by promoting understanding and tolerance
By the book
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is promoting cultural understanding – not only by introducing world-famous authors to people in Dubai, but also through those same authors carrying a new appreciation of the Arab world back home
All hands on decks
Haneef Al Raisi, the Emirati founder and CEO of Dubai label Raisani Records, whose signings include Grammy-nominated Jay-J, talks to Vision about his fast-growing music empire
