Young Emirati Artist Maisoon Al Saleh Explores The Bright Side Of The Bones In Her First Dubai Solo Exhibition At DUCTACs Gallery Of Light

Throughout the years, the image of the skull has been related primarily to morbid images of poison and danger. Yet through her second solo exhibition, taking place at DUCTAC’s Gallery of Light from 18th January – 2nd February 2011, 23 year-old Emirati artist Maisoon Al-Saleh is determined to reveal the skull’s other side and connotation. The work that makes up Al Saleh’s solo exhibition The Bright Side of the Bones II demonstrates how bones and remains can tell a story far beyond age and gender: they carry a person’s entire life, which man cannot see with his naked eye; and they reflect the imperceptible colours that reveal life within a painting’s dominant blacks and whites.

Through Al Saleh’s paintings, people are brought back to life with brush strokes; and with dedication, examination and scientific view, Al-Saleh visualizes human life and the array of diseases, diets, religious beliefs, genetic connections, class structure and conflicts that we face in our daily lives.

Maisoon Al-Saleh was born in 1988 in Dubai. Since 2008 her art has mixed the figurative and the surreal with her concerns for the modern and the traditional Emirati culture. This is her own unique signature, which continues to fascinate her viewers.

At the age of 16, an X-ray caused Al-Saleh to muse over the complexities of such visual transparency and the human body in general. As a result, she decided to explore this concept through her art. While depicting the dead, Al-Saleh tries to highlight the struggles faced by individuals during their lives. “Each painting has a story based on the realities surrounding me,” she says; and this sense of paradox is evident in all of her paintings.

Al-Saleh received her Interior Design degree from Dubai’s Zayed University in January 2010. Her work has been exhibited in the UAE in exhibitions including Emirati Expressions at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Art Cars in Manarat Al Saadiyat, and at Al Bastakiya Art Fair 2010. Her work was recently included in the Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Soud Al Qassimi. ‘The Bright Side of the Bones II’ is Al Saleh’s first solo exhibition in Dubai.

On 23rd January, Maisoon Al Saleh will be hosting a concept development workshop, which will give aspiring artists an insight into different ways of generating and representing ideas. Emirati artist Maisoon Al Saleh will share and demonstrate her own concept development process in creating unique and meaningful art. Students will explore methods to develop a concept for their own work and learn how to translate that concept into a working thesis, or artist’s statement.

The workshop is devised to compliment the exhibition and to offer the public an opportunity to enter into an active dialogue with the exhibiting artist.

Maisoon Al Saleh – The Bright Side of the Bones II

Dates: Tuesday 18th January – Wednesday 2nd February

Times: 9am – 10pm (Saturday to Thursday
2pm – 10pm (Fridays and Public Holidays)

Venue: Gallery of Light
DUCTAC
Level 2, Mall of the Emirates

Admission: Free

Concept Development by Maisoon Al Saleh

Date: Sunday, 23 January 2011

Time: 6 pm – 9 pm

Location: Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, DUCTAC

Workshop cost: AED 120
 

Saleh Constructions Commence Work At Dubai Lifestyle City In DUBAILAND®

Dubai Lifestyle City (DLC), the luxury lifestyle development located in Dubailand, announced today that Saleh Constructions have commenced construction work of the project. Saleh Constructions will build the 68 Tuscan-themed villas and 120 villettes (condominiums).

The construction work of JW Marriot Hotel and the IMG Academies is scheduled to begin in September 2009. The first phase of DLC is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

The projects network infrastructure work at the development is now complete. This includes the 100 per cent completion of the road networks, telecommunication, surface water drainage, sewage network, irrigation networks, fire-fighting system, street lighting and portable water network. The completion of the infrastructure work on the project site will help the progress of the construction activities.

Mr. Arif B. Rahman, Managing Director for Dubai Lifestyle City, said, “We are proud to share our progress and reaffirm our commitment to this unique project. The appointment of Saleh Constructions has been in line with our efforts to ensure superiority and, yet, maintain a swift pace in the construction work. The Dubai Lifestyle City has made a promise to deliver a first-of-its-kind haute living experience and we are on track to deliver the promise.”

Mohammed Al Habbai, Senior Vice President at Dubailand, added, “Dubai Lifestyle City is a unique project, which we are all very excited about. It will offer a different type of living experience and we are proud to have the project as part of Dubailand, through which we will continue to provide our full support to ensure the timely delivery of the project.”

Dubai Lifestyle City, has been conceptualized by the ETA Star group, is well en-route to raising the bar on “haute living”. Spread over a sprawling 4 million square feet enclave, the exclusive self-sufficient residential community has entered into partnerships with some of the most respected leaders from a variety of fields, including JW Marriott, IMG Academies, Microsoft, and CISCO to create 68 Tuscan-themed villas and 120 villettes (apartments), all conceived by Tony Ashai the celebrated Beverley Hills designer.

Dubai Festival City Hosts Exclusive ’House Of Illusions’ Show For Media

Dubai Festival City, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, hosted an exclusive House of Illusions show for members of the local media on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of DSF Office; Yousif Mubarak, COO of DSF Office; and Tom Miles, Director – Shopping Centres, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, were among those attending the show. Renowned international illusionist Van Buren thrilled the media with spectacular tricks and a three-course meal specially designed for the event provided a fulfilling finish to the evening.

House of Illusions is perfectly located at the renowned Spiegel Tent, a spectacular traditional venue made from wood, stainless glass and mirrors. The tent dates back to 1920’s Europe, and adds to the splendid magical aura of the show. Unlike a regular venue for magical shows, its circular shape helps the audience to fully observe every detail of the performances. Furthermore, it has the capacity to sit 250 guests in total.

Ticket prices range from AED100 to AED350 (gala dinners). There is also a special offer of free entrance to children below 12 years old if accompanied by an adult and if booked online through DFC website. The show runs until August 14, 2009. Gate opens at 6pm. For ticket inquiries, log on to www.dubaifestivalcity.com.

Dubai Government Departments stands firmly behind DSS 2009

With just days left for DSS 2009 to begin, Dubai Government departments have come out in complete support of the summer event as the DSS Organising Committee convened at the Dubai Department of Economic Department (DED) on Sunday, May 31, 2009, to discuss and review final plans for the twelfth edition that will be held for 65 days from June 11 to August 14 this year.The meeting was presided over by Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of DSF Office, in addition to a host of government dignitaries and officials who make up the Committee. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority is the latest inclusion in the Committee.The gathering was briefed on the final preparations of this year’s summer extravaganza in addition to a review of plans to ensure the smooth functioning of the event. Ibrahim Saleh began by thanking the government representatives on their unhindered support for DSS and their continued contribution to promote Dubai as a leading global city and an unparalleled summer destination."The cooperation between the various government departments is an essential element of every successful DSS edition and the Organising Committee plays an integral role in ensuring efficient operational levels in all aspects of the festival. This coordination is even more significant this year given the economic challenges we face and our efforts to promote Dubai as a leading global summer destination will be doubled," said Ibrahim Saleh. He also elaborated on some of the key attractions that will be organised during DSS 2009.Knowledge and Human Development Authority
Taha Al Hamri from KHDA said, "We are pleased to be part of DSS 2009 and as a new entrant to the DSS Organising Committee, the KHDA has planned a series of activities aimed at developing the educational abilities of children. Additionally, on a cultural level, children from various schools will participate in shows that will be held in shopping malls throughout this DSS."Dubai Police
Hareb Mohammed Saeed Al Shamsi, from Dubai Police said, "The Dubai Police is committed in maintaining the highest levels of security for the general public and visitors to Dubai and accordingly we will have increased patrols during DSS and police posts at Modhesh World. We are also conducting workshops for tourists to learn more about the services Dubai Police offers."Dubai e-government
Khalil Sagar, from Dubai eGovernment said that the department’s participation in DSS would be directly aligned to the strategy adopted by Dubai eGovernment to spread public awareness on the importance of IT literacy and to enable highly IT educated end users such as the youth to benefit from such initiatives. "Besides our participation in the Modhesh Friends Forum that attracted more than 50,000 participants last year, Dubai eGovernment will provide specific data on DSS events on a daily basis through an SMS service. All that DSS visitors need to do is send the text DSSE to the number 4488 to receive event information in English. For daily events schedule, users can send DSSE followed by the date and month to 4488," said Khalil. Representatives of the following government departments were present in the meeting: Dubai Municipality and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Police General Headquarters, Department of Civil Defence, Dubai eGovernment, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Unified Ambulance Centre, Department of Health & Medical Services, Dubai Educational Zone, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai Cultural Council, Dubai Ports and Customs, Dubai Media City, Watani National Program, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Department of Economic Development.

AGU Becomes Permanent Member Of Arab Universities Union

Al Ghurair University (AGU) has become the permanent member of Arab Universities Union – an entity working under the umbrella of Arab League and represented by 230 government and private universities. Dr Abdurahem Mohamed Al Ameen, President of AGU, received the certification from Dr Saleh Hashem, Secretary General of AUU.

For the last two years AGU has been a non-permanent member of the AUU – an organization which only has five permanent members. Being the permanent member of AUU will now give the university the opportunity to enter into a wide-ranging and growing engagement with regional students which is a vital element for academic, social, and cultural sustainability in GCC.

After receiving the certification formally, Dr Abdurahem Mohamed Al Ameen said: “We are happy and proud to be chosen as the permanent member of AUU. We did our best to fulfill the organisation’s requirements such as academic strength, budget, and defining career goals of the student to acquire permanent membership. The membership gives us the right to vote within the organization, take decisions which are obligatory under AUU charter and participate in all AUU activities. AGU enjoys a good reputation among all the Arab universities which is reflected in the fact that around 400 students have graduated from Al Ghurair since inception.”

He added the membership gives AGU programmes a regional acceptability which is a great success and shows trust in its disciplines. He also informed that the university intends to hold a seminar on peaceful use of nuclear power with AUU later in the year.

Meanwhile, Dr Saleh Hashem said: “AUU is a union including 230 universities from 22 Arab countries. It is the first Arab Union that was launched in 1969 and today we are celebrating its 40th anniversary. In our last AUU Secretarial meeting in Kuwait, we upgraded the status of AGU from a non-permanent to a permanent member. However, we are very careful in cultivating relationship with Arab universities and organizing extra-curricular activate such as sports, culture and scientific research for them.”

Dr Hashem said in order to be eligible for permanent membership “a university must fulfill certain requirements of the organisation such as up-gradation of its premises, faculty, infrastructure, study rooms, student residences and other services. In another words, it has to be an integrated university."
 

Public Awareness And Prevention Seminar In Dubai Highlights The Keys To Combating Diabetes

When it comes to diabetes (a disease in which the body cannot produce or properly use the hormone, insulin) which has now reached epidemic proportions in the UAE and around the world – there’s some good news and some bad news, according to the experts.

Both the good and the bad news were explained to a large audience at a free, public seminar organised by the Diabetes Centre of Excellence at the American Hospital Dubai, led by Dr Mohammed Al-Shammaa, American Board Certified in Diabetes and Endocrinology, and Mariam Saleh, Clinical Dietician.

Together, the experts presented the latest medical understanding of the disease and stressed the need for awareness and prevention. The hospital also provided free blood sugar screening tests for attendees at the seminar.

For a long term illness with no cure, it is reassuring to know that there is still some good news, which is that diabetes is very quick and easy to diagnose, and that it can even be prevented and controlled effectively by careful attention to diet and exercise. The bad news is that for half of all diabetes sufferers, there are no obvious symptoms, which means that the disease can progress to the point where other health complications can arise, leading to serious consequences, such as blindness, amputation, heart attack, stroke and, ultimately, death.

Symptoms of diabetes, when they do occur, include thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and fatigue. If caught early enough, the disease can be managed to provide the patient with a good quality of life, staying healthy and avoiding more serious complications.

Describing the various forms of prevention and treatment, Dr Al-Shammaa stressed the importance of exercise: ’Weight loss and exercise are shown to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes (the most common form) by 60 per cent. Plus, this form of prevention is free of charge and has no side effects. ’ Once treatment is necessary, the experts stressed the need for a team approach, with the patient at the centre and supported by doctor, family, dietician, psychologist, eye doctor. ’An aspirin a day for a diabetes patient will also significantly reduce the risk of
further health complications,’ he added.

’The key to beating diabetes is education,’ explained Mariam Saleh.

’Diet is central to our health and a diabetic diet is simply a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important and we should plan meals based on the new food pyramid, which includes ’exercise’ as a new ingredient.’

The United Nation’s first ’World Diabetes Day’ is on November 14th.

SALAMA’s Gross Written Premium Spurts 42% To Touch AED 1.3 bn

SALAMA-Islamic Arab Insurance Co. (PSC), one of the region’s leading Islamic insurance (Takaful) companies, has announced an impressive 42 per cent increase in its gross written premium for 2008.

The Board of Directors of SALAMA announced that its gross written premium for year ending December 31, 2008 touched AED 1.326 billion as against AED 933 billion in 2007 with a healthy 42% growth.

The company, which is the largest Takaful and Re-Takaful operator in the world, also announced that its underwriting income registered a remarkable 39 per cent increase to AED 164 million in 2008, compared to AED 118 million in the previous year.

“The achieved growth in our written premium is the result of our dedicated continuous work to prove once again that SALAMA is the leader in Takaful and Re-Takaful companies worldwide and is among the best Islamic insurance companies, therefore we strive to keep up with our good performance as this increase will leave us with more responsibilities towards investors” said Dr. Saleh Malaikah, Vice Chairman & CEO of SALAMA.

“The extraordinary results achieved by SALAMA amidst the global economic turbulence further reinforce our company’s growth trajectory and strong fundamentals. We have achieved a strong performance because of our prudent investment policies, corrective measures on a timely basis and presence in strategic markets which are not exposed to the economic crisis. Our strategy focuses on building the Takaful and re-Takaful business portfolio and improving our written premium and underwriting standards,” said Mr. Rafiq Halani, General Manager – General & Health Takaful at SALAMA.

In his comments, Mr. Noel D’Mello, General Manager – Family Takaful, said: “The financial growth achieved in our written premium is a reflection of the strength and quality of our Takaful and Re-Takaful products and services. SALAMA has already carved a niche for itself in the Islamic insurance sector and has maintained a very high “A-” rating from AM Best and “BBB+” by S&P, which augurs well for its growth across the GCC and beyond, especially in the changed economic milieu.”

The company was nominated for Best Takaful Operator and Best Banca Takaful Operator at the ‘Islamic Business & Finance Awards 2008 by CPI Financial. It has a paid-up capital of US $300 million and is listed at the Dubai Financial Market.

SALAMA has a solid business profile in their traditional territories — Far East, Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, which is further improving with geographical expansion, business growth and introduction of new life lines.