National Pavilion UAE announces its upcoming exhibition at the Biennale Arte 2022
The National Pavilion UAE announces its upcoming exhibition at the Biennale Arte 2022 (Venice Biennale) titled Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Between Sunrise and Sunset. The exhibition will present a new body of work created for the National Pavilion UAE by Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, a veteran of the experimental art community in the UAE. Curated by Maya Allison, Executive Director of The New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, Between Sunrise and Sunset is an installation of human-sized, abstract and organic sculptural forms. The work draws from Ibrahim’s deep connection to the local environment of his hometown, Khor Fakkan – a city harbouring the rocky Al Hajar mountains on the east coast of the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.
This exhibition marks the National Pavilion UAE’s seventh participation at the Biennale Arte, along with its move towards an artist-led approach whereby Ibrahim nominated Allison to curate the exhibition. The 59th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2022 (Biennale Arte 2022) will open to the public between 23 April – 27 November 2022.
The 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is curated by New York based Italian curator and artistic director Cecilia Alemani under the theme The Milk of Dreams, which questions the representation of bodies and their metamorphoses, and the connection between bodies and earth. In resonance with this theme, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim’s biomorphic sculptures cluster in undulating colour and movement – suggesting bodies, mutation, and metamorphosis. These forms arrive from his physical dialogue with the materials of the work: accretions of papier-mâché are built up over loose skeleton structures that shift and settle into their final position as he works. Often incorporating actual earth, leaves, tea, coffee, and tobacco, the texture of the forms derives from his raw materials.
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim said: “Between Sunrise and Sunset highlights the connection I have with the nature of Khor Fakkan – my hometown and the place I continue to live in. The exhibition demonstrates the tension between Khor Fakkan’s colorful bright mornings, when the sun rises over the ocean, and the disappearance of colors in mid-afternoon, when the sun drops behind the mountains that loom over my hometown. We can never see the sunset in Khor Fakkan, but we can imagine it on the other side of the UAE. I am looking forward to showing my new installation, working alongside Maya Allison and the National Pavilion UAE, to represent my country in our upcoming presentation at the Venice Biennale in 2022.”
Curator Maya Allison said, “Over the years, I have closely observed Ibrahim’s work process and its intense and intimate relationship with each environment he encounters, whether that be the rocky mountainous landscape of his lifelong home, or the landscapes of his residencies in Holland, France, India, and beyond. Even after almost 4 decades of art-making, the artist continues to evolve and deepen his practice, with a stubbornly persistent exuberance, nourished by his connection to his work and his artist community. For many years he worked against the odds of location and access, and I’m gratified to see the exposure and recognition of this artist by the wider art world. This is a watershed moment for the work of the institutions that are supporting this project.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Indu Varanasi receives UAE Golden Visa
Indu Varanasi, a founder of Dubai-based interior design practice IR Design, is among the first interior architects and design leaders to be awarded a prestigious UAE Golden Visa in the creative sector.
Born and raised in India, Varanasi came to Dubai in 1994, as a young architect with big dreams to create both functional and inspiring spaces within buildings in order to captivate the attention of both users and onlookers.
In 2004, Varanasi ventured out on her own and founded IR Design and has been a creative force behind the studio’s most significant projects in UAE, which include the Time Square Mall, Etihad Mall, Amity University Dubai, Novo Cinemas and DEWA Auditorium, as well as multiple design projects in China, India, Oman, Tanzania, and Sudan.
“I feel honoured that the Emirates government has recognised the importance of interior architecture among other creative industries,” says Varanasi after receiving the Golden Visa status. “On a personal note, this recognition is dedicated to both my younger self who dared to venture out on her own 18 years ago and to all the designers and business leaders who are shaping the creative landscape of this country each day.”
Besides her near two-decade contribution to the UAE’s design landscape, , Varanasi has also been recognised for her continuous support of women in creative industries.
Celebrating the “Year of Tolerance” back in 2018, Varanasi curated “HERstory” a cross-cultural exhibition celebrating 10 women and their inspiring stories and deeds. This collaborative project with Anna Barbara, professor at Politecnico di Milano, was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Culture, and in partnership with the Women’s Museum in Dubai and Dr Rafia Obaid Ghubash.
IR Design plans to nurture responsible collaborations with women architects, interior designers, business development managers, and visualisers with a minimum of five years of experience, who want to re-join the industry and get back into the field.
The Golden Visa scheme was launched in 2019, to attract and retain talent from all over the world and establish the UAE as an ideal destination to live and work in. Investors, entrepreneurs, special talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge along with bright students and graduates are eligible to receive the visa for five or 10 years, which is renewed automatically.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Du Partners With Data Protection Platform Thales To Strengthen Data Security Measures In The UAE
Due to an increasing number of data breaches in the digital landscape, du has prioritized its focus on enhancing sensitive data security, both on-premises and in cloud environments.
UAE-based telecommunications operator du has partnered with global data protection platform Thales, in a bid to leverage the latter’s technologies to enhance the du Cybersecurity Defense Centre and Digital Trust portfolio.
With an increasing number of data breaches in the digital landscape and the need for more stringent compliance methods within regulatory requirements, du has prioritized its focus on enhancing sensitive data security, both on-premises and in cloud environments.
Through the new partnership, it is expected that data will be better protected against cybersecurity breaches, with Thales data protection services offering high levels of confidentiality. Organizational security and compliance is also expected to become more robust with a reduction in the total cost of ownership involved. In integrating Thales’ offerings, du will also be able to avail lower operational costs and capital expenditures, as well as optimized staff efficiency and productivity.
“du has always engaged with external partners to combat threats and prevent potential digital discrepancies from presenting themselves and negatively impacting clients and communities,” said Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du. “By making our collaboration with Thales official, the enterprises and government entities we support can be assured that every data security component will become even more enhanced in due course. Related activities will ultimately be beneficial for all, subsequently upgrading security postures, securing in-country data, and elevating our process-driven and defense-in-depth approach.”
These benefits are expected to be achieved through the use of several key products. Thales CipherTrust Data Discovery and Classification will broaden sensitive data visibility with efficient data discovery, classification, and risk analysis across heterogeneous data stores, such as the cloud, big data, and traditional environments. On the other hand, Thales Key Management will be used to streamline and strengthen key management processes in cloud and enterprise environments over a diverse set of applications. Furthermore, critical data and digital identities will be protected in high-assurance, FIPS 140-2-verified, tamper-resistant Thales Luna hardware security modules (HSMs).
On his part Sebastien Pavie, VP Sales Southern EMEA, Data Protection solutions, Thales, added, “We are proud to be providing businesses with the necessary capabilities to protect and manage essential data through encryption, advanced key management, tokenization, and authentication and access management through this collaboration. We look forward to supporting du moving forward, and this announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be an effective and successful partnership.”
du’s existing cybersecurity solutions enable organizations to manage risk, take a proactive approach to security, adopt digital solutions with confidence, and build cybersecurity postures that continually provide protection in a rapidly changing threat landscape. Supported by Indian multinational conglomerate Wipro, the du Cyber Defense Centre was launched in June 2021 with the aim to mitigate cyber threats that put businesses at risk through the use of proven use cases, leading technologies, and a global team of security analysts. The new partnership with Thales aims to increase its efforts to refine and expand cybersecurity capabilities to ensure the best possible protection against cyber-attacks.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Stephen Taylor takes over as the new MD of KPS UAE
Stephen Taylor has relinquished his role as operations director and has taken over in the driving seat as KPS’ new managing director for the UAE. KPS is a technology-led and design-focussed interior contractor.
Stephen Taylor and Stephen Lockey are both managers at KPS in the UAE and have worked together closely over many years: Stephen Lockey as managing director and Stephen Taylor as operations director. Stephen Lockey has stepped down from his leadership role and has left the company after more than 17 years.
Taylor said: “At the start of last year, both Stephen Lockey and I set out to ensure that every single detail of this transition was thought through and that we would have no loose ends; we both wanted to ensure the KPS ship stays firmly on course for success in the years ahead.”
It’s this kind of Scandinavian-style, no surprises approach to the interior construction business that is also highly appealing to many of KPS’ customers. Taylor continued: “At KPS we always take the time to understand our clients and their business, and work alongside them collaboratively to bring their goals to life.” These lifelong friendships, as KPS calls them, have not only fuelled the company’s spectacular growth over the years, but have also ensured an unusually high share of repeat business. In many cases today KPS is refitting spaces that it first created for the same corporate clients ten, or even fifteen years ago.:
KPS continues to expand, both in terms of its UAE footprint and its international network of offices. Founded in Dubai in 1992, the company now has a presence in nine countries across Europe and the Middle East. This network structure is ideal for clients with a multinational presence, and in many cases KPS has been responsible for delivering multiple projects for the same client across international markets, allowing professional knowledge sharing within KPS to generate efficiencies that can be passed back in time and cost savings.
With over 500 employees, 15 million square feet of space designed and transformed, and an annual turnover of more than US$ 150 million, KPS is a significant player in the often-fragmented interior construction sector. However, despite its size and reputation, KPS is still 100% privately-owned, which means the personal approach the company values in all its work is reflected in everything it does.
As Taylor puts it: “Our ownership structure has allowed KPS to invest in leading-edge technology and training, and to use this technology-led approach to construction to innovate new ways of doing things.” Stephen continued: “That makes us not only more efficient, but we’re also able to find surprising solutions when unexpected challenges pop up.”
These ‘Spaces of Opportunities’ as KPS calls them, have recently included the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020, as well as pavilions for Gabon and Accenture; new co-working spaces in Dubai Media City; canteens at the University of Sharjah; and the Atölye innovation hub in Emirates Towers. Taylor concluded: “There are so many exciting opportunities ahead in 2022, it’s hard to know where to start!”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Glaze Granite & Marble to provide COANTE Quartz in the UAE
Glaze Granite & Marble, the UAE’s largest marble importer has been appointed as the sole distributor of Coante® Quartz. The company Coante Quartz Surfaces is one of the latest & most advanced BRETONSTONE® – Italian technology plants, located in Turkey. Coante® prides on having state of art robotic technology to make veined marble designs in quartz slabs for countertops, with a warranty of 20 years.
BRETONSTONE®- Italy was the first to develop the ground-breaking technology to manufacture engineered quartz stone plants in Italy and they remain the world leaders in engineered stone technology. Their trademarked plants produce the most durable and technically perfect quartz surfaces, guaranteed to give life to your kitchen countertop of 20 years or longer.
Coante® countertops are consist of 93-95% of natural Quartz minerals, Quartz in nature is one of the hardest minerals besides diamond and such a high percentage of quartz content in Coante® countertops make them resistant to scratch & impact. The non-porous structure of Coante® countertops do not allow for bacterial, fungal & mould formation, therefor they are hygienic. The non-absorbent character of Coante® keeps them stain-resistant & easy to care for and maintain.
Coante® offers aesthetic solutions for both modern and classical decorations. The jumbo size slabs make it possible for maximised use with minimum seaming.
Commenting on the development, Umesh Punia, [CEO, Glaze] said: “In last two decades GLAZE has become a synonym for quality stones in UAE. We have been providing the world’s best stone brands to our customers and helping them in creating their beautiful abode. This partnership with Coante® is yet another step towards providing the best brands to our clients and ensuring their satisfaction. BRETONSTONE technology quartz has its own marketplace and when it comes to veined marble design in quartz surfaces, Coante® is one of the top brands in the world’
Kenan Erdem, General Manager at Coante® says: “When we launched Coante®, we started looking for partners around the world. When it came to the UAE, the first name that came up was- GLAZE, and the way Glaze keeps the brand value of every product is remarkable. In fact, they elevate the brand to another level, from training the sales team to fabricators, contractors & overall marketing of any product at Glaze is rare to find elsewhere. We look forward to having a great partnership with GLAZE. Honestly, having our product displayed at GLAZE gives us the niche in other markets as well.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Inspired by UAE Mars mission, ‘Hala, Mareekh’ carpet by Design Matter is to be unveiled at Dubai Design Week
A unique carpet, inspired by the UAE’s mission to Mars, is set to be unveiled during the Dubai Design Week, as part of the event’s UAE Designers Exhibition 2.0. The rug, known as ‘Hala, Mareehk’, or ‘Hello Mars’, is the work of boutique design firm, Design Matter, and is the first piece from their sustainable furnishings collection, ‘series of hope’.
Setting out to craft a metaphor for conquering the unknown, the Design Matter team, led by business founder, Fabidha Safar Rahman, has brought together traditional and modern design concepts to create a contrast between two sides of the same coin: a side of nature and tradition, and one of modernity and innovation.
Explaining the journey from inspiration to creation, Rahman said, “With so much to celebrate as a country, we wanted to curate all our emotions of pride, ambition, and hope into a product that recognises such a historic year for the UAE. We were inspired to commemorate the Mars mission by doing what we know best, design.
“Motivated by the feat, we took it upon ourselves to develop something that reflected the pride, the ambition, and of course, hope. Creating a designer rug that curates these concepts, we aimed to depict the journey from nature and humanity to modern technology and new ventures into the unknown. Fusing forms of fluidity with modernity, it is a metaphor for the UAE; a country deeply-rooted in its culture and traditions, while constantly evolving to new heights.”
Featuring free-flowing curves with linear forms, the design aims to characterise the natural lines of topography that meet with the final frontier of technology. A hand-like form wraps itself around the core of the rug, with the grey colour representing the unknown that is yet to be discovered. The final feature of modernity is inspired by the wings of the Al Amal Hope probe, while the gentle lines of yellow denote hope.
Reflecting the hope theme, the piece incorporates 15 % recycled PET yarn, an innovative, sustainable method of reducing the impact of plastic bottles on the environment and reusing them in a constructive way.
With 75% less CO2 emission than virgin polyester, PET yarn is a sustainable material that gives the luxurious look and feel of wool with no synthetic coating. The rug is the first piece in the Design Matter ‘series of hope’ collection, which aims to create unique, sustainable, and limited-release pieces, inspired by the UAE.
Hala, Mareehk will be one of 25 pieces from local designers to feature in the Exhibition, which can be viewed at Downtown Editions, part of Downtown Design Dubai, from 8th – 12th November.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
du announces major milestone achievement as 5G network becomes the fastest in UAE
du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has recorded a significant milestone in its 5G rollout strategy to date. The telco provider’s 5G network has become the fastest in UAE. This achievement is the result of du’s efforts to drive the 5G agenda in recent times, with huge investments allocated to develop the 5G network, enhance performance and efficiency, and ensure customers avail the very best communication services.
5G is fundamental for enhancing the telecommunications sector and raising the country’s global competitiveness, with sustainable infrastructure advancements and world-class connectivity for all topmost priorities. Today’s announcement reaffirms du’s commitment to driving the 5G agenda, and the telco provider now anticipates achieving 90% nationwide population coverage by the end of 2021 with the UAE’s fastest 5G network.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO, EITC, said: “5G is a key enabler to support telecommunications sector development, advance business sectors, and enhance the UAE’s position in various global competitiveness indicators. Today, as we announce these prestigious accomplishments, du is proud to be catering to the needs of our customers, communities, and country through the fastest and most capable 5G network in the UAE. In line with our continuous efforts to improve national digital infrastructure and ensure all segments of the UAE avail the best experiences in the world of communication, we pledge to continue building on recent progress and deliver even greater value moving forward. Our ambition of network coverage for 90% of the UAE population ultimately means that more individuals and companies are benefiting from the capabilities and potential of this technology.
The prestigious position of du’s 5G network in terms of median throughput has also been reaffirmed for six months running with Q2 and Q3 2021 independent 5G benchmarking reports conducted by independent entities.
Al Hassawi added: “du continues to promote innovation across all services, drive business excellence, and play a vital role in enhancing well-being and economic and societal progression. Our efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of our network have resulted in us delivering the fastest network speeds in the UAE, which is a testament to our commitment to providing the best connectivity experiences for our customers across the country. We look forward to continuing with these efforts and expanding 5G coverage to all residents of the UAE in the near future.”
A successful 5G campaign
Backed by a comprehensive roadmap for success, du’s ‘on our network, your experience is always exceptional’ campaign has demonstrated efficiency, effectiveness, and robustness since its introduction, building confidence and showcasing reliability at key moments in consumer’s daily routines. Gaming, broadband, and video call experiences have all been enhanced, with du aiming to facilitate the best network experience. Such efforts have paved the way for today’s ultra-fast and lag-free 5G network, which has empowered the local gaming community, enabled consumers to enjoy powerful multimedia experiences at home and the workplace, and brought families and businesses together to enjoy seamless connected experiences for moments they are needed the most.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
English