The Culture Counter

A fireside chat between Francesco Sciortino, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Proxima Fusion, and Devika Thapar, Co-founder and General Partner at Wilbe, brings the global race toward energy abundance into focus. Together, they explore the promise of fusion energy, the scientific and commercial challenges ahead, and what it will take to move fusion from breakthrough research to a scalable, world-changing power source.

With summer approaching, host Blanche Parris sits down with two leading voices in functional medicine to explore how to support our health holistically, treating root causes rather than symptoms, and how to navigate the season's many temptations without losing our footing. A practical, expert-led conversation for anyone looking to feel their best.Featuring Dr Nikita Glover, physician, member of the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of GPs, and lecturer in Culinary Medicine at UCL Medical School, and Neetha Lobo, nutritional advisor, functional health coach, and founder of the Hampstead Nutrition Practice. Both practitioners at Lanserhof at The Arts Club.Dr Nikita Gloverhttps://lhtac.com/team/dr-nikita-grover/Neetha Lobohttps://lhtac.com/team/neetha-lobo/

This panel discussion explores the increasingly divisive politics of rewilding and its impact on the future of the UK countryside, spanning environmental ambition, food security, rural livelihoods, and economic reality. Featuring conservationist and bestselling author Isabella Tree, agricultural diplomat Dr Kevin Parris, rewilding practitioner and founder of the Thousand Year Project Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, and Countryside Alliance CEO Tim Bonner, with moderation from journalist William Sitwell of The Telegraph, it offers a focused look at the cultural and policy tensions at the heart of the debate.

In this episode of The Culture Counter, leading voices from across the art world discuss what it means to collect in a rapidly evolving global market. Recorded at The Arts Club Dubai, the conversation explores shifting collector behaviours, the growing influence of regional ecosystems, and the role of art in shaping cultural identity today.

How will AI reshape the way we live, work and think? In this thought-provoking live recording from The Arts Club London, Dr. Daniel Hulme, founder and CEO of Satalia, Chief AI Officer at WPP, and one of the leading voices in artificial intelligence, explores the extraordinary opportunities and existential questions emerging from the next wave of AI.Drawing on more than two decades at the forefront of AI research and innovation, Daniel challenges conventional narratives around machine intelligence, creativity, automation and consciousness. From decision-making systems and digital twins to agentic AI, machine consciousness and the future of human labour, this wide-ranging conversation examines how technology could transform organisations, economies and society itself.Recorded live at The Arts Club London in February 2026, this episode offers a fascinating and deeply human perspective on one of the defining technological shifts of our time.

An exclusive session in collaboration with WHOOP featuring the authors Unstressable, Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], and Alice Law, stress and resilience specialist, moderated by Kristen Holmes, Vice President of Performance Science at WHOOP. Together, they explore how data and psychology intersect to redefine resilience in leadership — offering insight into the four dimensions of stress that influence performance, and how mastering them can sharpen clarity, decision-making, and long-term success.

An illuminating discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape — from drug discovery to patient care. Moderated by Khawar Mann, co-founder and CEO of Auxilium Services, the panel brings together Mo Khodadadi Executive of AI at PureHealth, Alex Aliper of Insilico Medicine, and Charlie Regis of HKX Capital. Together, they will explore how AI is advancing personalised medicine, transforming research and development, and redefining the future of healthcare.

A timely conversation as the region prepares to welcome one of its most significant cultural moments of the year, Abu Dhabi Art. This discussion will explore how the contemporary art landscape is being reshaped in an era where collectors build direct relationships with artists and digital platforms redefine access. Art fairs, too, are navigating this transformation — evolving from market hubs into spaces for visibility, exchange, and connection.Moderated by Suzy Sikorski, Founder of MidEast Art, and featuring Sunny Rahbar, Co-founder of The Third Line, Amina Debbiche, Co-founder of The Open Crate, artist Chafa Ghaddar and Mohammed Afkhami, Art Collector, this discussion will examine how institutions are adapting to a rapidly changing ecosystem.

An insightful conversation on one of today’s most talked-about medical and cultural phenomena, the rise of weight loss medication. As these drugs transform approaches to weight management, they are also reshaping the pharmaceutical industry, clinical practice, and public perception. We welcome Gastroenterologist Dr. Rahul Nathwani and Endocrinologist Dr Katia Sibai, moderated by Dr. Sheen Gurrib, award-winning podcaster, TEDx speaker, and former strategy consultant, to explore with us the science, controversies, and cultural impact of this fast-evolving field.

In the lead-up to World Mental Health Day, we welcome Dr. Naif Al Mutawa for a workshop on recognising and reframing negative thought patterns, building emotional resilience, and prioritising mental wellbeing in both daily life and the workplace. Through practical, guided exercises, participants learn to cultivate greater self-acceptance and transform unhelpful patterns into rational, positive perspectives. 

Writer and former New York Times journalist Sara Hamdan joins us at The Arts Club Dubai to discuss her debut novel, What Will People Think? — an intergenerational story moving between 2011 New York and 1947 Jaffa, exploring identity, legacy, and the tension between tradition and ambition.A Palestinian American raised in Greece and based in Dubai for two decades, Hamdan brings a global perspective shaped by a varied career in journalism, finance, and technology, including roles at Merrill Lynch, Google, and her Netflix short story award. In conversation with Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, she reflects on her creative process and the growing influence of regional voices in today’s literary landscape.

When Paul Griffiths arrived in the UAE in 2007, he took a bold leap from his role as MD of Gatwick Airport. Since then, he has led the remarkable transformation of Dubai Airports — guiding its rise from just over 34 million passengers a year to one of the world’s busiest international hubs.In conversation with journalist Rosanna Lockwood, Griffiths reflects on the records broken and world firsts achieved under his leadership, and shares his vision for the future of aviation in Dubai and beyond.

Fresh from the Fashion Weeks, this conversation brings together leading voices in the industry to unpack the season’s defining ideas and aesthetics. Featuring Sujata Assomull, Contributing Editor at Vogue Business and Founding Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar India; Sharifa Al Hashemi, founder of ONORI; and Jessica Michault, Senior Editor at Emirates Woman, the panel explores standout collections, emerging trends, and the creative statements shaping the runways. 

What happens behind the scenes to preserve the artworks we love? Tune in for an engaging conversation on the craft, care, and complexity of art conservation led by industry experts, including Ekaterina Plastinina, Associate Director at Green Art Gallery; Vedika Kochhar, Founder and Head Conservator at Partum Restauro; and Collector Salvatore Lavallo. The discussion sheds light on the complex process behind artwork preservation, an exacting science that focuses on aesthetics, in which every decision leaves a mark. With real personal anecdotes and hidden stories that are revealed in the process, this is a poignant look into the invisible hands that keep art alive.

Hormones affect everything — from our skin and sleep to mood and weight. In this insightful conversation, Francesca Ogiermann-White, founder of The Beauty Triangle and Tatler’s Health & Beauty Editor-at-Large, leads an expert panel on how to better understand and manage these vital body chemicals. Joined by bio-identical hormone expert Dr Martin Galy, aesthetic doctor Dr Suha Kersh, and GP Dr Carla Saour, the discussion dives into breakthroughs in women’s health, modern weight loss treatments, and the future of hormone replacement therapy. A must-listen for anyone navigating hormonal health. 

Step into the world of luxury and vision with Brunello Cucinelli in this exclusive fireside chat that marks his first appearance in Dubai. Discover the extraordinary journey of the man behind Italy’s iconic brand, as he shares how his personal values, family, and challenges shaped his philosophy of "Humanistic Capitalism." Get a rare glimpse into Cucinelli’s reflections on building a legacy, overcoming obstacles, and blending ethics with entrepreneurship. 

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Dr. Saliha Afridi, founder of The LightHouse Arabia, leads the conversation focusing on the importance of mental health and wellbeing in today's fast-paced world. She explores the meaning of a healthy mind, common mental health challenges, and strategies for fostering resilience. With this year’s theme centring on mental health in the workplace, the conversation, moderated by Scott Armstrong founder of mentl.space, provides valuable insights on managing stress, preventing burnout, and prioritising wellbeing at work. 

Dr Jan Stritzke, a leading specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiology and Medical Director at the award-winning Austrian health resort, Lanserhof Sylt, shares valuable insights into the crucial link between gut health and longevity. He explains how a balanced gut microbiome affects digestive health, heart function, immunity, and ageing. Dr Stritzke provides practical tips on enhancing gut health through diet, lifestyle changes, and integrative medicine, all aimed at improving the quality of life and extending lifespan.

In this special edition of A Founder’s Story, we are joined by the iconic designer Christian Louboutin for an insightful fireside chat, moderated by Ritu Upadhyay, Middle East Bureau Chief at WWD. Christian explores his personal and professional evolution, from the inception of his brand to its rise as a global fashion symbol. Throughout the conversation, Christian shares key moments from his illustrious career; the successes and challenges he faced and the inspiring stories that shaped his path. The evening promises to offer unique insights into both the man behind the brand and the creative vision that defines it. Tune in for a captivating discussion with one of the world’s most renowned designers, as we celebrate his remarkable journey and lasting impact on fashion.

Gold stands as a cornerstone in the annals of currency, trade, and investment. Tracing its rich history unveils tales of civilizations, conquests, and economic transformations, showcasing its profound influence on human affairs. Today, amidst the complexities of modern finance, gold retains its allure as a strategic asset, sought after for its stability, diversification benefits, and hedge against economic uncertainties.But how has this yellow metal sustained its value through time? And what does its future look like? This insightful discussion will explore The Royal Mint’s 1,100 year history and its venture into producing bespoke precious metals and the outlook for gold.

In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in plant-based remedies and traditional herbal medicine practices, driven in part by a societal shift towards holistic wellness intersecting with traditional knowledge and scientific advancements in the sector. But how can we navigate the integration of traditional plant-based medicine into modern healthcare systems? And how can we do it whilst respecting cultural heritage, indigenous rights and ensuring safety and efficacy for patients?Moderator:Shereen Al Mulla, cofounder Hikma Rituals & Master HerbalistPanelists:Mahdia El Jed, cofounder of Hikma RitualsAjmal Hasan,Head of Operations & Tourism DevelopmentAbdullah Al Kaabi, Founder of ElBooma Films

Ahead of Art Dubai, Amelie von Wedel and Pernilla Holmes, Founder and Director of Wedel Art, art advisory firm and curators for The Arts Club London and Dubai,  lead a discussion on the most interesting works capturing the attention of the art world now. They will also share some tips & tricks on art collecting, alongside their unique insights into emerging movements in a fluctuating contemporary market.

A conversation with Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Spotify, exploring the latest trends and innovations coming out of the audio space. Diving into what this exciting future of audio represents to Arab creators and how streaming platforms like Spotify drive their discovery across borders.In conversation with Stavros Antypas, Cultural Programme Manager at The Arts Club Dubai.

Dive into the intricate world of financial movements, where we unravel the past, scrutinise the present, and peek into the future of venture capital trends. Offering valuable perspectives on the venture capital landscape, courtesy of our distinguished speakers: Philip Bahoshy, CEO & founder of MAGNiTT, and Noor Sweid, the astute Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures.As we unravel these intricacies we can't help but wonder: What are your predictions for the venture capital landscape in 2024?

With the conclusion of COP28 and the emergence of practical resolutions, we've evolved from an unequivocal rejection of fossil fuels to a commitment for transitioning away, tripling renewable energy, and enhancing climate finance for the most vulnerable. In light of this newfound resolution, there's a growing expectation for fuel companies to embrace cleaner and more efficient production methods. What implications does this hold for the future? Does fossil fuel production indeed pose a hindrance to achieving ecological planetary goals?Moderated by:Amena Bakr Senior Energy Analyst, Energy Intelligence GroupSpeakers:H.E Sharif Salim Al-Olama Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Energy and InfastructureMajid Jafar CEO, Crescent Petroleum Board Managing Director, Dana Gas

In 2021, Dubai’s Kitopi became a unicorn with a $415 million round led by SoftBank.Founded in January 2018 by Mohamad Ballout (CEO & co-founder) and his friends Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, it is today the world’s leading managed cloud kitchen platform. But where does it all start? Whether from their parents’ garage, or from an enlightening conversation or from having been in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like his. Join us  with Basel Mufta, general partner at Global Ventures, a Dubai-based, growth-stage venture capital firm, as he dives into the story behind this exciting Dubai-based startup with Mohamad Ballout, as he shares with us his journey as a young innovator.

A fireside chat with Award winning director, writer & poet Nujoom Al GhanemWhile AI presents innovative tools for artists and the potential to challenge traditional boundaries, it also raises questions about authenticity and human creativity. Can AI-generated art truly evoke the same emotional depth as human-created pieces, or is it merely an algorithmic imitation? In the pursuit of artistic evolution, is the fusion of AI and art a harmonious partnership or a discordant clash? Moreover, does the UAE, a technological innovative nation, hold the key to unlocking AI's full potential in the art industry?

Art for The Ocean: Creativity to Mobilize Change took place in the prolific art market of Dubai during COP 28 (the world’s largest annual climate gathering, hosting more than 100 Heads of State and over 35,000 participants). Bringing together artists, collectors, philanthropists, and ocean advocates alike to create a direct bridge between the art world’s capabilities and the ocean’s needs during that global climate event. Program partner Oceanic Global curated a diverse group of global stakeholders that explored the power of art to manifest solutions and mobilize momentum for ocean conservation.Cosmic Sound HealerWhaiaSophia LiJournalist & Climate Communicator UN HUman rights championJanet BellottoArtist & Zayed University ProfessorMohammed KazemArtistDave ErasmusChairman, AQousticsFlorencio NoteciCCO PlentaryX & Advisor, the Reefline

Dubai's remarkable rise from the desert sands has been nothing short of extraordinary. The city has rapidly transformed into a global economic hub, renowned for its iconic skyscrapers, luxury developments, and visionary projects. However, this success story brings with it a profound responsibility - to shape a sustainable, environmentally conscious future for the generations to come.This talk delves into the evolving landscape of the Dubai real estate market, where innovation and sustainability converge to redefine urban living. We will unravel the stories of green skyscrapers that touch the skies, sustainable communities that prioritise quality of life, and initiatives that aim to reduce the ecological footprint of this thriving metropolis.

Think tanks are essential in international affairs, acting as hubs of strategic thought and policy innovation. They gather experts to analyze global challenges and provide impartial analysis and solutions. Through research and discourse, they enhance understanding of global dynamics, aiding decisions that have worldwide impact. As bridges between academia and policy, think tanks foster collaboration, shaping our interconnected world. What role do think tanks play in international cooperation?

An illuminating evening as Gary Dugan, CEO of The Dalma Global CIO Office, sits down with the visionary founder of Dalma Capital, Zachary Cefaratti. Dive deep into the world of macroeconomics as these financial titans unravel the intricacies of inflation and interest rates.

With extraordinary technological and scientific advances our cities across the globe are growing at an exponential rate, but are they beautiful? Neo-Classic notions of proportion, harmony, cohesion and unified style, albeit ornate, are part of the architectural and historical fabric of cities like Paris, Rome and Istanbul and have been considered beautiful as a result. In 2023, buildings are arguably erected to stand alone as the expression of a distinctive personality; the result of one’s prowess, of one’s freedom of expression, or simply of one’s real estate ambitions, but do they fit into a larger city-wide aesthetic? Should they? Listen to this expert panel as they deep-dive into what drives today’s architectural trends and urban planning expectations, and if whether or not the cities we are building today will be considered beautiful tomorrow.  Moderator: Alamira Reem Al Hashimi | PhD City and Regional Planning & Author of Planning Abu Dhabi: An Urban History Panelists:Ill Sam Park | Partner - Foster & Partners & Architect ICD Broofkfield DIFCBrendan Mcgetrick | Creative Director - Museum of the FutureHani Asfour | Dean - Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)

For this Authored episode we hear from Mai Eldib, author of Cairo Eternal; the latest addition to Assouline’s Travel Series and its first ever Egyptian destination, as she discusses the journey that she set out to share with readers, across the streets of the city she calls home.From the rich culture and stunning aesthetics of Egypt’s vibrant capital to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar, her research and urban diary tell the story of a dynamic city, where tradition meets modernity.Guest AuthorMai Eldib is a cultural strategist and specialist in visual art and culture from the Arab world, Iran and Turkey. Eldib has been working at Sotheby’s since 2008 and has contributed to numerous artist monographs and exhibition catalogs at the auction house and throughout the region. Eldib has supported multiple institutional exhibitions and serves on global and local museum and nonprofit committees that promote Middle Eastern art. For the last decade, Eldib has called Cairo home. ModeratorMyrna Ayad is an arts consultant, cultural strategist and editor, who focuses on visual art and culture from the Arab world, Iran and Turkey. She established her namesake consultancy in 2018 following her tenure as director of Art Dubai. Myrna has written for The New York Times, CNN Online, The Art Newspaper, Artforum, Artsy, Artnet, Wallpaper* and The National, among others, and contributed to artist monographs and exhibition catalogues. 

We were delighted to welcome critically acclaimed comedian Jamali Maddix for our Authored Live series at The Arts Club. From his wittily honest stage appearance on Live at the Apollo, to his hilarious guest performance on James Corden’s The Late Late Show, Jamali hit our stage for his UAE debut with lots of cracking-up and picking-on.  Listen to this hilarious fireside chat which followed his performance about his start in the standup comedy circuit, his writing, and what it is like to live the life of a comedian. *This episode contains profanity and impropriety. Listeners’ discretion is advised. An extension to the Authored series, Authored Live brings into focus the practice of writing for stage performance across spoken word, comedy, songwriting and much more. Special guest authors are invited to perform their work on stage followed by an intimate fireside chat about their creative journeys.

You have probably put an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot to the test recently. Perhaps you asked it to write prose from the perspective of a 300-year-old time-traveler from Mars. And why wouldn’t you satiate your curiosity? It has been populating headlines for months after all. But what really is generative AI? How does it work? What are the legal implications, if any? Is my job endangered or that of my children? Will I need my own AI? These are some of the questions Dr. Noah Raford, renowned futurist and co-founder of LazyBrain AI, endeavors to answer with a very special guest expert. 

Hamed Ali sits at the helm of two of Dubai’s most powerful financial organizations - Dubai Financial Market and NASDAQ Dubai. Under his leadership, UAE witnessed DEWA’s historic IPO listing, becoming the biggest IPO in UAE financial market’s history and the second-largest IPO in the Middle East historically. Hamed played a significant role in the launch of Nasdaq Dubai’s equity derivatives on UAE stocks in 2016 and on Saudi stocks in 2019, making it one of the largest exchanges in the world for Sukuk listings. In his role as the CEO of DFM and NASDAQ Dubai, Hamed is dedicated to developing and implementing the expansion of existing markets and activities across both exchanges and is creating new areas of growth, building on the synergies between DFM and Nasdaq Dubai. Today, Hamed Ali is focused on attracting IPOs from private and family businesses, while facilitating the growth of a healthy, accessible and robust financial ecosystem.

Butheina Kazim decided to work in cinema 15 years ago and planted the seeds that led to the founding of Cinema Akil in 2014 when she started showcasing independent films as nomadic cinematic interventions in various spaces around Dubai. At the time she was targeting a very small community of film afficionados. By 2018 Cinema Akil was a permanent venue and film sanctuary in Dubai, making it the GCC’s first ever arthouse cinema. Today, it is one of the best known, must-visit destination for film lovers across the region.But where did it all start? Whether it be from their parents’ garage, from having had a life-changing conversation, or simply being in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like hers. Listen to this fireside chat with one of the trailblazing founders of our region as she shares her extraordinary journey.Moderator: Micallar Walker | CEO/Founder - Dark Matter

From graphic design to automotive design, Ralph Debbas’ journey led him to launch W Motors, the first ever developer and manufacturer of high-performance luxury sports cars in the Middle East at age 25. In 2013, he built one of the world’s most expensive cars – the $3.4m Lykan Hypersport, successfully diversified the Company’s portfolio and is building the first fully-fledged automotive factory in the Middle East. Today, his company is offering complete mobility solutions for the region. But where did it all start? Whether it be from their parents’ garage, from having had a life-changing conversation, or simply being in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like his. Join us for an intimate fireside chat with one of the most innovative founders of our region as he shares his extraordinary journey.

Wokeness is a buzzword which found prominence in the mid-2010s in the form of a mass campaign to raise awareness for significant social issues. Soon thereafter it was used and arguably abused by mainstream media for marketing campaigns designed to appeal to millennials. It wasn’t long until it revived a corporate framework first introduced in 2004 called ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance. ESG is a set of investment standards that look at how a company safeguards the Environment, how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and how a company deals with leadership, executive pay, audits and internal controls. This year ESG was on everyone’s lips at the World Economic Forum’s meeting in Davos and was highly criticised for being too broad and too naïve in times of economic unrest.  Can the corporate world ignore the powerful push from customers, employees, and investors for organizations to stand for more than just financial targets? Can we achieve capitalism and sincere social conscientiousness at the same time? Discussions about climate change, inequality and ethical business relationships aren’t going away, so what is in store for 2023? 

We welcome artist Daniel Crews-Chubb for an intimate fireside chat on the occasion of his exhibition of five of his totemic paintings at The Arts Club Dubai.Looking back on his career as a renowned painter with a deeply expressive painting style, Daniel discusses his process, Greek mythology, and the personal experiences that have informed his work.Moderated by: Pernilla Holmes - Wedel Art (Director)

Essam Al Tamimi founded Al Tamimi & Co in January 1989 with just one secretary at his side. By July of that year, the firm had five lawyers. Today, they have 450 legal professionals in 17 offices across 10 countries and is a leading corporate law firm in our region.But where did it all start? Whether it be from their parents’ garage, from having had a life-changing conversation, or simply being in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like his. Joined by moderator Scott Armstrong, Founder of MENTL, listen to this  intimate fireside chat with one of the best-known lawyers of our region as he shares his extraordinary journey.

An extension to the Authored series, Authored Live brings into focus the practice of songwriting, lyrical performance, and music production. Special guest authors are invited to share their professional journeys in intimate fireside chats and to perform their work on stage. This month, we are pleased to welcome singer-songwriter ABRI for a chat about his career in the UAE and his subsequent success on the international stage which he shared with the likes of Erykah Badu, Ziggy Marley, Kanye West and Joss Stone.The 30min live performance will be followed by a fireside chat with Stavros Antypas.

Magnus and his co-founder Mudassir Sheikha wanted to build something “big and meaningful”. So, they began looking for ideas and gave their research a code name: ‘Project Bamboo’. They proceeded to make a list of the difficulties they had faced living in the region. They found one and saw an incredible opportunity. This was just over ten years ago. Today, it is a super app with operations in over 100 cities, covering 12 countries, called Careem.But where did it all start? Whether it be from their parents’ garage, from having had a life-changing conversation, or simply being in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like his. This conversation is moderated by Philip Bahoshy founder and CEO of Magnitt.

We discuss Contemporary African Art in relation to the global market. Our guest panelists outline why they collect art and what factors inform their collecting patterns.Listen to Fabien Fryns, collector and founder of Fabien Fryns Fine Art and Kwame Mintah, collector and co-founder of Efie Gallery, in a panel discussion moderated by journalist Rebecca Anne Proctor.

In celebration of the UAE’s National Day, this month we highlight the book 50U. A publication which paints an intimate picture of life in the Emirates through the memories, hopes, and ambitions of its inhabitants. Factual accounts of the UAE’s history told alongside human stories that are the result of extensive interviews with the young nation’s residents and visitors.A special panel discussion with publisher Khawla Bin Khediya and Future Labs Director Khalifa Al Qama, moderated by independent art critic, editor and researcher Nadine Khalil.About the book:Published in the year of the 50th anniversary of the confederation of the United Arab Emirates, ‘50U’ tells the story of the seven emirates in 50 portraits of people, plants, and places. The book isthe brainchild of local UAE entrepreneur and philanthropist Yasser Bin Khediya. Together with his daughters Roadha and Khawla, and Dutch graphic designer and specialist bookmaker Irma Boom, they have created a publication that celebrates the UAE’s extraordinary journey to become a global metropolitan city. Interviewees include: an astronaut, a female racing driver, a tailor, a fisherman and a former minister, among others. The Netherlands-based publishing team Archis, with a team of UAE editors led by Anna Seaman, Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib, selected people from all walks of life to give a first-hand impression of what it has been like to grow up or settle in the region.More about the book.

For the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2022, the National Pavilion UAE presented a major new work by Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, a single work making up the entire exhibition of the National Pavilion UAE in Venice which is curated by Maya Allison. The work was accompanied by a monographic book titled Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Between Sunrise and Sunset / Works 1986-2022, which chronicles the artist’s work at the vanguard of the UAE’s art community for over nearly four decades.We are delighted to have the book’s co-editors Maya Allison, curator of the National Pavilion UAE 2022 exhibition and Executive Director of The New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, and Cristiana de Marchi, artist, curator, and poet, in conversation with Hareth Al Bustani, Art & Culture Editor at The National, about this seminal artist and the putting together of this important publication.

From high-altitude balloon trips to astronaut boot camps, reusable suborbital rocket systems designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line, to trips around the moon - tourist reservations for getting off planet Earth are skyrocketing. Hear from astronaut and UAE resident Hamish Harding, Blue Origin’s NS-21 crew member, Director of Business Development, Logan Ware and Anna Hazlet, Principal behind Dubai-based space and satellite advisory firm AzurX.We discussed what it is like to go beyond the Earth’s atmosphere as well as the future of consumer opportunities for space tourism.

An extension to the Authored series, Authored Live brings into focus the practice of songwriting, lyrical performance and music production, as it welcomes the guest authors to perform their work on stage. For our inaugural evening, we are pleased to welcome singer-songwriter Layla May for a chat about her practice, followed by an intimate live performance of her distinct vocal runs.

Organised in collaboration with The Diplomacy Lab, this panel discussion looks at the increasing role of soft power diplomacy in building bridges, coexistence, interfaith alliance, expanding cooperation and meeting mutual policy objectives in the UAE and across the region. Panelists discuss the evolving role of UAE diplomacy, the shifts in international platforms and the study of emerging forms of diplomacy such as Diaspora Diplomacy, Space Diplomacy, Health Diplomacy and Climate Diplomacy among others. Alongside the panel discussion, FBMI displayed some of the Zuleya enterprise carpets that reflect on the story of cultural diplomacy in the UAE.Moderator:Farshied Jabarkhyl | Managing Director - Diplomacy LabPanelists:Ruqayya Alblooshi | Executive Director of International Relations and Knowledge Exchange Program - UAE Prime Minister's OfficeDubai Abulhoul | CEO of Fiker Institute

Fine wine and spirit bottles have long been the subject of investment for connoisseurs and businesses from around the world, but it is now sparking the curiosity of less seasoned collectors. Building a portfolio of rare bottles is not only a high-brow and stylish endeavour, but it also appears to be a profitable one. But where to start? What are the dos and don’ts? Tricks of the trade? Sit with expert wine merchant Nick Midwood to find out seven things you need to know about investing in expensive bottles – from drinking to storing and trading