Through the Ghibli lens: Sheikha Latifa and others turn Dubai and Abu Dhabi into enchanting dreamscapes
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Sharjah 24
an hour ago
- Sharjah 24
Al-Masrah Magazine: Global theatre insights and developments
new building for Theatrical Association The introduction to the issue starts a report on the graduation ceremony of the third batch of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA). It also includes statements from a number of Emirati artists expressing their deep gratitude and appreciation for the new grant bestowed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by allocating a six-story building in the Al Taawun area to the Theatrical Association. The same section includes a survey on the progress of the Kalba Short Plays Festival, marking its twelfth edition, which will be held next September. Reviews "Readings" section includes a number of reviews of theatrical performances recently held in Arab capitals. Mohamed Laaziz wrote about "Remains," the latest work by Moroccan director Mohamed Farkani; Al-Hussam Mohieddine reviewed "Media" by Lebanese director Chris Ghafri; Abdelkarim Kadri analysed "Al-Saqiya" by Algerian director Soumaya Bounab; Samer Mohamed Ismail wrote about "To Prepare a Boiled Egg" by Kuwaiti director Musab Al-Salem; and Kamal Al-Shihawi wrote about "Jacaranda" by Tunisian director Nizar Al-Saidi. Mahmoud Abu Doma In the "Dialogue" section, the magazine published an interview with Egyptian writer, researcher, and director Mahmoud Abu Doma, in which he spoke about his beginnings, the cultural and academic influences that shaped his personality, his efforts in experimenting with independent theatre in Alexandria, and the most prominent issues facing theatrical thought at the local and Arab levels. Interviews "Horizons" includes an interview with the young Tunisian artist Marwa Al-Mansouri, who has achieved a remarkable presence in the local scene as a theatrical costume designer, appearing in numerous successful theatrical productions, most notably the works of director Fadel Jaibi. The "Follow-ups" section covers a short interview with Tunisian critic Fawzia Al-Mizzi, in which she discusses the experience of establishing a theatre critics' association and the most prominent challenges and potentials of new theatre criticism experiments. The section also highlights Naguib Mahfouz's theatre and its intellectual orientations, marking the thirtieth anniversary of his death. Readings In "Readings," Alaa Al-Jabri analyses the book "Brecht in Gulf Theatre" by Iraqi writer Dhafer Jalloud. In "Visions," Walid Al-Daghsni writes "Short Plays from Concept to Realisation," and Hussam Al-Masoudi writes "Short Texts: The Future of Contemporary Drama." In "Travels," Sherif Al-Shafei recounts his journey to the French city, Lodève and the US Bridgewater. Letters includes reports on theatrical activities in Sharjah, Algiers, Rabat, and Stockholm.


What's On
5 hours ago
- What's On
Review: INA wraps up flame-grilled creations in tribal-inspired luxury
Inspired by the smoldering spirit of Africa, the name INA stands for 'fire' or 'flame' in Nigerian Yoruba. Located on the glamorous stretch of J1 Beach, a hotspot of cuisine and nightlife, this is one of the 13 destinations one can explore as they walk down the promenade. INA offers a juxtaposition of sorts – the food is primal, stripped down to the roots of open-fire cooking and seasonal flavours, while the interiors take tribal taste and give it that Dubai-style, nightlife oomph . The Vibe As soon as you step in , you eat with your eyes, because INA's interiors are a dim, delicious take on tribal-inspired luxury. Handcrafted woodwork, carefully curated greenery, fringed accents, traditional prints and rose gold lighting that sets the entire mood. The restaurant space feels intimate and exclusive, a compact central enclave surrounded by the stunning bar on one side and elevated seating on the other. In the winter months, guests can enjoy their evening under the stars with an open-air retractable roof. The Food and Drinks Created by Australian-born Chef Glen Ballis, the menu at INA is all about highlighting the singular power and beauty of fire. Every dish embraces simplicity, devoid of excess, fancy frills and theatrical presentation to offer a culinary experience that is uncluttered, authentic and true to the Earth. Plates like the char-grilled asparagus with whipped ricotta and bottarga, the padron peppers with smoked salt and the tomato carpaccio with green herb puree are the best examples of this – licked by flames, seasoned with minimal but quality ingredients, and still packing a punch. Mains like the carabinero prawns with pink peppercorn dressing, the fremantle octopus with herb vinaigrette and calamansi, and the oven-baked crab rice with tomato salsa take seafood, preserve it's freshness and dress it up in smoke and salt. The Service The staff are warm and lively, keeping the plates rotating at our table with almost stealthy efficiency. They offer us great recommendations and keep our party entertained with great energy. What to Order Striploin Tomato carpaccio Stracciatella Sour cream soft serve with charred strawberries What's On the Bill Dhs400-600 for two, including food and drinks. The Final Say What's On Verdict: For your next special occasion, head to INA. Location: INA, J1 Beach, Jumeirah Times: Sunday to Thursday, 6.30pm to 1pm, Friday and Saturday, 6.30pm to 2am Contact: (0) 4 570 4766 | @ Reservations: Recommended for weeknights/weekends Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Time Out Abu Dhabi
a day ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors? Here's what we know
We've got three words for you: Disney. Abu. Dhabi. The happiest place on Earth is making its Middle East debut and while our inner child is spinning in teacups with joy, one (very valid) grown-up question remains: will the Disney theme park be outdoors or indoors? Because, let's face it – as much as we love Mickey-shaped ice creams and singing Let It Go under the sun, Abu Dhabi's summer doesn't mess around. With temps soaring past 50°C, even Olaf might reconsider his eternal love for summer. So… what's the plan? Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors or outdoors? It's (sort of) outdoors – but also indoors. Basically, it's magic. The answer, like any good Disney plot twist, isn't so straightforward. According to Disney Parks boss Josh D'Amaro, the new Yas Island mega-project will be a hybrid, combining the best of indoor comfort with outdoor charm. They're being very ambitious, architecture, tech and water are all coming into play – which sounds like there might be a splash of Moana inspiration involved. Here's the kicker: the park is being built right up against the water. Think cool breezes, waterfront vistas and, who knows – maybe even an indoor-outdoor castle that literally lets the sea into the storyline. Miral Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi added that, like other Yas Island hits (hi, Warner Bros. World), Disney will be indoors, but he also called it the most advanced park in the Disney portfolio. So expect something completely new – and 100 percent air-conditioned. So, when can we go? Not tomorrow, unfortunately. With a timeline of up to two years for design and another four to six for construction, we're looking at a 2030 to 2032 opening. But we've waited 100 years for Disney to come to the UAE – what's a few more? Until then, we'll keep dreaming of those castle selfies, futuristic rides and Emirati-inspired storylines (yes, those are happening too). One thing's for sure – whether indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between – Disney Abu Dhabi will be cooler than cool. Literally. All about Disney Abu Dhabi 7 things we know about the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi It's going to be magical – and massive This is when Disney Abu Dhabi is likely to open A Disney official has shared a rough timeline Three key ways the new Disney theme park will change Abu Dhabi A whole new world indeed