Latest news with #Tatreez
The National
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
V&A Dundee hosts Palestinian embroidery exhibition
Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine will be hosted in V&A Dundee and will explore the practice of Tatreez – a hand-embroidery technique which tells stories of women's identities, grief and changing lives. Featuring over 30 historical dresses alongside veils, jewellery, accessories, and archival photos, the exhibition – drawn from the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit and the V&A – explores Palestinian dress from the late 19th century to today. READ MORE: Children dying of thirst in Gaza as territory hits 'rock bottom', Unicef says A dress worn by Nadia El-Nakla (below), Dundee City councillor and wife of former First Minister Humza Yousaf, is also set to be featured in the exhibit. She wore the thobe when Yousaf was sworn into Bute House as a nod to her Palestinian heritage. Councillor Nadia El-Nakla's own dress will appear alongside 29 others in the exhibition (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) She said: 'I am delighted to welcome Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine to V&A Dundee. 'Design and culture are peaceful and powerful forms of resistance and solidarity. Palestinian fashion and dress express ideas about who we have been, who we are and the lives we want to live in peace and with dignity. 'This exhibition is opening at a time of extreme pain and suffering. It's bringing design from Palestine to life and tells the stories of women's lives in Palestine. 'I am proud that my dress, or thobe, that I wore at the Scottish Parliament is there as an expression of my Scottish-Palestinian identity, and as a symbol of solidarity, hope and peace.' Tatreez is recognised by the United Nations on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the exhibition explores how this embroidery has shaped Palestinian national identity over the course of the twentieth century and has evolved into a form of resistance and solidarity. The exhibition also celebrates 45 years of Dundee's twin city relationship with Nablus. Considered an act of radicalism in 1980, Dundee was the first city in the UK to be partnered with a Palestinian region and has displayed the flag of Palestine at its City Chambers since. Thread Memory also highlights the historic connection between Scotland and Palestine through Nabulsi dress and material from Dundee collections and Palestinian archives, whilst spotlighting Gaza with historical dresses – including one damaged in the 2023 bombing of the Rafah Museum – honouring Palestinian creativity and resilience amid cultural devastation imposed by the ongoing genocide carried out by Israel. READ MORE: 14-year-old Scot wins prestigious award after being bullied while out filming Leonie Bell, director of V&A Dundee, said: 'Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine is an exhibition that, through research, collections and partnership, explores the traditions and material culture of Palestinian dress and the vast range of regional styles that tell important stories about the lives of the women who made, adapted and wore these dresses, jewellery, headdresses and accessories. 'The exhibition also explores the 45-year-old connection between Dundee and Nablus, a twinning relationship that has brought these two cities together, and it celebrates contemporary Palestinian design and creativity from Dundee, Scotland and across the UK.' Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine opens to the public on June 26 and will be on show until spring 2026.
Sharjah 24
16-06-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Kalimat Foundation raises AED 135,000 to support children in Gaza
Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, emphasised the campaign's purpose saying, 'The overwhelming response to 'Stitching Hope for Gaza' has been deeply moving. This campaign was created through a desire to offer urgent support and express unwavering solidarity with the children of Gaza during unimaginably difficult times. By weaving the rich tapestry of Palestinian heritage into products that people could embrace, we created a powerful channel for compassion. We extend our deepest gratitude to every individual who purchased an item, and to our incredible partners who helped share this message of hope so widely. This is solidarity in action.' Cultural expression and humanitarian action The 'Stitching Hope for Gaza' campaign was a heartfelt fusion of cultural expression and humanitarian action, launched as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Gaza, particularly the children enduring the devastating impact of the ongoing war. Through a special merchandise line deeply inspired by heritage, the collection celebrated the beauty and symbolism of Palestinian culture, prominently featuring the revered keffiyeh pattern and the intricate artistry of traditional Palestinian embroidery (Tatreez). The collection featured a diverse range of items, including stylish t-shirts, handbags, leather and fabric wallets, and scarves. It also included a collection of stationery such as notebooks, stickers, pen holders, and collectible pins. Receiving incredible public support, Over 2,000 items were purchased throughout the campaign, and each piece served as a symbol of compassion, with all proceeds directly supporting critical aid for affected children through the Emirates Red Crescent. Collaboration and support The campaign's reach and success were extended through the generous collaboration and support of key institutions and venues across Sharjah and beyond. Partners including Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP); Majid Al Futtaim shopping centres; the Sikka Art Fair; Sharjah's renowned book fairs; and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) played crucial roles by hosting or showcasing the merchandise line. The initiative culminated in a special community event at the Racks Board Game Café (AUS Branch), held in partnership with the AUS Palestinian Club. The proceeds of 'Stitching Hope for Gaza' powerfully underscores Kalimat Foundation's commitment to leveraging culture and community engagement for humanitarian impact. The Foundation remains dedicated to supporting vulnerable children through access to books and knowledge, and will continue its mission to provide hope and essential support to children in need worldwide.
The National
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Late night things to do during Ramadan in the UAE: From markets to film screenings and giraffes
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Ramadan nights across the UAE. From cultural events and creative workshops to late-night zoo visits and adventure challenges, here are some events to consider. Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is offering some of its most popular activities late into the night. Visitors can enjoy an iftar under the stars, or with an added animal encounter. Live entertainment includes dance, oud performances, fire shows and lively African drummers, while children can also enjoy the bouncy castle or ride horses. There's also complimentary henna sessions and animal presentations to take advantage of, as well as full zoo access. Dh249 adults; Dh149 children (free entry for children aged two and under); 9am to 2am; 12th Street, Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, 02 501 0000 Alserkal Avenue's programme hones in on storytelling, with an array of activations, workshops and live performances for all ages aimed at inviting audiences to 'collectively sit with the interruption of time itself during Ramadan' to bring people together in reflection. The programme includes poetry, performance, film and theatre sessions, including breakouts for children, all of which ask guests to consider what happens when everyday routines are broken. Sessions include Tatreez at Kave; imaginative storytelling at Strawberry Fields; Cinema Akil's screening of The Tedious Tour of M directed by Hend Bakr at The Yard; and a writing workshop with Avni Doshi at Alserkal Arts Foundation. All sessions require preregistration. Free entry; March 15-16; timings vary per event; Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai Dubai Creek Harbour is hosting Ramadan Nights by the Creek on its promenade. The usual events at the creek have moved to the evening, with added activities for families, including live performances and creative workshops. There are also home-grown and international food stalls, such as Arabica, Laduree, Cult Matcha by Trio, Khudri & Chai Al Weekend, Amaya, Feels and Luna Coffee. Fashion labels Al Aneeqah Style and Dakhoon, will also be on hand to present their classic Emirati styles. Free entry; daily from March 7 to 29; 8pm to 3am Friends and family can gather at Al Ain's cultural site for an array of themed evenings celebrating the UAE's heritage and its rich cultural diversity. Pakistani Night: Qawwali Art takes place on Friday and Iraqi Night: Melodies from the Tigris is held on Saturday. Meanwhile, other events running until the end of the holy month include games nights, food stalls and free guided tours around Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, which was built in 1958. Free entry, Pakistani Night and Iraqi Night run from 8pm to 1am on March 14 and 15 respectively, Ramadan Games are every evening from 8pm to 12am Celebrations at Hudayriyat Island aim to entertain visitors long into the night. There's an array of events to enjoy before and after iftar. The Ramadan Adventure Challenges at Circuit X involves the rope course, climbing wall, BMX track or paintball target practice. The pace is more relaxed at the Marsana Ramadan Souq, an open-air market with handcrafted treasures from jewellery to Arabian oils and cuisine, and a rotating schedule of family-friendly activities throughout the month. Circuit X Ramadan Adventure Challenges from 2pm to 11pm daily, price included in regular park ticket; Marsana Ramadan Souq, Friday to Sunday, 4pm to midnight, free entry, The Green Lawn, Marsana The Ramadan Arcade at Manarat Al Saadiyat has a community feel with a healthy dose of competition added into the mix. There are plenty of board and arcade games to choose from and tournaments to take part in. Entertainment comes in the form of instrumental performances, comedy shows and creative workshops. In the ladies-only majlis, there are pop-up retail outlets, henna, calligraphy and jewellery making across different themed nights. Interactive art installations and activations are also on, including Hind Al Rais reimagining the classic Carrom game, while photographer Abdulla Almheiri is hosting a photo booth installation that explores culture and light. There's also a wide selection of suhoor available. Dh50 for a day pass, Dh350 for the full pass bundle ticket; March 15 to 25; 9pm to 2am daily
