The Spanish artist preserving the ancient art form of Islamic Guadameci

Portrait of Spanish artist Jose Carlos Villarejo García. Supplied
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Updated 08 October 2020
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The Spanish artist preserving the ancient art form of Islamic Guadameci

DUBAI: After a period of quiet months and lockdowns imposed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Dubai’s cultural scene is slowly picking up again. This week welcomes the sixth edition of World Art Dubai, branded as “the region’s largest affordable retail art fair,” which will be showcasing over 3,000 artworks by contemporary artists from the UAE and abroad.

Among the participating exhibitors this year is Spanish artist Jose Carlos Villarejo García, who previously took part in Sharjah’s Islamic Art Festival. As he explained to Arab News in an interview, showing his artistry to Dubai audiences is particularly special to him. “It is my first time in Dubai and my first time as part of World Art Dubai,” he said. “For me, it is a great opportunity to share my art with Dubai. I feel very happy and very close to Arab culture.”

Having familiarized himself with the culture of the UAE, García shared that his recent works were inspired by certain visual elements, such as colors and clothing materials, seen around Dubai. “I was inspired by the everyday things and houses of Dubai,” he said.




García specializes in an intricate and ancient form of art known as Islamic Guadameci (gilt leatherwork). Supplied

Born in the Andalusian city of Córdoba in 1980, García specializes in an intricate and ancient form of art known as Islamic Guadameci (gilt leatherwork), which features vibrant juxtapositions of colors and golden and silver leaves, rendering geometrical, repeating patterns on tanned sheepskin or ram leather. According to García, this technique was further enhanced under Arab rule in Spain by the Umayyad dynasty during the 10th century, “turning craftsmanship to art.”

“In my city of Córdoba,” he explained, “many of the customs from our Arab past are lived and maintained: the food, the decoration, the crafts, the friendliness and hospitality. Many cultural aspects have been transmitted from generation to generation. My art is a technique that I learned from my ancestors. I grew up in a family of artists. My guadamecíes take us to the most luxurious and splendorous period of the Arabs in Córdoba. And I project in my designs the same philosophy that the Arabs did in that time.”




García’s deep interest in Guadameci art began at an early age. Supplied

García’s deep interest in Guadameci art began at an early age, when he visited his uncle, artist Ramón García Romero, every day and watched him paint guadamecíes in his studio. García is also the founder of the Museum of the Omeyan Guadameci in Córdoba, where he is reviving this spiritual craftsmanship that was once favored by rulers.

“Islamic Guadameci art is the most spiritual in all its forms,” he explained. “The idea of Paradise is always present in it. This form of art brings us to the Eternal Garden with its vegetal and geometric motifs. It is the best way to have a vision of Paradise. The Caliph of Córdoba made gifts of guadamecíes to share the beauty of that vision.”

Given the attention to detail required to execute guadameciés, creating them is a lengthy process; it can take up to two years to complete one artwork. It requires a commitment to organization, customization of tools, dedication and confidence to pursue this kind of art. As García says: “The most important thing is to know your form of art.”


What Are We Buying Today: ‘The Comfort Zone’ activewear, balancing functionality and aesthetics

Updated 26 min 27 sec ago
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What Are We Buying Today: ‘The Comfort Zone’ activewear, balancing functionality and aesthetics

For those of us who are allergic to polyester, finding suitable activewear can be a real challenge. Fortunately, The Comfort Zone offers an impressive range of activewear made from nylon and breathable fabrics. This Saudi brand is a breath of fresh air for anyone seeking comfort without compromising on style. 

One of its standout products is the compression set, which features a breathable fabric that not only feels soft against the skin but also provides a flattering fit. The way it tightens and supports the body is truly remarkable, making you look good while feeling comfortable during workouts. The Comfort Zone has perfected the balance between functionality and aesthetics, which is often hard to find in activewear. 

In addition to its compression sets, the brand offers stylish activewear jackets in vibrant colors to elevate any workout outfit. These jackets are perfect for layering and add a pop of color to your gym wear.  

For those warm summer days, The Comfort Zone has a delightful collection of summer dresses made from 100 percent cotton. These are not only chic but also practical, keeping you cool and comfortable. 

What sets The Comfort Zone apart is its commitment to avoiding polyester in its designs. The brand takes great pride in this policy, aiming to create activewear that is not only functional but also health conscious. Nylon is a fantastic alternative; it is a cold fabric that absorbs sweat well and allows for maximum breathability, making it ideal for active lifestyles.

The product line is diverse and reasonably priced: For SR160 ($43) you can purchase unique lab coats and 100 percent cotton scrubs, perfect for those in professional settings. The range also includes shorts; wide, comfortable sport pants; and yoga and pilates pants, catering to various fitness needs. 

More details are available on instagram.com/thecomfortzone.clothes/


Celebrities converge on Venice for Bezos-Sanchez wedding gala

Updated 26 June 2025
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Celebrities converge on Venice for Bezos-Sanchez wedding gala

  • Bill Gates, Orlando Bloom and the Queen of Jordan were among the latest arrivals
  • Event has stirred a debate about its impact on one of the world’s most beautiful cities

VENICE: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez began three days of lavish wedding celebrations in Venice on Thursday with tight security shielding their VIP guests from protesters.

Bill Gates, Orlando Bloom and the Queen of Jordan were among the latest arrivals, joining Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner and Kim and Khloe Kardashian.

US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who showed up on Tuesday, have used the extra time for sightseeing and shopping.

Some 200-250 A-listers from show business, politics and finance are expected to take part in what has been widely dubbed “wedding of the century,” estimated to cost around $50 million.

The event has stirred a debate about its impact on one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with protesters seeing it as an example of Venice being gift-wrapped for ultra-rich outsiders, but others enjoying the spectacle and the spending.

An activist climbed one of the poles in the main St. Mark’s Square on Thursday, unfurling a banner with the words “The 1 percent ruins the world” to protest against the presence of the billionaire Bezos in Venice.

Guests were gathering on Thursday evening in the cloisters of Madonna dell’Orto, a medieval church in the central district of Cannaregio that hosts masterpieces by 16th century painter Tintoretto.

The city council banned pedestrians and water traffic from the area from 4.30 p.m. (1430 GMT) until midnight, to provide security and seclusion for the partygoers.

Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, landed in Venice via helicopter on Wednesday and took up residence in the luxury Aman hotel, where rooms with a view of the Grand Canal go for at least 4,000 euros ($4,686) per night.

They are set to exchange vows on Friday on the small island of San Giorgio, opposite St. Mark’s Square, in a ceremony which, according to a senior City Hall official, will have no legal status under Italian law.

Some have speculated that the couple have already legally wed in the United States, sparing them from the bureaucracy associated with an Italian marriage.

Celebrations will conclude on Saturday with the main wedding bash to be held at one of the halls of the Arsenale, a vast former medieval shipyard turned into an art space in the eastern Castello district.

The “No Space for Bezos” movement is planning further demonstrations against an event they see as a sell-off of Venice, but by no means are all the locals hostile.

Politicians, hoteliers and other residents say high-end events, rather than multitudes of low-spending daytrippers, are a better way to support the local economy, and dismiss the protesters as a fringe minority.

“If you look at what concretely the Bezos wedding brings for the good of Venice, there are only advantages and no disadvantages,” Mattia Brandi, a local tour leader, told Reuters.

“If anything is different, it is because of the protesters ... They don’t realize that it is them who are disrupting the quiet life of the city,” he added.

Venice has hosted scores of VIP weddings. US actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin tied the knot there in 2014, and Indian billionaires Vinita Agarwal and Muqit Teja did so in 2011, without significant disruptions.

Bezos, executive chair of e-commerce giant Amazon and No. 4 on Forbes’ billionaires list, got engaged to Sanchez in 2023, four years after the collapse of his 25-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott.


You’ve heard about NYC Democratic candidate for mayor Zohran Mamdani, but what about his US Syrian wife, Rama Duwaji?

Based in Brooklyn, Duwaji creates art that centers on pro-Palestinian and feminist themes. (AFP)
Updated 26 June 2025
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You’ve heard about NYC Democratic candidate for mayor Zohran Mamdani, but what about his US Syrian wife, Rama Duwaji?

As the United States turns its attention to New York City’s Democratic candidate for mayor Zohran Mamdani, many are eager to learn more about his wife, Rama Duwaji.

Duwaji is an artist of Syrian descent whose work has been featured by acclaimed outlets such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern in London. Now based in Brooklyn, Duwaji creates art that centers on political and feminist themes.

Her digital illustrations—prominently showcased on Instagram—often reflect her political beliefs. Among her recent work, Duwaji criticized the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University protester detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8, 2025. She has also spoken out against police violence toward pro-Palestinian demonstrators and spotlighted human interest stories, including intimate portraits of bakers in Gaza.

The couple made headlines six weeks ago when Mamdani shared their wedding photos from earlier this year, displaying them across New York City, including in the subway system, as a public stand against online harassment.

“Rama isn’t just my wife,” Mamdani said. “She’s an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms. You can critique my views, but not my family.”

The pair met on a dating app in New York City and married in December 2024, according to reports. Following Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary yesterday, Duwaji posted a black-and-white photo strip of the couple with a simple caption: “Couldn’t possibly be prouder.” 


2025 travel ideas: This year’s great escapes 

Updated 26 June 2025
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2025 travel ideas: This year’s great escapes 

Arab News writers share insights on some of their favorite destinations. 

PARIS 

Paris in the springtime? Non, merci. Summer is by far the best time to visit. With many Parisians away on holiday and fewer fellow tourists to compete with, the Metro, boulevards, boat trips, bistros, pavement cafés and museums will all be quieter. 

If you’re looking for culture, invest in the official Paris Museum Pass, which gives you access to more than 50 museums and monuments (but not the Eiffel tower, which has its own booking system). Also note that for some sites, including the Louvre, it’s necessary to book a timeslot. 

One must-see? The Musée Rodin, a hidden gem full of the artist’s breathtaking sculptures and boasting a charming restaurant in its elegant garden. Although it’s close to the Eiffel Tower, it’s usually quiet. One must-do? Swim in the Seine at one of five supervised sites between July 5 and Aug. 31, or in the open-air riverside Joséphine Baker pool. Warning: Do not watch the movie “Under Paris” beforehand. 

Jonathan Gornall 

MALLORCA 

Despite recent tensions over tourism, Mallorca remains one of the most welcoming places I know. The largest of the Balearic Islands is far more than the sum of its picture-perfect parts; it’s a place with soul and a unique cultural presence. Many come here seeking a slower rhythm, a certain stillness. Some say the “Isla de la Calma” is vanishing, but I’ve always found it: in the hush of Tramuntana villages, in the markets where locals linger over late-morning tapas, and in the soft blue of the sea. But Mallorca asks those seeking tranquility for something in return: attention, care, curiosity, restraint. It may slightly unkempt these days, but the island still holds a character all its own to be discovered. And in a world where nothing stays hidden for long, the question is not how to keep such places untouched, but what kind of presence we choose to have within them. 

Gabriele Malvisi 

ISTANBUL 

Istanbul’s invigorating assault on the senses is on a par with Tokyo’s, but its chaos is far less controlled — from the higgledy-piggledy groupings of hillside houses and the bustle of the Grand Bazaar to the snatches of enticing smells and sounds that emerge from every alleyway. Famously, the city straddles Asia and Europe, and that wonderful mix of influences infuses the place — as do its millennia of history as a global center of culture. The generosity and hospitality of its people is evident through the love shown to the city’s army of street cats, who lounge carelessly everywhere, receiving the respect cats believe is their due. You could spend weeks exploring Istanbul’s museums and architecture. You could spend an equal amount of time exploring its street food, bars and restaurants. You could also shop till you’re broke, or relax in its serene parks. And whatever your creed, it’s impossible not to be moved by the awesome grandeur of the Blue Mosque.  

Adam Grundey 

LOCH LOMOND 

Driving through the imposing forest on our way to the chocolate box village of Luss on the shores of Scotland’s Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, each bend in the road offered a glimpse of breathtaking beauty: lochs, towering oak and pine trees, and craggy mountaintops misted in fog. The absolute highlight of our trip to the area last summer, though, was the Three Lochs Forest Drive near Aberfoyle. The awe-inspiring Trossachs scenery is accessible even if you can’t hike, with plenty of places to park up and take in wonderous views amid the peace and quiet of the area known as the gateway from the Scottish lowlands to the highlands. The storied Stirling Castle, home to many a Scottish monarch, sits on an imposing volcanic crag less than an hour’s drive from Loch Lomond, while the area’s rich history begins with Neolithic settlements and encompasses such famous figures as Robert the Bruce. 

Saffiya Ansari 

GEORGIA 

I arrived in Georgia in the heart of winter — no crowds, bare trees, and snow-capped mountains resting peacefully. This wasn’t the Georgia of summer postcards, but a country at rest, quietly revealing its soul. Tbilisi, with its redbrick houses and winding alleys whispering centuries-old stories, felt intimate. I stood beneath the towering Chronicle of Georgia, its carved figures frozen in silent narrative, and later met the Mother of Georgia, sword and bowl in hand — a symbol of protection and hospitality. 

In Mtskheta, the morning unfolded in the Check-In Garden café over rich hot chocolate and molten-cheese Khachapuri — comfort food that felt like a warm hug. The smallest details charmed me: streetside pomegranate juice, colorful Churchkhela sweets dangling in windows, and locals ready with stories or recommendations. 

A road trip through Borjomi and Gudauri showcased winter’s magic: paragliding over frozen peaks, skiing down hushed slopes, racing snow buggies through pine forests. Georgia doesn’t demand your attention — it wins it, slowly, like a story shared by a crackling fire. 

Nada Hameed 

THE MALDIVES 

The Maldives is the perfect setting to unwind, reconnect with nature and experience total peace. Surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise waters, it’s a place where time slows down. You can explore vibrant marine life in any of its many resorts, even right outside your villa. We took a boat trip to swim with manta rays — an unforgettable experience. The calm, clear waters make it easy to immerse yourself in the beauty beneath the surface, and it truly feels like entering another world. At night, the lack of light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing in complete serenity. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a shooting star.  

But a visit to this nation of islands isn’t about checking off a list of activities — it’s about stillness, simplicity, and being fully present. The Maldives offers a rare escape; the outside world fades away, and nature becomes the only thing that matters. 

Hams Saleh 

MEXICO CITY 

While Mexico is famed for its all-inclusive beach resorts, Mexico City — aka CDMX — offers something more real: a true melting pot of history, culture, art and food. Standing in the Zócalo, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral (built over the ruins of an Aztec temple) and the National Palace (which features stunning murals by Diego Rivera) is like being transported back in time, while the upscale neighborhoods of Polanco and the hipster areas like Condesa and Roma Norte offer a stark contrast. The lush tree-lined streets of these areas are full of hidden gems, from high-end boutiques and Instagrammable eateries to unassuming cafes and quaint markets. And the real beauty of CDMX lies in its pleasant surprises, like eating probably the best sandwich I’ve ever had from a street vendor, or stumbling upon a pop-up market with dozens of local artisan stallholders. Much like the city itself, a holiday here is full of unpredicted joys. 

Zaira Lakhpatwala 

OMAN 

Over many years in the Gulf, Oman has become my go-to place when people visit, for several reasons: The Sultan’s palace, a brilliantly colorful work of art; the crystal-clear waters of its beaches; the bustling souks; and the Royal Opera House — simple, but ornate inside and out. I remember fondly sitting with my mother at a café on the beach in Muscat’s embassy district, the sea lapping over the white sands. Nothing spectacular happened, but it was a perfect moment. Away from the city and a short drive from Nizwa is Oman’s highest point of Jebel Shams. The hike along the valley’s edge takes four to five hours — well worth it for the spectacular views of the twisted mountains and the lush, green wadi below. Then there’s Jebel Akhdar, from which you can take in stunningly beautiful landscapes lined with small plantations and tiny villages. Whether you’re in the city or wandering through its mountainous landscape, Oman is a calm and welcoming place. 

Peter Harrison 

BALI 

Its lush rice terraces, ancient temples, volcanic mountains, and postcard-perfect beaches — and its nightlife — have made Bali famous. But what truly sets it apart as a life-changing experience is its people. I spent a month volunteering as an English-language teacher for young children in a quiet village in the heart of Ubud. Mornings began with Canang Sari — locals place offerings of rice and incense on their doorsteps as small acts of gratitude to the gods. I joined school celebrations of the full and half moon, and even attended a funeral that felt more like a festival. The villagers, living simply yet radiating warmth, permanently reshaped my understanding of happiness. It doesn’t come from achievements or luxury, but from gratitude, service, and a genuine connection with yourself, your surroundings, and people who share your values. Yes, the beaches are stunning, and the parties are vibrant, but the real magic is seeing Bali through the eyes of those who call it home. 

Sherouk Zakaria 

AMSTERDAM 

One of my all-time favorite summer destinations, there’s something about the mix of art, history, and chill vibes that just feels right about Amsterdam. Whether you’re spending hours wandering through the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, or just stumbling on cool street art in random corners, or strolling along the city’s many beautiful canals while chomping down warm stroopwafels, the Dutch capital is the perfect place to visit if you’re in need of inspiration. Just a short drive outside of the city, you’ll find those classic windmills and peaceful fields that look like they belong in a storybook. And for a fun but laid-back night, you can’t go wrong with Pllek in Amsterdam Noord, with its eclectic menu, upcycled decor, waterfront views, and a vibe that blends beach bar with urban cool. 

Shyama Krishna Kumar 


REVIEW: ‘F1: The Movie’ — high-octane entertainment and old-school charm

Updated 26 June 2025
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REVIEW: ‘F1: The Movie’ — high-octane entertainment and old-school charm

DUBAI: There’s a moment in “F1: The Movie,” where you’ll feel like you're flying, all while strapped into a tiny metal box hurtling at a speed you can't comprehend. This is when you realize this isn’t just another sports drama; it’s a sleek love letter to Formula 1, anchored by Brad Pitt’s enduring star power and a surprisingly effective dynamic with relative newcomer Damson Idris.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a grizzled former driver lured back to the thrills of the pit lane for one last go. He’s all swagger and scars, but yes, he’s still got it. Pitt’s presence brings gravitas to a film that flirts with the edges of cheesiness but never forgets its emotional core. Whether he’s behind the wheel or delivering motivational growls in the garage, he sells it — and then some.

Opposite him is Idris as Joshua Pearce, a rising star struggling to reconcile his love for the sport with the noise that comes with the fame and money, who becomes Sonny’s reluctant protege. Idris brings a fresh, fiery intensity that balances Pitt’s seasoned cool. The strained mentor-mentee trope has been done to death, but it’s portrayed with sincerity and the right amount of tension here.

Additionally, Kerry Condon delivers a sharp, emotionally solid performance as the team’s no-nonsense engineer, anchoring the high-octane chaos with quiet authority. Her scenes with Pitt crackle with wit and chemistry, and deliver some of the bigger laughs.

Director Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick”) brings his signature high-octane style to the film, especially the race sequences. The sound design is impeccable, the cinematography breathtaking. And composer Hans Zimmer's layered, gorgeously synth-drenched background score goes well with a soundtrack that thumps out rock one minute and smooth R'n'B next.

The film builds toward a final showdown in Abu Dhabi, and while the climax is predictable, it’s executed with such unapologetic flair that you can’t help but cheer. The Yas Marina circuit has never looked more cinematic — it’s the perfect backdrop for a finish that’s equal parts cheesy and thrilling.

“F1” isn’t rewriting the sports-movie playbook, but it really doesn’t need to. It’s crowd-pleasing, adrenaline-fueled, masterfully executed entertainment with more than enough heart to keep it grounded.