London’s JD Malat Gallery opens first Middle East outpost in Dubai

French gallerist Jean-David Malat. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 February 2025
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London’s JD Malat Gallery opens first Middle East outpost in Dubai

DUBAI: The year 2025 bodes well for art lovers with the opening of London’s JD Malat Gallery in Dubai.

The gallery, from London’s swanky Mayfair area, has expanded its footprint with its first outpost in the Middle East, exploring the regional art scene from the UAE.

Located in Downtown Dubai, close to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Opera, the JD Malat Gallery is at the epicenter of the city's cultural activities.

The 1,700 square meter gallery opened on Jan. 29, with French gallerist Jean-David Malat telling Arab News “Dubai is a dynamic city, rich in culture and with enormous potential to showcase local and regional artists.

“The JD Malat Gallery will be an opportunity to meet the public, particularly young people who have a considerable interest in art and what's new,” he added.

After visiting Dubai in March 2024, following a 17-year absence, Malat highlighted the city's evolution, noting “a new face, a new energy,” which prompted him to return and expand his activities in the UAE.

Less than a year after that visit, JD Malat Gallery opened its doors to the public, showcasing the work of 14 artists, including Kojo Marfo, Conrad Jon Godly, Santiago Parra, Henrik Uldalen, Ed Moses, Andy Moses, Luis Olaso, Ur Kasin, Tim Kent, Sophie-Yen Bretez, Georg Óskar, Masayoshi Nojo, Katrin Fridriks and Yann Leto.

For Japanese artist Nojo, the themes of memory and the passage of time are explored in works that play with texture, shadow and sober colors. The artist is known for blending contemporary visual languages with Japanese aesthetics.

Since meeting in New York in 2017, the Nojo-Malat duo has enjoyed a string of successes through various exhibitions, including shows in London in 2020 and 2024.

“He's an extraordinary artist. I love his work. Very peaceful,” said Malat.

Meanwhile, London-based Ghanaian artist Marfo’s flamboyant exude energy.

He uses traditional Akan art to highlight social issues such as inequality, religion, politics and spiritualism.

Malat is known for discovering and launching emerging artists, and this is one of his objectives in Dubai. This was the case when he met the Ghanaian artist. Having launched a competition in London in 2020, Malat was looking to select 20 artists to promote and relaunch his gallery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I worked with art experts and Hollywood stars among others, to give the opportunity to 20 UK-based artists (out of 2,500 applications received) to organize a group exhibition with the proceeds going back to the artists,” explained Malat.

On the opening day of the exhibition, Marfo arrived by bus with two paintings in hand.

“I loved his pieces. Now he's become a star. Kojo Marfo is an international artist,” he added. 

For Malat, it's important to meet artists in person and take the time to get to know their story, to help them tell it.

“Art is personal. When you sell art, you're selling a moment of the artist,” he stressed..

Today, the gallerist plans to spend his time between London and Dubai to discover the region's talent.

“I've seen a lot of very interesting young artists in Abu Dhabi. There is a lot of talent and I will take my time in the selection process, but I know it will happen very soon,” he said.

The gallery is committed to the community — one of its objectives is to organize public thematic discussions around regional and international artists, with the participation of collectors, museum directors and art fair directors.

“In London, we host students, art schools, the Sotheby's Institute, and we're trying to recreate the same atmosphere in Dubai,” Malat said.


‘Fever Dream’ starring Fatima Al-Banawi lands on Netflix

Updated 11 June 2025
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‘Fever Dream’ starring Fatima Al-Banawi lands on Netflix

DUBAI: Saudi filmmaker Faris Godus’ latest feature “Fever Dream” is now available to stream on Netflix, bringing together a star-studded local cast including Fatima Al-Banawi, Sohayb Godus, Najm, Hakeem Jomah and Nour Al-Khadra.

Supported by the Red Sea Fund, the film, which explores themes of media manipulation, digital identity, and the cost of fame in the age of online influence, had its world premiere at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival. 

It tells the story of Samado, a retired football star who, burdened by media scrutiny and public notoriety, finds a chance to reclaim control. Partnering with his daughter, he sets out to take revenge on a powerful social media portal. But as they plunge deeper into their pursuit of fame and digital redemption, the line between ambition and obsession begins to blur.

Najm plays Ahlam, the daughter of Samado, while Jomah appears as Hakeem, a PR agent hired to help restore Samado’s public image. Al-Banawi takes on the role of Alaa, another key PR agent working alongside Hakeem.

Godus is famous for his work “Shams Alma’arif” (The Book of Sun), which also streamed on Netflix, and “Predicament in Sight.” 

He previously said in an interview with Arab News: “(In Saudi Arabia), we have a rich soil to build content on and so many stories to tell. I do believe that nowadays the support coming from our country is just awesome. People have so many chances to create films now.”

Meanwhile, Al-Banawi is recognized for her roles in “Barakah Meets Barakah” and the Saudi thriller “Route 10.” 

She made her directorial debut with “Basma,” in which she also plays the title role — a young Saudi woman who returns to her hometown of Jeddah after studying in the US. Back home, she is confronted with her father’s mental illness, strained family ties, and the challenge of reconnecting with a past life that no longer feels familiar.

“I really went into cinema — in 2015 with my first feature as an actress — with one intention: to bridge the gap between the arts and social impact and psychology,” she previously told Arab News. “And I was able to come closer to this union when I positioned myself as a writer-director, more so than as an actor.” 


What to expect at the 10th edition of the UK’s SAFAR Film Festival 

Updated 11 June 2025
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What to expect at the 10th edition of the UK’s SAFAR Film Festival 

DUBAI: The 10th edition of the SAFAR Film Festival launches on Wednesday with a newly restored screening of the 1972 Egyptian classic “Watch Out for Zouzou” by Hassan Al-Imam at Ciné Lumière in London. 

The festival will run until June 28, concluding with the UK premiere of “Sudan, Remember Us” (2024) by Hind Meddeb. 

This edition of SAFAR will take place across cinemas in London and nine other UK cities, showcasing a broad range of feature films, documentaries and shorts from the South West Asia and North Africa region. 

A complementary online programme, curated by the Lebanese nonprofit cultural organization AFLAMUNA, will run throughout the month, exploring works that respond to the Lebanese civil war — 50 years after it began.

Audiences can expect films that explore themes of migration, political empowerment, conflict, creativity and joy. 

Among this year’s highlights is “A State of Passion,” documenting the work of British Palestinian reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah in Gaza. Directed by Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi, the film delves into the emotional toll of his work. 

Veteran Palestinian actor, director and documentarian Mohammad Bakri will be a special guest, delivering a masterclass and appearing for screenings of “Upshot” (2024) by Maha Haj and his landmark 2002 documentary “Jenin, Jenin,” which was banned by the Israeli Film Board. The film features testimonies from survivors of the 2002 Israeli military assault on the Jenin refugee camp.

Among other notable titles is “Seeking Haven for Mr Rambo” (2024) by Khaled Mansour, an emotive thriller that follows Hassan on a mission to protect his best friend and dog. The film previously won the Grand Prize at the Red Sea International Film Festival. 

“Red Path” (2024) by Lotfi Achour, based on a true story, recounts the harrowing experience of 13-year-old Achraf, who is forced to carry the severed head of his cousin back to their village after a terrorist attack. 

In “Saify” (2024) by Wael Abu Mansour, a middle-aged trickster sells tapes of banned Islamic sermons in hopes of quick profit, offering a sharp social commentary on the pursuit of wealth. 

Directors of all three films will be present at SAFAR for post-screening discussions.

Also part of this year’s programme is Laila Abbas’s dark comedy “Thank You for Banking With Us!” (2024), where two estranged sisters reunite to claim their inheritance before the authorities discover their father’s death and transfer it to their brother.

SAFAR will also present “Palestine – A Revised Narrative,” a 30-minute silent film compiled from 35mm archival footage shot by British forces in Palestine between 1914 and 1918. Commissioned by ALFILM, this screening will feature a live score by composer Cynthia Zaven and sound design by Rana Eid, re-examining the British imperial narrative at a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history.

The festival includes environmental programming through “Biodiversity and Cinema,” an initiative launched in 2023 that brings together Lebanese filmmakers and ecologists to create short documentaries on ecosystems and microorganisms. A selection of these films will screen under the title “Rooted Resistance,” with filmmakers in attendance.

“The Brink of Dreams” (2024) by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El-Amir also features in this year’s line-up. Shot over four years in southern Egypt, the film follows a group of girls who form a street theatre troupe to challenge the expectations of their conservative village.


French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition

Updated 10 June 2025
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French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition

  • The exhibition was opened by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the Kingdom’s consul general in New York, who spoke about the role of art in encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding

RIYADH: The Didier Aaron Gallery in New York, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia, is hosting an art exhibition by French architect Jean-Pierre Heim.

The exhibition showcases AlUla’s culture and heritage through a collection of sketches depicting Saudi Arabia’s archaeological landmarks.

It runs until June 20, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

A special event at the exhibition featured Heim speaking about his visits to AlUla and the surrounding region.

It was opened by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the Kingdom’s consul general in New York, who spoke about the role of art in encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding.

He also noted the value of such exhibitions in sharing aspects of Saudi heritage with a wider audience.

Heim described his design approach as being informed by local culture and geography, emphasizing the integration of architecture with environment, history, and traditions.

The exhibition includes selected architectural drawings by Heim, inspired by his travels to more than 80 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Greece, and China.

 


Emirati artists perform in showcase at London’s Kensington Palace

Updated 07 June 2025
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Emirati artists perform in showcase at London’s Kensington Palace

LONDON: “If we do not tell our story, someone else will. And they will get it wrong,” said Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, following a performance in London on Friday that brought Emirati talent to a major international platform.

Emirati artists took to the stage at Kensington Palace to present a night of operatic performances. Fatima Al-Hashimi, Ahmed Al-Housani, and Ihab Darwish performed in multiple languages including Arabic, Italian and English. The performance was part of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s Abroad program in collaboration with the Peace and Prosperity Trust. The event was intended to promote Emirati cultural expression through classical music and cross-cultural collaboration.

Fatima Al-Hashimi, Ahmed Al-Housani, and Ihab Darwish performed in multiple languages including Arabic, Italian and English. (Supplied)

Alkhamis-Kanoo said an event like this is vital for cultural diplomacy and is not a one-off, but a commitment to placing Emirati talent on the world stage. 

“It’s about creating understanding, building dialogue, and showing the world the strength of our cultural identity through music,” she explained. “We invest in the young, we partner with the world, and we build cultural legacies that last.” 

The evening also included the premiere of Darwish’s latest composition “Ruins of Time,” which blended orchestral arrangements with traditional Arabic elements.

“Music is the fastest way to reach people. It creates peace, it creates understanding,” Darwish told Arab News. “Music removes boundaries. It creates a shared language, a dialogue of coexistence, peace, and tolerance. When people from different cultures come together to create music, it naturally fosters mutual understanding.”

Al-Hashimi explained the intention behind adapting a classical repertoire to reflect Arab identity. “Even while singing in Italian, I included Arabic lyrics to keep our signature present,” she said.

Al-Housani described the event as a “professional milestone,” adding: “Performing here is more than a concert, it’s a message. We’re here to show the world the strength and beauty of our culture.”


Andria Tayeh nominated at Austrian Film Award

Updated 07 June 2025
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Andria Tayeh nominated at Austrian Film Award

DUBAI: Lebanese Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh has been nominated for best supporting actress at the Austrian Film Award for her role in “Mond.” 

The ceremony is scheduled to take place from June 12 to June 15.

Tayeh shared the news with her followers on Instagram, thanking her supporters and the awards organization for the recognition.

She is nominated alongside Italian actress Gerti Drassl and Austrian actress Maria Hofstatter.

“Mond” is directed by Austrian filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub. The film follows former martial artist Sarah, who leaves Austria to train three sisters from a wealthy family in the Middle East. 

What initially appears to be a dream job soon takes a darker turn: The young women are isolated from the outside world and placed under constant surveillance. They show little interest in sports — raising the question of why Sarah was hired in the first place.

Tayeh plays the role of Nour, one of the three sisters. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Andria Tayeh (@andria_tayeh)

The actress, who is also known for her roles in Netflix’s hit series “Al-Rawabi School for Girls,” has had a busy year collaborating with multiple brands and fronting their campaigns.

In February, Giorgio Armani announced her appointment as its new Middle East beauty ambassador.

She took to Instagram to express her excitement: “I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey with Armani beauty. This marks a real milestone for me, as the brand embodies values I have always cherished: timeless elegance, dramatic simplicity, and women empowerment.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Andria Tayeh (@andria_tayeh)

That same month, she was named the first Middle Eastern ambassador for French haircare brand Kerastase.

In a promotional clip, she appeared in an all-white studio, answering questions about why she is the ideal Kerastase ambassador. Tayeh spoke in a mix of English, Arabic and French, playfully flipping her hair for the camera as she discussed her dedication to maintaining healthy hair.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Andria Tayeh (@andria_tayeh)

In March, she also fronted Armani’s Ramadan campaign, set against the backdrop of a desert landscape.

Draped in a flowing emerald-green abaya, Tayeh was seen in the video applying the Vert Malachite perfume from Armani Prive as the camera captured the details of the fragrance and her attire. The setting featured sand dunes stretching into the horizon.