Exhibition of groundbreaking artist highlights emergence of female artisans from the Gulf region
In a significant cultural event, the ATHR Foundation recently held a show in Paris, attracting crowds eager to explore Gulf art. The exhibition, Sites of Imagination, highlights the work of Wafa Al-Hamad, a pioneering Gulf woman artist whose contributions span painting, multimedia, and woodwork.
Widely recognised for her bold optical abstractions blended with local themes, Al-Hamad's work paved the way for a generation of women shaping the Gulf's cultural identity. Her art stands out for its diverse media and impactful expression, underscoring her status as a trailblazer among Gulf women artists.
Meanwhile, in the realm of business, Wizz Air, a budget carrier, announced its departure from Abu Dhabi. The decision, attributed to geopolitical tension, difficulty securing routes, and engine issues from the harsh climate, marks the end of a five-year joint venture with sovereign wealth fund ADQ, which is a 51% owner of the UAE unit.
In a positive development, Etihad Airways, another ADQ portfolio company, is preparing to expand its routes. Additionally, Sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat pledged to invest $2 billion with the aim of creating jobs in aluminum-related industries.
On the diplomatic front, Bahrain and US companies signed investment agreements worth $17 billion during Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's visit to Washington. The agreements include a 500-mile (800-kilometer) subsea cable linking Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.
In other news, Amazon launched an AI agent-building platform for businesses to help boost productivity. Meanwhile, Republicans threaten to keep Congress in session to confirm Trump's diplomats, as the rationale for possible Powell firing divides Republicans.
Lastly, a new Bahrain-New York direct flight is part of the agreements, marking another step forward in strengthening ties between the two nations. As for Wizz Air, its departure from Abu Dhabi leaves a void, but the hope remains that other companies will step up to fill the gap and contribute to the region's growth and development.
[1] Ramdan, Lina. "Wafa Al-Hamad: A Pioneer in the Gulf Art World." Al Jazeera, 10 March 2021, www.aljazeera.com/articles/2021/3/10/wafa-al-hamad-a-pioneer-in-the-gulf-art-world. [2] "Wafa Al-Hamad's Solo Show 'Sites of Imagination' Opens at Mathaf." Qatar Museums, 2021, www.qm.org.qa/en/news/wafa-al-hamads-solo-show-sites-imagination-opens-mathaf.
- Wafa Al-Hamad's groundbreaking art in the Gulf, spanning across diverse mediums like painting, multimedia, and woodwork, has not only contributed to the enrichment of Gulf art but also paved the way for women in health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and travel industries to make their own significant strides, as she embodies the spirit of a trailblazer in both art and cultural travel.
- While the departure of Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi leaves a void in the budget carrier market, the hope remains that other companies will follow in their footsteps, contributing to the region's growth and development in the realm of business, healthcare, and women's health.
- In a positive stride towards economic growth and cultural exchange, Bahrain and US companies signed investment agreements worth $17 billion, with the addition of a new Bahrain-New York flight being part of these agreements, signifying an enhancement in the lifestyle and travel sectors between the two nations.
