Category: Lifestyle

SHARJAH: The 8th annual Xposure International Photography Festival (Xposure 2024), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), is gearing up to host a world-class trade show. It will feature 15 mega brands showcasing the latest technologies, along with exclusive deals, and 11 strategic partners to offer a unique educational experience for both seasoned and emerging photography professionals, as well as hobbyists.

The weeklong event taking place in Expo Centre Sharjah from 28th February to 5th March, will offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get acquainted with the latest hardware and software that is shaping the future of photography, film and other mediums of visual storytelling. The festival will witness the participation of industry-leading sponsors, trade exhibitors, and cultural and business entities that have created vibrant platforms for learning, networking and community building.

The trade exhibition floor at Xposure 2024 will feature an impressive array of leading brands in the indust
ry including Godox, Garage Studio, IDN GULF DMCC, Grand Stores, Future Art Broadcast Trading, MBUZZ Technologies, Advanced Media, and Hyper Jump Productions. Alongside displaying their cutting-edge products, these industry giants will also engage participants with enticing promotions, exclusive demonstrations, and activities.

Photography brand Leica will provide a prolific gallery showcase, and an exclusive Stage X session with Karin Kaufmann, Art Director of Leica Galleries International.

Fuji Film will entice participants with a fully equipped portrait studio and daily workshops on their exclusive stage offering hands-on learning opportunities for all; while Nikon’s stand will have product displays, a photo gallery, a fully equipped studio, and their pop-up educational facility, the ‘Nikon School’.

Featuring a continuous light system, a podcast studio and livestreaming, IbrandConnect is set to once again be a great attraction. Canon and Samsung return with cutting-edge workshops and will also sponsor sev
eral major categories of the Xposure Awards.

The UAE’s largest bookstore, Kinokuniya, will bring an incredible selection of books and book-signing activities to the festival.

As one of Xposure’s event partners, Adobe will lead the ‘Adobe Labs Masterclass Series’ upskilling attendees in film and post-production. The brand will also offer an immersive product display stand, allowing participants to learn more about the cutting-edge world of digital creativity.

With 90 solo and group exhibitions displaying 2,500 prints from over 400 renowned photographers, 66 workshops, 45 talks, 15 focus groups, and 50 professional portfolio reviews from over 150 of the world’s greatest visual storytellers, Xposure 2024 promises an immersive exploration of photography and other visual mediums.

Source: Emirates News Agency

RAS AL KHAIMAH: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today attended the grand opening of the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, the latest addition to the Emirate’s luxury hotel portfolio.

In statements marking the opening, Sheikh Saud outlined the emirate’s ambitious vision and emphasized a comprehensive strategy to solidify Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a global hub for business, investment, and tourism.

Highlighting the emirate’s strengths, Sheikh Saud spoke of its economic and tourism appeal, alongside a supportive investment climate across various sectors. He specifically mentioned the tourism and hospitality industry, a key focus due to Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location, diverse landscape, modern infrastructure, and safe environment.

Seeking to attract global players, Sheikh Saud welcomed companies to establish headquarters and expand their investments in the emirate. He viewed their presence as a testament to the world’s confidence in Ra
s Al Khaimah’s robust and resilient economy. Moreover, he emphasised the opportunities available for regional and international companies to thrive and achieve sustainable growth within the emirate.

Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Saud reiterated the vital role of the hospitality sector in driving economic growth and enhancing the emirate’s tourism competitiveness on the global stage.

The 174-key resort features a range of room, suite and villa categories, including a selection of overwater villas. These abodes are designed out on stilts over the water, and come complete with a thatched roof, rustic aesthetic and even a private pool.

Source: Emirates News Agency

AJMAN: The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) completed a successful promotional tour in the UK to position Ajman as a top tourist spot. The campaign, conducted from 12-16 February 2024, aimed to build strong partnerships and enhance Ajman’s global tourism presence.

Led by Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of ADTD, the roadshow commenced in Glasgow, followed by tours in Birmingham and Guildford, England, with the participation of representatives from prominent tourism and travel companies in those respective cities.

During the roadshow’s peripheral events, ADTD entered into a memorandum of understanding and cooperation with Mezze Associates Ltd, a prominent consulting firm specializing in tourism and entertainment. This collaboration aims to enhance investment initiatives within the tourism sector.

A business lunch in London brought together top executives from leading UK Tour operators, discussing collaborative strategies to enhance the growth and sustainability of Ajman’s tourism sec
tor.

Expressing satisfaction with the campaign’s outcomes, Alhashmi emphasised the importance of partnerships with key industry players in promoting Ajman and attracting more tourists. He stated, ‘The cooperation agreement with Mezze Associates solidifies Ajman’s status as a distinctive tourist destination. We are committed to enriching the cultural heritage and tourism aspects that make our emirate a preferred choice for international tourists.’

Statistically, Ajman has experienced substantial growth in its tourism sector, with a remarkable 11% increase in hotel revenues, a 6% rise in occupancy rates, and an 11% surge in visitor numbers compared to the previous year.

ADTD aims to heighten awareness of Ajman as an appealing tourist destination, offering unique and diverse experiences aligned with the local culture and history. These efforts are anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy, job creation, increased hotel occupancy, and further enhance Ajman’s reputation as an attractive touri
st destination.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is gearing up for active involvement in the 21st edition of Sharjah Heritage Days, a vibrant showcase of diverse heritage and culture, organised by the Sharjah Heritage Institute.

This year’s event themed, “Connect,” is set to captivate visitors from 22nd February until 3rd March in the historic Heart of Sharjah, an area celebrated for its rich cultural legacy.

Embodying the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes that “Museums are made to educate our children and our future generations.” SMA is dedicated to maintaining its spaces as dynamic venues offering innovative ways of learning, disseminating knowledge, and making cultural education accessible and engaging for all age groups.

Throughout the event, SMA will offer complimentary entry to its museums in the Heart of Sharjah, including Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Bait Al Naboodah, and Hisn Khorfakkan. This gesture en
courages the public to explore extensive collections and partake in activities that vividly portray the UAE’s identity and rich history.

A highlight of SMA’s participation is the “Museums Express,” a pioneering mobile bus museum initiative. Operational on select dates at the Heart of Sharjah and Dibba Al Hisn, this initiative enables visitors to explore various Sharjah Museum collections, offering unique educational experiences on wheels.

In addition to free museum access, SMA is hosting diverse workshops, from crafting replica towers and doors at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) to painting traditional designs at Bait Al Naboodah; these workshops offer hands-on experiences rooted in cultural heritage.

Furthermore, SMA’s exhibitions deeply dive into Emirati culture and art, celebrating heritage through mediums such as photography and fine arts.

Sharjah Heritage Days, organised annually by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, serves as a vibrant platform to acquaint current and future generations with the rich tradit
ions of the past, celebrating the authentic customs that define Emirati heritage.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Dubai Municipality has successfully completed the Old Municipal Street project in Deira, marking a significant transformation from a traditional thoroughfare to a bustling commercial pedestrian tourist pass. Stretching from the Ras area to the renowned Gold Market, this revitalised street promises an immersive journey into the heart of Dubai’s rich heritage.

Under the project, the municipality carried out a comprehensive overhaul, including developing street paving, installation of a new gate, lighting enhancements, and the integration of heritage elements such as the iconic Al Mandus. To ensure comfort and authenticity, the street is now adorned with traditional seating areas and heritage-inspired umbrellas, offering tourists a glimpse into the historical essence of one of Dubai’s oldest places.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasised the strategic importance of the Old Municipal Street project as part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Deira and Bur Dubai’s historic a
reas, as well as various heritage sites and markets across the emirate. Al Hajri said, ‘We are working towards making Dubai more attractive and aesthetic by providing attractive and integrated facilities while preserving the Emirate’s historical architectural identity. This is to cement the status of Dubai as a premier global tourist destination that seamlessly merges contemporary allure with ancient cultural landmarks.’

He added, ‘Our main objective to revitalise the historic municipal street is to breathe new life into the traditional markets and landmarks of Dubai, while also enhancing the tourist experience through innovative approaches. This involves enriching the area’s visual appeal with heritage-inspired elements that capture its unique identity, integrating recreational amenities, and creating pedestrian-friendly spaces. Additionally, we aim to activate and stimulate the adjacent markets to boost tourism attraction to the region.

The municipality carried out complete paving of the street, which was
completely closed to vehicular traffic for smooth operations. This initiative was aimed at enriching the experience of tourists and visitors by making the area more identifiable, while also fostering commercial activity to encourage investors to expand their businesses in line with the street’s new identity.

Located in the Al Ras area of Deira, the Old Municipal Street links to various heritage markets that overlook the banks of the Dubai Creek. These markets – including the Gold, Dates, Fragrances, Al Ras, and Spices markets – are distinctive tourist destinations that reflect Dubai’s history and the authentic identity of the UAE.

Source: Emirates News Agency