Heritage Film Festival 2012 in Abu Dhabi

The second year of the Heritage Film Festival is back this week in Abu Dhabi from 22nd-25th February. Presented by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, the theme this year is The Young and the Old. The open-air film festival will take place at the Heritage Village and will screen short and full feature films from the United Arab Emirates, Germany and Switzerland. 

 

Here's the line up: 

Wednesday, 22nd February 
 

Al Seefah (The Beach) 
Director: Mohammed Ghanim Al Marri 
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Duration: 5 min

With new fishing laws in effect, local fishermen are struggling to preserve their ancestors' way of life. This film portrays an old fisherman who reminisces about the days when it was possible for anyone to throw their nets into the sea without having to pay fines.

Gregory's Greatest Adventure

Director: Johannes Kiefer 
Language: German with English subtitles
Duration: 11 min

Gregory lives with his beloved and frail grandmother, whose legs grow worse every day. Her girlfriends are urging her to join them at the nursing home. But grandson Gregory loves her dearly – and is a gifted inventor. When he learns that granny is able to walk in water without feeling any pain, he comes up with a brilliant idea…

Le mensonge est une affaire de famille (Lying is a family matter)

Director: Etienne Rey 
Language: French with English subtitles
Duration:  15 min

A blind 65-year-old man has been living at his daughter's place for four years. One night, he unknowingly signs a registration form for a nursing home. His family spends the following weekend wondering when they should tell him the truth, with time their true nature is revealed.


Hamama
Director: Nujoom Al Ghanem
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Subtitles: English
Durarion: 87 min

Hamama is a nearly 90-year-old female healer and living legend in the Emirates. Blessed with an incredible gift of healing she has to face her fragility and age that threaten to impact her work and her livelihood. Her skills are incredibly valuable to hundreds who continue to visit her each day where she lives in Al Dhaid in Sharjah, seeking her essential cures. Yet, Hamama struggles with the responsibility of providing the care that is so greatly needed, while she confronts her own personal hardships.

Thursday, 23rd February
 

Layers
Director: Manal Wicki
Language: Arabic, English
Duration: 7 min

Layers is a short documentary which explores the abaya, the national dress of Emirati women – an inter-generational dialogue provides a closer look. The film uncovers the diverse abaya styles, drawing attention to the rich variety of values, attitudes and ideas surrounding this mode of dress. At the same time, it demonstrates how these elements co-exist and evolve side-by-side. The film proposes that the abaya is more than a piece of clothing – it is rather a means of self-expression and identity.

La clé des champs
Director: Floriane Closuit 
Language: French with English subtitles
Duration: 14 min

On a beautiful summer day a teenage girl is on her way to visit her great-grandmother who recently is admitted to a nursing home. Her mother and grandmother are accompanying her… an unexpected moment of happiness and joy is shared between an elderly woman and a young girl…

Almanya - Welcome to Germany
Director: Yasemin Şamdereli 
Language: German with English subtitles
Duration: 101 min

Hüseyin Yilmazcame to Germany in the early 1960s as a “guest worker” and later brought along his wife and children so they could be in “Almanya” with him where they had finally settled down. In the meantime, his children and grand-children definitely feel at home in the foreign country. But are they Germans or are they Turks? All family members struggle with this question their own way. One evening, during a big family gathering, Hüseyin surprises his loved ones with the news that he has bought a house in Turkey and wants to take everyone back “home” with him. Hüseyin refuses to take no for an answer and so they have no choice but to set off for Turkey. It’s the beginning of a journey full of memories, arguments and reconciliations – until the family outing takes an unexpected turn...




Friday, 24th February 

Director: Max Zähle 
Language: German with English subtitles
Duration: 10 min

Tidelander is a film about a fairly regular family. With a wink of an eye, the film depicts the individual peculiarities of each family member and the misunderstandings that occur between them while being left on their own during a tour through the wide spaces of the tideland. For a little while we accompany the family members on their journey and let them take their track to the next level: a short moment of happiness arises in which they realize that they are family after all.

Dinner #7665
Director: Salma Serry 
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Duration: 5 min

A young Egyptian girl struggles to ask her emotionally-distant father for the one thing she really wants: a red balloon. What starts off as a typically quiet dinner takes a darker turn by revealing a strained relationship. Dinner #7665 is a window to unspoken words, overstrung emotions and the differences that set their worlds apart.

Vitus
Director: Fredi M. Murer
Language: German with English subtitles
Duration: 120 min

Vitus is a boy who almost seems to be from another planet: He has hearing like a bat, he plays piano like a virtuoso and studies encyclopedias at the age of five. No wonder his parents are beginning to anticipate a brilliant future for him. They want Vitus to become a pianist. However, the little genius prefers to do arts and crafts in his eccentric grandfather’s workshop. He dreams of flying and of a normal childhood. Ultimately, with one dramatic leap, Vitus takes control of his own life.



 

Saturday, 25th February

Alice - Paris
Director: Stefan Muggli 
Language: German with English subtitles
Duration: 22 min

Alice wants to study photography in Paris. She's waiting for the letter of admission from the College of Arts. Her father Werner doesn’t think much of her artistic aspiration and even hides the positive answer of her admission. Father and daughter don't seem capable of communicating with each other; they increasingly feel alienated from each other. A hanky-panky with the Spanish housekeeper Isabel, makes the situation escalate.

The Little Nazi
Director: Petra Lüschow 
Language: German with English subtitles
Duration: 14 min 

The Wölkel family wants to celebrate Christmas with grandma, as they do every year – but there seems to be some shocking surprises to be unwrapped at this year’s traditional German Christmas party: Grandma Wölkel has revived the Nazi Christmas of her childhood. Maybe this shouldn’t be such a major problem, but today of all days, the family is expecting an Israeli guest – and the last thing the Wölkel family wants is to be perceived as Nazis. Only an unexpected coincidence helps the family to deny the truth. 

Sea Shadow
Director: Nawaf Al-Janahi 
Language: Arabic  with English subtitles
Duration: 98 min

From a small seaside community all the way to Abu Dhabi, the story follows two teenagers who start a journey of self-discovery after their lives have been shaken by misunderstandings, confusions and poor decisions. Small-town boy Mansoor (Omar Al Mulla) has strong feelings for his neighbor, Kaltham (Neven Madi). But culture and convention, as well as family hardship, make it difficult for him to express himself freely. When his know-it-all friend Sultan (Abrar Al Hamad) convinces him that it is a gift to express his love, Mansoor looks for ways to save money without arousing the suspicion of his family. Bound by deeply-rooted values, this couple must find the courage to forge their own paths. 

With a simple story unfolding within a gentle pace, Al-Janahi creates a longing for a time when life was more about community-spirit than materialism. Sea Shadow examines how values are prioritized in modern society, and how human connections are made.

Event details
Dates: 22nd-25th February, starting at 7.30pm each night 

Venue: The Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi (location map)
Free entry.


 

Heritage Film Festival 

Goethe Institut Gulf Region

Review: Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2011

 

A bit of an overdue review, but here it is.

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival ran for 10 days in October, it brought us more than 150 films - short and full features, documentaries and special programs. The one major change at this year's festival was the venue of the official host hotel and headquarters, it moved from the Emirates Palace Hotel to the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr with its new open-air cinema. I didn't get a chance to check it out because it was almost half an hour drive away from the other locations that screened the majority of the films - the charming but underused Abu Dhabi Theatre and the very ordinary VOX Cinemas in Marina Mall (sadly, one of the most unpleasant malls I've been to).

I had a great marathon session of movie watching and glad to say there wasn't anything that I disliked from my list. I skipped the short films because of time and I avoided all films/documentaries related to the Arab Spring. The stories are still being told and I think it's too soon to objectively reflect about what's happening.

So here's a rundown.

Documentaries -  One thing I find the Abu Dhabi Festival do well is their selection of documentaires. The ones that stood out for me this year include:

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 is about a collection of rare 16mm footage that was recently discovered in the basement of a Swedish television station. The archival footage was recorded by a group of Swedish journalists who followed the Black Power movement in the USA from 1967 to 1975. Co-produced by Danny Glover and directed by Göran Hugo Olsson, it is very thought provoking and left me thinking about what has changed and what has remained the same.

The Tiniest Place by Tatiana Huezo is a very emotional documentary about Cinquera, a small village in El Salvador and the trauma endured by its inhabitants during the civil war. We silently follow the day to day lives of its survivors on screen, but we hear them narrating their stories, their thoughts and feel the emotional and psychological damage that's taken place.

The City Dark, a documentary about light pollution and the disappearance of the night. We follows its filmmaker Ian Cheney, who moves to New York City and discovers the sky is almost completely devoid of stars. It's a lovely visual essay with some great astrophotography. The film questions what is lost when we because of light pollution and explores our relationship with the stars. It includes interviews with some very interesting (and quirky) characters in the field of astronomy, astophysics, biology and cancer research.

Project Nim, was the one I was looking forward to the most because I've been reading abut how great it is for months. I was not disappointed, how could I, its made by the same team behind  Man on Wire, which is one of my favourite documentaries. In Project Nim, James Marsh again brilliantly crafts a documentray with touching inerviews and amazing archival footage. Nim, a chimpanzee who was taken away from birth and was raised like a human child, part of a research project by Professor Herbet Terrace to study animal language acquisition. We see Nim grow, the impact he has on the lives of the people that take care of him and of the research project itself. The film really made me reflect on human behaviour which on many occasions is dark and frgtening.

El Gusto, the darling of this year's festival is a music documentary by Safinez Bousbia. Described as the Arab version of "Buena Vista Social Club", El Gusto is a nostalgic look at the origins of Chaabi music in Algeria and the men behind it. Bousbia started working on this from 2004 when a chance meeting led her on a mission to track down the key musicians from this period. It's beautifully filmed with very endearing personalities and storytellers. It's a reminder of a time long gone, when life in the Casbah inhabited by both Muslims and Jews was lively, bohemian and joyful. All that changed after the War of Independence in 1954. The film climaxes with an emotional reunion of the surviving members who all play again for the first time after five decades. The film received a standing ovation at both screenings and won the Best Director of the Arab World award. It's clearly a labour of love and I imagine it will make its way around the festival circuit in the coming year after it had its world premiere in Abu Dhabi. 


Full feature films - there was a good selection of films from around the world, but these four films stood out for me for their style and story telling.

Almost in Love by Sam Neave is decribed as "a love story in two takes". It is shot in two uninterrupted 40 minute takes and addresses love, friendship and loyalty in one of the most honest ways I've seen on the big screen. It is a very intimate film with great dialogue - watching it made me feel like I'm in the same room as the characters in the film.

Stories Only Exist When Remembered by Julia Murat is a beautifully made heart wrenching story about loneliness, old age and death. We follow the daily routines of a small and elderly community in a small village in Paraiba Valley in Brazil. Their daily routines are somewhat disrupted with the arrival of Rita, a young travelling photographer who stays on to photograph the people and the village and through her photographs we are left with some unanswered questions.

A Separation by Asghar Farhadi won the Golden Bear at this year's Berlin film festival. It's about a married couple Simin and Nader and their desire to do the right thing. Simin wants to leave Iran with Nader and their daughter Termeh for a better future. Nader wants to stay back to look after his ill father. What happens over the next two hours of the film is a slow unravelling of events and secrets that lead to some dire consequences. A very well crafted film, with great acting and script - it ends with no definitive answers, because as Asghad Farhadi said at the Q & A session after the screening, even he doesn't know the answers. 

We Need To Talk About Kevin - an amazing film on every level - the acting, the visuals, the editing, the soundtrack. About a mother-son relationship that is one of the most uncomfortable I've seen on the big screen, we go back and forth between the present and the past to figure out what led to Kevin's murderous tendencies. Needless to say, it's very dark, very grim - the kind of film that leaves you speechless after the end credits roll. 

Other highlights of the festival include:

Sea Shadow was the only full feature film from the United Arab Emirates that screened at this festival. Directed by Nawaf Al Janahi (his second feature film after The Circle) and produced by Abu Dhabi's Image Nation, the film is set in a small seaside town in Ras Al Khaimah and follows teenagers and their teenage dreams amidst the emotional and generational divide between parents and children in the United Arab Emirates of today. It's a gentle film that looks good visually. But it had some dark undertones related to sexual abuse which wasn't addressed with depth. It made me wonder if it's the Emirati filmmakers or the Emirati audience who aren't ready to tackle deeper subjects on film. (Look out for a full review coming soon on this blog.)

Between Heaven and Earth was part of the 'Naguib Mahfouz–Man of Cinema' series that celebrated his 100th birthday. Written by Naguib Mahfouz and directed by Salah Abu Seif in 1960, the film is set in an elevator on a hot Friday afternoon in Cairo. The elevator is filled with people that represent Egyptian society (a movie star, a thief, a madman, a cook and a pregnant woman to name a few) who are trapped in it for 12 hours. What is revealed in during the time they are trapped in the elevator is relevant today as it was 50 years ago. It was such so special for me to watch a classic Egyptian black and white film on the big screen for the first time.

But the most delightful highlight of the festival goes to...

I end my review with the most delightful moment of the festival which happened at the misnamed "Family Day Special Program". This section was presented by Serge Bromberg from Lobster Films, a film historian and an expert on film restoration. He screened a selection of restored silent film gems - fantasy films, travelogues, animation and Buster Keaton's long lost short The Love Nest from 1923 - all accompanied by live piano (well, actually a keyboard) played by Serge Bromberg. The cherry on top was the screening of the restored colour version of The Trip to The Moon by George Melies from 1902 - often described as the 'first science fiction movie ever made'. It was accompanied by the new soundtrack composed by French electro duo Air, who were also present to talk about the music and what inspired them to make it. As a lover of silent films and a fan of Air, this basically added the cool factor to the Abu Dhabi Film Festival. Here's a taster of what I saw.

www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae
www.blackpowermixtape.com
www.tiniestplace.weebly.com
www.thecitydark.com
www.project-nim.com
www.quidam.ie/projects/elgusto
www.almostinlovefilm.com
www.seashadowmovie.com
www.lobsterfilms.com

Olympians by Gabriella Sancisi

Olympians by Gabriella Sancisi is a new photography exhibition that features athletes from the United Arab Emirates. It's taking place at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel in Abu Dhabi from 25th November till 2nd Decemer 2011. I do hope it gets to travel around the country in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.

After it was announced that London would host the 2012 Olympic Games, Gabriella Sancisi began to photograph professional athletes as well as young people involved in sports in schools in the Olympic Boroughs and teenagers who play sport in clubs throughout London. Many of the young people were asked for their thoughts on the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London, their relationship to their chosen sport and their hopes and dreams for the future.

For the UAE edition, Gabriella photographed a total of twenty-four Olympic and Paralympic athletes during her visit this year.

 I recorded each likeness in a similar way to create a uniform group although individual subjects were captured at different locations and at varying times. I have chosen those images which touched me the most and which I feel work best collectively. I often use scale in my work to create an opportunity for the viewer to look closely at the sitters. I have tremendous respect for all of the athletes who chose to be portrayed and I have tried not to impose too many rules on how they should pose. At the same time, I know exactly what it is that I am looking for in a likeness and this is generally a moment of self-consciousness or connection when the relationship between the athlete, me and an eventual viewer of the portrait seem to collide.

We aren't a very sporty nation, if shopping and hanging out at malls was a sport, we'd be champions. So personally, I think it's wonderful that there's an exhibition celebrating the few who really do push themselves to achieve success in the world of sports. I particularly love how the photos put both Olympic and Paralympic athletes on the same footing. Here's a small selection of photos from the Olympians exhibition. You can see the full series here.

Ahmed Abdullah Al Hosani- Javelin Throw, Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped, Sharjah

“Today I feel happiness whenever I remember the fear I felt every time I practised sport in the past. I was able to overcome my fear and replace it with the joy of accomplishment.

Faithful coaches believed in my capabilities and stood by me and that made me conquer the difficult stages.
Sport is no longer a frightening hobby; it is now my present and my future, which I hope will be more promising.

I am thrilled that I have qualified for the Paralympic Games, and I hope I will take part in the Games in 2012”.

Fatmah Rashed Al Kaabi - Powerlifting, Dubai Club for Special Sports

“Sport gave me many things which I never expected. My personality and views about life have changed for good. I’m stubborn by nature and I love to be special, therefore, I do not like to go the easy ways, and that is what attracted me to powerlifting.

So, I became the first Emirati woman to practise and pursue this game, despite the fact that even the idea of having a female powerlifer is rejected by our society. I hope that the awareness of the importance of sport spreads even more, because it means a lot!”

Hassan Ali Malaleih - Shot put/Javelin throw wheelchair, Khorfakkan Club for Handicapped

“I reached the world of sport while I walked through the road of light. I followed the advice of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who said: 'Teach your children shooting, swimming and horse riding.' I discovered a whole different world.

I discovered the balance between mind and body. I initially faced problems related to fixing the target and throwing the javelin in the specified direction. I was, however, capable of overcoming them all with a lot training. My enthusiasm for the Paralympic Games in 2012 is overwhelming”.








Maryam Khameis Al Matrooshi - Javelin throw/ Shot put, Khorfakkan Club for Handicapped

“The playground seemed small, but the dream was bigger… When I began practising javelin throwing, I faced a problem in the limited training space, but I used to look into the horizon and feel that the whole world was my playground.

My passion for this sport made me overcome any challenges that threatened my way to professionalism. For me, sport means horizon, playground… and existence. All athletes dream of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and, I, similarly, share the same dream and hope it comes true for me in 2012”.








Mubarek Mohammed Salem Youssef Al Bishr - Swimming, Al Wasl Club

“Swimming has always taken me high to a beautiful and fascinating world… a world of fame. I have not lost my balance though. On the contrary, fame made me reorganise my life in a more disciplined manner.

I did not choose swimming; with members of my family having practised this sport long before me, I feel that swimming chose me. With patience and determination, I was able to overcome the difficulties that I had encountered in the beginning.

I hope that the United Arab Emirates continues its great support to Sports and extends its sincere encouragement to the Emirati athletes.”






Rashid Khalaf Al Nuaimi - Sprinting, Al Ain Club for the Disabled

“Training is everything, and persistent training is the bridge that leads to success; my family and friends have been the greatest support in this regard. They are important in my life especially as, for me, sprinting means interaction with others, with people...

I feel like I compete first with my own self to reach any championship, and this has always helped me go through the first phases without any difficulties.”

Siham Masoud Al Rashidi - Discus throw/Javelin throw, Dubai Club for Special Sports 
“I always had a passion for following the news on sports and sportspeople, but I never thought for one moment that I would practise it. Sport has now become my obsession, a part of me. I was trained for two years until I mastered discus throwing, and I was really surprised when I knew that my scores would qualify me for the Paralymic Games.

This was a dream which I never expected to come true. I think of my own dream and of the dreams of all Emirati women who played an extraordinary role in sports for the handicapped, and I hope I could bring that role into the spotlight, even more.”

Thuraya Hamad AlZaabi - Javelin throw/ Shot put, Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped, Sharjah  
“Sport is the soul; that is how I call it. My disability never stopped me from being a sportswoman. I found that javelin throwing and shot put are suitable for my case, although they are not easy sports.

My wish is to be ambassador of my country to the international events, to present the good image of the Emirati girl: smiling, successful, and loving.”

Exhibition details
Date: 25th November - 2nd December 2011
Venue: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE

www.gabriellasancisi.com
www.britishcouncil.org/me-uae-olympians.htm

Falaj in Al Ain

Continuing my posts to celebrate the upcoming 40th National Day of the United Arab Emirates, here's my latest post from Al Ain which is part of Abu Dhabi. It's known as the Garden City because it is one of the greenest cities in the country. When you drive from Dubai to Al Ain, the desert sand colour starts to change and you start seeing more trees as you start approaching it.

This video is about the traditional irrigation system called "Falaj" which according to this clip "existed in the Al Ain region at about 1,000 years BC, making it the oldest".

[via gulfnews.com]

National Centre for Documentation and Research

 

I found out about the National Centre for Documentation and Research in Abu Dhabi a couple of years ago and I've been meaning to knock on their doors and ask if I can spend some time to browse around. I had no idea the centre was established in 1968. I imagine there's some great archival material related to the UAE that can be found there. 

The National Centre for Documentation and Research in Abu Dhabi showcases a wealth of historical materials that sheds light on the life in UAE and the Arabian Peninsula dating back to the 16th century.

Check out this interview with Dr Abdullah Al Reyes, the Director of the National Centre for Documentation and Research. He explains how the centre was set up and talks about what can be found there.

I need to stop procrastinating and schedule to contact them soon.

www.cdr.gov.ae/ncdr


[via Gulf News]

Film Screening - Teta, Al Marra (Grandma, A Thousand Times)

Teta, Alf Marra (Grandma, A Thousand Times) by Mahmoud Kaabour is finally being screened in our cinemas this week till 9th November.

Although I have yet to see Teta, Al Marra myself, I've featured it on the blog a couple of times already - so now is my chance to watch it

Click to read more ...

My top 20 picks for Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2011

Scene from Sea Shadows, directed by Nawaf Al Janahi

The 2011 edition of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival is on next week from 13th-22nd October. I'm looking forward to going back to Abu Dhabi again to watch as many movies as I can. Majority of the screenings will take place at VOX Cinemas at Marina Mall, but I'm very glad there will be some screenings at the charming Abu Dhabi Theatre, my favourite venue from last year.

Click to read more ...

Trailer Tuesday - Pomegranates and Myrrh

Pomegranates and Myrrh, a Palestinian film directed by Najwa Najjar had its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2008. It returns to Dubai in September and will also be screening in Abu Dhabi too.   

Screening details:

Dubai
Dates: 1st-14th September at 8.30 pm
Venue: The Picture House in Dubai Mall

Abu Dhabi
Dates: 15th-28th September at 8.30 pm
Venue: Vox Cinemas, Marina Mall 

 About Pomegranates and Myrrh:

A free spirited woman dancer, Kamar, finds herself the lonely wife of a prisoner, Zaid, and away from everything she loves until she returns to the dance, defying societys taboos. At the dance Kamar is confronted with Kais, a Palestinian returnee. Sparks fly between Kamar and Kais, creating more than a passionate, emotional dance for the both of them. Matters become even more complicated when Zaid's sentence is extended. Kamar's life is thrown into turmoil as she becomes increasingly attached to Kais, and caught in the midst of her desire to dance and breaking the family and society taboos of the prisoner's wife's role while life under occupation rages on.

www.dubaifilmfest.com 
www.reelcinemas.ae/Picturehouse
www.voxcinemas.com

Stories We Tell

Stories We Tell (قصص تحكى) is a new TV show that premiered this Ramadan on Noor TV. It follows the lives of people living in the United Arab Emirates, who share memories or quirky stories and giving the viewer an insight into the lives of ordinary people here. The show includes people of different ages and nationalities and a true reflection of hardworking people that live here.

We are so exposed to the so called 'glamorous' side of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and we forget there are regular folks going about their everyday lives across the United Arab Emirates. 

The show is in Arabic language, but I hope a sub-titled version will be available soon because it would be great to reach the non-Arabic speaking audience here. 

The series is an ongoing project and is looking for anyone that has anything interesting to share to be part of this show. Send an email to storieswetell@dmi.ae to submit your story and to get more information. 

Here's selection of teaser trailers. As soon as full episodes are available online, I will share them with you.  

Timings (Dubai time):
Friday 2.30pm
Tuesday 1.30pm
Saturday 11.00am

www.dmi.ae/noordubaitv

30 Mosques Project by Antonie Robertson

© Antonie Robertson - Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Antonie Roberston is on a 30 day road trip photographing mosques across the United Arab Emirates. It's for a special visual project for The National. He is also writing about his experience on his personal blog. Inspired by last year's 30 Mosques in 30 States by Aman Ali and Bassam Tariq’s  trip across the United States (they're on the road again this Ramadan), Antonie writes,  

With some very unique locations still to come I know the journey will provide me with ample visual opportunities. But creating images has always been the way that I explore the world around me. My excuse for personal journeys. And with this project I hope to gain a much wider insight into Islam, hopefully forming a better understanding of the religion that so many non believers know little about.

I am looking forward to seeing what Antonie discovers on this road trip. So far, I love the cubist looking mosque on Palm Jumeriah Island in Dubai. Here's a small selection of photos and quotes from his blog. But please do visit Antonie's site to follow his entire journey this month.

Masjid Qubbat As Sakhrah (The Dome of the Rock Mosque) in Abu Dhabi

© Antonie Robertson

Hidden between the suburban villas of Abu Dhabi, a stones throw away from Souk Qaryat Al Beri and the Shangri-La Hotel, stands one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognizable mosques. A replica, yet smaller, of the famous Dome Of The Rock Mosque located in Jerusalem.

© Antonie Robertson

Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi

© Antonie Robertson

 

Shams Abdul Raheem Mosque in Jumeirah, Dubai

© Antonie Robertson

Hidden between towering green trees lies the 5th destination of my trip. Walking through the gates of the Shams Abdul Raheem Mosque in Jumeirah one is surrounded by lush foliage at this neighborhood’s small masjid. The sparse courtyard paints a picture of what waits inside the mosque itself.

Entering through the dark wooden doors one is welcomed by the cool interior into a peaceful prayer hall. Small golden chandeliers fill the space with a warm glow. To me, the design is reminiscent of days gone by. It reminds me of places I used to see when I first came to the UAE 8 years ago. And makes me think of visuals I associate with Sheikh Zayed’s era.

© Antonie Robertson

Abdul Rahman Siddik Mosque on Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai

© Antonie Robertson

Most might miss, while traveling down the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah, the Abdul Rahman Siddik Mosque as it stands just before the tunnel entrance. That is if it wasn’t for its futuristic design of glass, steel and stone. Its towering minaret resembling a space age observation deck. Cubist marble walls suport its single dome. And lush young trees grown in the thin, sparse garden that surround the building.

As sunset nears, the masjid courtyard starts to buzz with laborers from the nearby developments, workers from all backgrounds start to pile in. Taxis conveniently pull into the mosque parking lot on their way to the next fare. But only a few resemble, what might be, residents from the surrounding frond villas.

© Antonie Robertson

Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

© Antonie Robertson

Jumeirah Mosque, having photographed this masjid more than a few times over the course of my 8 year stay in the Emirates, I was apprehensive at the possibility of finding a new angle for the seventh shoot of my project. But with it being one of the few Mosques open to non muslim it was a definite destination for my month long exploration of the country’s masjids.

© Antonie Robertson

 
Follow Antonie Robertson's journey here.

www.antonierobertson.com
www.antonierobertson.com/blog/category/30mosques 
www.thenational.ae
www.30mosques.com