On the second day of the 8th annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2025), young and accomplished Emirati artists emphasised that, despite art’s evolution with technology, it still has a strong foundation in the human spirit.
They informed aspiring artists and businesspeople during a panel titled “Expressions of Emirati Art: A Fusion of Traditions and Innovation” that exciting advancements in Emirati art, increasing its global reach and maintaining cultural identity, are now feasible due to quick technological advancements.
Media personality and novelist Abdulaziz Albugaish chaired the discussion, which was led by Hisham Al Madhloum, founder of Diwani Villa Sharjah; photographer and calligrapher Abdallah Al Astad; artist Juma Alhaj; and content creator Mthayel Al Ali.
In his discussion on the effects of outside cultural influences, Al Madhloum claimed that finding a balance between maintaining local identity and gaining from other global cultures is crucial. He clarified that he has been influenced by well-known Arab artists like Hassan Fathy, but also emphasised the value of using the local environment as a main source of inspiration. Al Madhloum also talked about his cultural initiative, “Diwani,” which has garnered three international honours and exemplifies his goal of fusing tradition and contemporary.
Also Read:
Top Japanese TV Executives Depart after Misconduct Charges against a Celebrity Presenter
Trump and Modi Discuss Trade and Immigration; Modi to Visit America in February
