• 

The Department of Mass Communications in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) recently organized a roundtable discussion on ‘Emirati Art’. The university hosted a group of Emirati artists, who discussed the origins of their art, its development and the obstacles to be overcome.

This workshop is part of a series aimed at developing the ability of students in the fields of culture and the media. This is especially important in the light of an increase in professionally produced stage plays dealing with UAE themes. Such plays translate the reality of UAE life into an enjoyable and artistic medium which can be both thought provoking and beneficial to the viewers.

Dr. Aisha Al Nuaimi, Chair of the Department of Mass Communications in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UAEU, stressed that these discussions allow students to learn about indigenous Emirati art, how it has evolved and the main actors that have helped to promote it. It is to be hoped that when these students graduate they can make their own mark on this form of art and enrich it with fresh blood and new ideas.

Artists Hassan Ragab, Abdel Rahman Mulla and Bedor Mohammed discussed the beginnings of Emirati art and talked of their experience and expertise. They pointed out unique characteristics of Emirati art, how it has developed and also answered a series of questions regarding the evolution of art in the UAE. Finally, they discussed the challenges and obstacles facing art in the UAE and how these might best be overcome.