Celebrating International Woman’s day with 100 Artists & Photographers on 14^th of March at the Cartoon Art Gallery in Dubai, UAE

On Thursday 14^th of March, Woman2Woman will be hosting its first edition of “HER STORY” a story telling Art & Photography Competition at the Cartoon Art Gallery. The theme and premises of the competition is to highlight women’s efforts throughout history in different disciplines. The subjects of the artworks and photographs can be prominent public figures of women or even personal heroes whose stories go unheard. This competition and exhibition is a platform to celebrate the women who have been influential is the progress of women. Dubai’s Artist community has come together to share some incredible stories through Art & Photography, here is what a few Artists had to share about their work for the competition.

Artist – Saddaf Saeed explains, “My artwork, “The Golden Chaddar & The Crystal Jhoola” is a tribute to the work of Mrs Edhi who is the beacon of hope that lights up the path connecting mother-less children to child-less mothers. Bilquis Bano Edhi, widow of Abdul Sattar Edhi, is a professional nurse and one of the most active philanthropists in Pakistan. She heads the Edhi Foundation, a charity running the largest ambulance system across Pakistan as well as Edhi Homes for abandoned children, orphans, the elderly and vulnerable women.”

Artist – Anju Rajan says, “My work “Silent Screams” is about people who have gone through hardships and agony; I want people to understand that art isn’t just wall decor but also a perfect medium to express unspoken and hushed up subjects that make people feel and empathize.”

Artist – Samra Salim shares, “Unbreakable” is a piece that has given me the opportunity to celebrate women that have thoroughly inspired me. Imagery focuses on strong metallic connective pipes, showing the support, durability and multi functionality that we women posses. The rust and leakage from different ends depict our constant struggle to stay calm and manage under any circumstance. I have used heart, ovaries, pelvis and other anatomical bits to show the strength in the connected pipes.”

Zareen Khan – Founder of Woman2Woman, says “Her Story is about sharing stories of love, compassion & tolerance through art & photography. To celebrate women in history and also in current times, who stand out by making a difference in the lives of others. We found this event to be the perfect platform to offer support to talent and to hear stories of perseverance and inspiration!”

The competition is open to painters & photographers from ages 16 plus and there is no gender biased, both male and females can apply. The deadline is 4^th of March to receive all applications and get confirmation for the 14^th of March Awards Ceremony. All the artworks & photographs will be exhibited from 14^th till 20^th of March at the Cartoon Art Gallery. The show welcomes art lovers to attend and support the exhibitors.

Competition Information:

Competition Opening & Award Ceremony: 14^th of March

Date of Exhibition: 14^th till 20^th of March

Open to Artists from age’s 16yrs of age and over

Open to both male & female artists & photographers

FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/985260778350655/

To register: zareen@w2wevents.com

Awards Category

Artist of the Year 2019

Photographer of the Year 2019

Winners receive

Awards & recognition at the opening of the exhibition

Solo Exhibition space for one week at a Gallery in Dubai to showcase their artworks/photographs in 2019

14^th March Awards Ceremony at the Cartoon Art Gallery – Al Qouz, Dubai UAE

Inviting all artlovers to visit Bennu’s online gallery www.bennu7777.com

Bennu started painting professionally from 2015 and since has developed an extensive body of artworks. The paintings are a combination of Oils & Acrylics on canvas and the colors offer a backdrop to the stories that are told in bold strokes and vibrant hues. The one constant in Bennu’s paintings is the lightness in their compositions, always exuberating the positive energy in which they were created.

Artist says, “Being an artist is a self study, I have to know myself before I can draw inspiration from my environment. When I paint, I want my paintings to hold sentimental values and have philosophical depth; even my name Bennu represents the Mythical Egyptian bird, inspired by the Phoenix and linked closely with the sun, creation & rebirth.”

The online gallery portal showcases all of Bennu’s artworks, descriptions and prices for sale; it’s an ideal place to view this brilliant Artists creations and also to purchase authentic artworks.

Alien landscape. Transformation of thoughts. Author Bennu, 75 x 105 cm, acrylic, oil on canvas.

Turquoise Country. 12.10.2018. Author Bennu, 40 x 60 cm, oil on canvas.

Silence. Author Bennu, 40 x 60 cm, oil, acrylic on canvas.

Sincere Conversation. Author Bennu. 60 x 40 cm, oil, acrylic on canvas.

Human nature. Author: Bennu, 40 x 60 cm, depth 2 cm, oil, acrylic on canvas.

Web: http://www.bennu7777.com

Instagram: @bennu7777com

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W Events & PR – Email: zareen@w2wevents.com – 052 – 765 55255

The Ballet Centre Dubai Students will perform in the world-class production of “The Nutcracker” on 14^th of December at the Raj Mahal Theatre

On Friday the 14^th of December 2018, 80 students of The Ballet Centre Dubai will be performing alongside professional ballerinas from the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersberg in “The Nutcracker” at the Raj Mahal Theatre in Bollywood Parks & Resorts.

Mangalika Jayalath – the Managing Director of the Ballet Centre, says “This has been such an incredible experience for our students. They have rehearsed for over two months, working very hard in preparation to dance with the professionals from the Mariinsky Theatre. We are very proud and can’t wait to see the show on Friday!”

The Nutcracker ballet production will take to the stage on 14^th of December at the Raj Mahal Theatre in Dubai. There will be two shows; one at 2:30pm and the other at 7:30pm. This extravagant event is jointly produced by Alpha Events & Ki Agency in association with The Ballet Centre Dubai.

Event Details: –

Venue: Raj Mahal Theatre at the Bollywood Parks & Resorts

Date: Friday 14^th of December

Matinee:  2:30pm

Evening:  7:30pm

For Tickets:  please contact Alpha Events – Fatima 0526082308, fatima7@alphaeventsme.com

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com – 052 – 765 55255

Bennu paints abstract paintings. The first direction of the artist’s works is a world of colours. In the artist’s paintings feel sentimentality, sincerity, experiences that turn into a storm of passions and emotions.

A beautiful colours combination gives the paintings a sense of tenderness and beauty of life. His artworks glow unusual positive energy, optimism and joy. In thin lines, there is a love of life.

In the second direction of the artworks show mysterious characters. They tell about the essence of people in different situations and their inner world. Artworks are imbued with emotions: sincerity, love, anger, suffering, lies…

These characters seem to live on other planets, somewhere behind the moon. But their moods and their affairs are similar to people.

In the artwork “Love Migration” are shown the warm feelings of mother and child to each other. They are alone in this world of black and red colours, black and white stripes of life. In this painting, one feels hope for a better life, justice, faith in love, mercy, and compassion for other people.

Bennu’s artworks are unique in their original style, nice composition, the author’s unlimited imagination, stunning colours and emotions.

Even in the dark, Bennu’s artworks shine like stars in the night sky.

Artist’s website http://www.bennu7777.com

Instagram @Bennu7777com

MECSC announces the new Board Members at RECON MENA 2018

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) announces their newly elected Board of Trustees and President. The boards’ primary responsibility is to assist MECSC in the implementation of its mission statement, which is to provide educational programs on all aspects of shopping centre development, finance, management, marketing, and other specialized areas of professional interest; conduct meetings and other programs designed to promote the exchange of ideas and business opportunities amongst members and to advocate the interests of the retail industry throughout the Middle East.

“We are extremely happy to welcome “Mazen Hamza Qandeel” as our new President of MECSC’s Board of Directors. We look forward to supporting him in this role.” Says David Macadam – CEO of MECSC (Middle East Council of Shopping Centres)

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres elects Mazen Hamza Qandeel, Executive Director of Granada Centre, Saudi Arabia as President of the MECSC Board, Mazen manages the well-known Granada Complex in Riyadh City. Granada Center and Granada Business Park are the major two components in this complex. He is in this position since October 2017. Before that Mazen was handling the Leasing Department in Hamat Property Co for almost 4 years and half. 22 different scales of Retail projects were under his management in 10 different city in Saudi Arabia. From 2010 till 2013, Mazen worked in Research and Capital Markets departments in Jones Lang LaSalle; the board members include Alessandro Gaffuri – CEO & Founder of CELS Group UAE; Alfred Abi Antoun – Head of Retail JLL KSA & Egypt; Mainumnah Shebani – Managing Director of The Retail Agency Oman; Marcello Larizza – GM of Line Investments & Property LLC UAE; Nada Abou Saab – Director of Marketing from Majid Al Futtaim Properties UAE; Rony Aoun – CEO Smag SAL Lebanon; Wail Balkhair – Deputy CEO of Al Mahmal Centre Saudi Arabia.

About MECSC:

Established in 1994, The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres affiliated to the New York based International Council of Shopping Centres has over 70,000 members globally (www.icsc.org), the MECSC provides its members with unparalleled local and international business contacts. Facilitating members to grow their business through retail industry education, business development, conferencing and networking opportunities. The MECSC covers memberships throughout the MENA region and globally through the ICSC.

Web:http://www.mecsc.org / FB: http://www.facebook.com/MECSC.org

Twitter: @MECSC.org/LinkedIn: MECSC/ Instagram: MECSC/ Pinterest: MECSC

For information about the MECSC, please contact Lea Venezuela:

Email: lea@mecsc.org phone +971 4 359 7909

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com – 052 – 765 55255

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres hosts a successful 1^st day of RECON MENA 2018 (28^th – 30^th Oct) at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, DIFC, Dubai, UAE

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centre kickstarts a successful fist day of RECon MENA 2018; themed “Future Proof Retail” in line with the shopping centre and retail industry which are continuously changing and evolving, driven by a new, dynamic, global transformation providing service, connectivity and convenience for customers the first day started with interactive workshops conducted by retail industry experts.

The morning schedule included, Michael Hirschfeld’s workshop on “How to attract the best new retailers to your shopping centre”,followed by Colin Beaton’s workshop on “Advanced Retail Delivery”, leading to David Meerman Scott’s workshop on “Interactive Digital Marketing” and concluding with Cornell Thomas’s session on “The Championship Formula- What Winning Teams Do!! Bouncebackability” – each workshop providing the attendees with insight & retail industry trends.

The evening progressed to MECSC’s Kick off Cocktail Party Reception hosting all our members, delegates and guests to an evening of live music & retail networking the highlight of the night was the launch of the most awaited “Souks to Malls” a limited edition coffee table book highlighting the retail entertainment in the Gulf.

David Macadam, CEO, MECSC says, “Launching Souks to Malls at the opening reception of RECON MENA 2018 was an ideal way to celebrate our 25yrs in the region. This book highlights retailers who are revolutionizing the shopping experience with entertainment, theme parks, water parks and F&B industry. In the book we have covered UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain!”

RECon MENA 2018:

Date – 28^th – 30^th October 2018

Venue – Ritz Carlton Hotel, DIFC, Dubai, UAE

To register for RECON 2018: www.reconmena.com

Sponsors of RECon MENA 2018:

Platinum Sponsors: Arabian Oud, CELS Events LLC and Afkar Lighting Equipment Trading Co. LLC

Gold Sponsors:  Dalma Mall, Unified Asset & Property Management, Al Rajhi Investment, Line Investments and Property LLC, Gulf Related, Red Sea Mall, BackLite Media LLC, and Jeddah Park

Silver Sponsors: Oud Elite, V-Count Technology, Kinan International Real Estate Development, Retail Emotions, Al Hokair Group, Hamat Property Co., Al Othaim Real Estate Investment & Development Co., Al Othaim Leisure & Tourism, Tamdeen Group, BUZ Management Marketing Consulting, Granada Center, and Optifashion LLC

Bronze Sponsors: Yardi, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Blachere Illumination, Xpandretail Powered by Savant, JLL, LifeOnScreen Marketing Management, and ShopperTrak

Support Partners: CBRE, Dhamani, Reem Mall, Axis Communications, Crystal House Sharjah, In Logic IT Solution, Nearbuy Group, Oleander Flower, and The AZDEF Group/Azab Production Group FZE  

Media Partners: Selfie TV & Forbes

About MECSC:

Established in 1994, The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres affiliated to the New York based International Council of Shopping Centres has over 70,000 members globally (www.icsc.org), the MECSC provides its members with unparalleled local and international business contacts. Facilitating members to grow their business through retail industry education, business development, conferencing and networking opportunities. The MECSC covers memberships throughout the MENA region and globally through the ICSC.

Web:http://www.mecsc.org / FB: http://www.facebook.com/MECSC.org

Twitter: @MECSC.org/LinkedIn: MECSC/ Instagram: MECSC/ Pinterest: MECSC

For information about the MECSC, please contact Lea Venezuela:

Email: lea@mecsc.org  phone +971 4 359 7909

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & PR – Email: zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com – 052 – 765 55255

Cornell Thomas is an International speaker, author, leadership coach, entrepreneur, Population Unplugged podcast host, Renzo Gracie blackbelt and a Ted X Speaker. He travels all over the world sharing his story, and Tony Robbins has endorsed his book “Extra –Ordinary the distance between good and great”. He will be presenting the Power of Positivity at RECon. This will be his first session in the Middle East.

We were fortunate to speak to Cornell about his passion for speaking and why he is on a mission to spread positivity around the world.

The city of Dubai

Dubai has been a place I’ve always had a curiosity about. My mission is to spread my message of Positivity all over the world, and Dubai is one of the most amazing countries to do that.

The message that he wants to share

I want them to know that adversity is a global issue, its the one thing that we all have in common. Our minds are such a powerful weapon, and could be our enemy or our ally. So I would love for them to takeaway from my message the power of positive mindset and self belief.

Cornell’s winning formula

Discipline and dedication for sure, but also faith. I believe that my steps are guided, and I am just a vessel to spread this message. Thanks to my upbringing I have work ethic ingrained into my DNA, but you also need to believe you can do it.

Looking at the bigger purpose

Its not always about the money. There are some events that I go to where there is no budget. It maybe an inner school, or a place where they don’t have the finances. I believe everything happens for a reason, and theres a reason that I’m called to the places I speak at.

Time to build

I truly believe that sometimes you need to break it down before you build it up. We live in a world where atrocities happen all over the globe, and have been since the beginning of time. The only difference now is that because of modern technology the world can often see it. There is a new movement happening. People that want us all regardless of the color of your skin, or who you pray to come together. My message is needed now more than ever. I believe that I am not alone, and for the world to change WE all need to take part of building it back up.

RECon MENA 2018:

Date – 28^th – 30^th October 2018

Venue – Ritz Carlton Hotel, DIFC, Dubai, UAE

To register for RECON 2018: www.reconmena.com

 Sponsors of RECon MENA 2018:

 Platinum Sponsors: Arabian Oud, CELS Events LLC and Afkar Lighting Equipment Trading Co. LLC

Gold Sponsors:  Dalma Mall, Unified Asset & Property Management, Al Rajhi Investment, Line Investments and Property LLC, Gulf Related, Red Sea Mall, BackLite Media LLC, and Jeddah Park

Silver Sponsors: Oud Elite, V-Count Technology, Kinan International Real Estate Development, Retail Emotions, Al Hokair Group, Hamat Property Co., Al Othaim Real Estate Investment & Development Co., Al Othaim Leisure & Tourism, Tamdeen Group, BUZ Management Marketing Consulting, Granada Center, and Optifashion LLC

Bronze Sponsors: Yardi, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Blachere Illumination, Xpandretail Powered by Savant, JLL, LifeOnScreen Marketing Management, and ShopperTrak

Support Partners: CBRE, Dhamani, Reem Mall, Axis Communications, Crystal House Sharjah, In Logic IT Solution, Nearbuy Group, Oleander Flower, and The AZDEF Group/Azab Production Group FZE  

Media Partners: Selfie TV & Forbes

About MECSC:

Established in 1994, The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres affiliated to the New York based International Council of Shopping Centres has over 70,000 members globally (www.icsc.org), the MECSC provides its members with unparalleled local and international business contacts. Facilitating members to grow their business through retail industry education, business development, conferencing and networking opportunities. The MECSC covers memberships throughout the MENA region and globally through the ICSC.

Web:http://www.mecsc.org / FB: http://www.facebook.com/MECSC.org

Twitter: @MECSC.org/LinkedIn: MECSC/ Instagram: MECSC/ Pinterest: MECSC

For information about the MECSC, please contact Lea Venezuela:

Email: lea@mecsc.org  phone +971 4 359 7909

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & PR – Email: zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com – 052 – 765 55255

Parent & Teacher Workshop to be held on Wednesday 10^th of October at 6:30pm at The Ballet Centre Dubai

The Ballet Centre Dubai opens its door for a unique workshop designed for parents to understand the foundation of Ballet; this is a Free event conceptualized by The Ballet Centre team to offer guidance and insight to parents. The session is scheduled of Wednesday 10^th of October at the Ballet Centre starting at 6:30pm onwards.

The session will be conducted by Ballet Teacher Bridget Davidson who is certified from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) she teaches Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz for children and adults along with RAD certified ballet teacher Tina Crane.

“The idea is to allow parents to gain a better understanding of Ballet; including the benefits of this dance form which is not just physical but also affects on the child’s mental well being & development.” explains Bridget

The workshop is open to all parents wanting to learn about Ballet, to register for the Free workshop on Wednesday 10^th of October, please rsvp on balletct@eim.ae / +971561188431.

Event Details: –

Venue: The Ballet Centre Dubai (Jumeria 1)

Event: Parent & Teacher Workshop about Ballet

Date: Wednesday 10^th of October 2018

Timing: 6:30pm onwards

Entry: FREE

RSVP: balletct@eim.ae / +971561188431

The Ballet Centre: Web: http://www.balletcentredubai.com; FB & Insta: theballetcentre (dance school)

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W events & pr – Email: zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com – 052 – 765 55255

 “The Comeback” – a Solo Art Exhibition by Afshan Quraishi from 2^nd of October till 30^th of December 2018 at Bourn Hall Fertility Centre in Dubai

On 2^nd of October Bourn Hall Fertility Centre will open its space to showcase the artworks of the inspiring artist Afshan Quraishi,titled “The Comeback”, as the title suggests, Afshan’s work will depict her journey of growth through perseverance and positive energy. The show will be graciously inaugurated by Sandi Saksena, who is on the advisory board of the CEO Clubs’s Business Women’s Division, and will be followed by an interactive self-healing session by the Bourn Hall Fertility Centre’s Coach & Counselor, Priyanka Bhatia.

Afshan Quraishi – Artist says, “I had a very enriched childhood, with my mother a poetess and my father a sportsman, their marriage was truly one of creativity and discipline, and ultimately influenced my passion for the arts. Since my youth, I was encouraged and mentored by Azeez Azmi, the founder of The Fine Arts Society in Kurnool, India, and I thrived as an artist under his guidance. My career ended once I got married and moved to Dubai, but the joy of motherhood filled my life, until, with a blink of an eye, both my children became adults and moved away. This left me feeling lonely and lost, I missed my children. So I began drawing sketches of them, which steadily grew to me seeing the world again through the Artist’s eyes –everything was alive, everything became inspiring. I started capturing them on canvases and before I knew it, the pain transformed into painting, and I found myself again”

The Art exhibition is jointly organized by Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) and Bourn Hall Fertility Centre in Dubai in an effort to promote talented artists in the region while offering a soothing and meaningful environment for patients at the fertility centre in Dubai. The show opens on the 2^nd of October at 7:00pm, inaugurated by Sandi Saksena with an interactive discussion about empowerment and overcoming adversity. Followed by an art tour of  Afshan Quraishi’sworks. The evening will conclude with an engaging session on self healing by Fertility Coach & Counselor Priyanka Bhatia who will provide attendees with recovery tips that improve their wellness, and motivate them to reach their full potential.
“You will always have ups and downs in your life; things are in constant motion all around you. There is no way to escape change. Instead, you must learn to adapt to the change that comes.  To be the one to enact the change that you need… to refine who you are, and to make a comeback” explains Priyanka Bhatia

“I believe strongly that Art shapes our World both internally and externally. Art & culture are very important aspects of every one’s life. In fact, many people grow to be the people they are based upon the creative culture they are exposed to as children. Being able to express through art means that you are truly able to express who you are deep down. Creative minds are innovative minds.” says Afshan Quraishi

The showcase will run from the 2^nd of October till the 30^th of December at the Bourn Hall Fertility Centre in Dubai.

All of the works will be for sale, making it an ideal opportunity to purchase original artwork at reasonable prices.

Event Details: –

Venue:  Bourn Hall Fertility Centre (7^th Floor, Block C, Al Hudaiba Awards Building, 2^nd December Street, Jumeirah 1)

Event: Art Exhibition by Afshan Quraishi

Opening Reception: Tuesday 2^nd of October

Opening timing: 7:00pm onwards

Exhibition Dates: 2^nd of October till 30^th of December 2018

RSVP:  zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com /cathryn.mamie@bournhall-clinic.com

For more press information, please contact: Zareen Khan – W2W Events & PR – Email: zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com – 052 – 765 55255

Fununarts a non profit organization for Artists unite to support Kerala flood victims on 20^th  – 22^nd of September at Flora Hotel in Barsha

Fununarts a non profit organization for Artists unite to exhibit and support the Kerala flood victims through Art. “Together We Can” is a group exhibition from 20^th till 22^nd of September at the Ghinwa Restaurant at the Flora Hotel in Al Barsha. The show is open to public and welcomes art lovers and artists alike to visit the show. The show will be inaugurated by Mr. Yasser Al Gergawi, Director of Cultural Events, Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development on the opening this Thursday 20^th of September at 7:00pm.

“Together We Can – is a joint effort of my sister Farah Khan and myself, we want to offer hope and a ray of light to those who have lost so much in the recent floods in Kerala. We believe that coming together is the beginning, keeping together is the progress and working together is success” says Co-Founder of Fununarts – Shiba Khan

The show includes Indian artists, Shiba Khan, Noor, Farah Khan, Afshan Quraishi, Yuvika Garg, Sonu Sultania, Saima Hasan, Jesno Rengi, Kavita Sriram, Varsha Surekha, Pari Sagar, Sunita Vasant, Ahsan Khan, Sapna Jain, Jyoti Sethi, Anjani Prakash Laitu & Shikha Gupta; along with Pakistani artists Maria Faridi & Habiba Mughal and Egyptian Artists Samar Kamel, Noura Mostafa & Zeinab Yehya; the show also showcases works of Scottish artist Elizabeth Bruce, Canadian artist Maya Esta, Jordanian artist Fayzeh Haddad, Filipino artist Joel Borja and last but not the least, representing UAE is local artist Ahmed Rukni.

Event Date: 20^th till 22^nd of September

Opening Night: 7pm onwards on Thursday 20^th of September

Venue: Ghinwa Restaurant – Flora Hotel – Al Barsha

RSVP: fununarts@gmail.com

 For more details on PR please contact Zareen Khan on 052 7655525, zareen.w2w.pr@gmail.com