The Cultural Office of HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum launches inaugural cultural Majlis under the theme of ‘Art for a Cause'

Annual Ramadan Majlis brings prominent figures together to discuss the importance of arts and culture to the UAE community

Dubai, UAE, June 30, 2016:  The Cultural Office of HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, recently hosted the first in a newly-launched annual Ramadan Majlis series at Dubai Ladies Club. The inaugural edition of ‘The Cultural Office Ramadan Majlis’ brought together prominent figures and thought leaders in a dialogue entitled ‘Art for a Cause’, which was led by Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation.

The Majlis was attended by guest of honour HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the H.H Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation, along with Ali Bin Thalith, Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), HE Tayeb Al Rais, Secretary General of Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Shamsa Saleh, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment.

As part of this first edition, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi led an informative talk about the impact of art in the charity sector, and participants engaged in a question and answer session. Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s talk focused on the many ways art is utilised in the charity sector, analysing the use of art in fundraising through charity auctions and art sales, its application in healthcare through art therapy, and work to change public opinion through cause marketing.

The ‘Art for a Cause’ edition of the Majlis continues The Cultural Office’s ongoing work to launch and support philanthropic initiatives, such as the ‘Selah Art Program’. The year-long initiative, designed to help children communicate their emotions using artistic expression, concluded this month, culminating in a successful exhibition of the children’s artworks at Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, which were also on display during the Majlis.

A new annual initiative, The Cultural Office Ramadan Majlis, will take place each Ramadan under a different theme, to develop dialogue around art and culture and its importance in the UAE.

Mona Bin Kalli, Director of The Cultural Office of HH Sheikha Manal, said: “We were delighted to launch this new Cultural Office Ramadan Majlis initiative with our inspiring ‘Art for a Cause’ session, which reflects Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s personal belief in and ongoing work to support charitable causes. As highlighted by our talented speaker, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, art has a vital role to play in the way that charitable organisations educate the public and work with their beneficiaries. The Cultural Office Ramadan Majlis will provide a key platform for influential figures to come together each year and embrace as well as support the development of the arts by actively participating, and exchanging their opinions and ideas. We will be hosting this event on an annual basis to uncover new perspectives and insights, which will help to foster and nurture the UAE’s ongoing cultural growth.”

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, said: “The Ramadan Majlis initiative is a welcome blend between the vibrant art and culture scene in Dubai and the spirituality of the holy month. I would like to thank the Cultural Office of Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in highlighting the importance of giving to humanitarian causes not only in Ramadan but around the year. This event brings together those interested in art and philanthropy and the community at large in the pursuit of the exchange of knowledge.”