October 16-31, 2010 Free ISSUE ENTERTAINMENT
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VOLUME18 | November 1-15 | 2010
FROM THE EDITOR Hello Abu Dhabi, Its been a busy few weeks in Abu Dhabi with just too many events vying for our attention. But underneath all the glitzy layers of Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabwood, and Formula One buzz there were many interesting learnings. First there’s miss Uma Thurman who chatted with press and young aspiring film makers. Don’t let the svelte form and the dashing smiling fool you, the lady has a brain that has shaped every tiny step of her career. Daughter of a celebrated author, Uma dropped out of school and started acting in her teens. I reckon the only way you can do this is if you have a super high IQ, a voracious appetite for reading and continuous learning, and fiery ambition to keep you going.
ENTERTAINMENT
Another great piece of learning dished out during the film festival is cultural diversity. Watching foreign movies should definitely be prescribed to everyone who lives in a multicultural society (all of us) and interacts with people from diverse cultures (all of us). And that’s simply because movies let you into lives, situations and psyches in a way that comes close only to reading a book, or living the actually reality. It aligns your mental goal posts and gifts you that wonderful quality we call empathy. On a humorous note, the film festival also teaches that accuracy IS important. Case in point the spectacular Chinese detective movie “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame set in the capital city of ancient Tang Dynasty in 690 AD. In one of the subtitles there is an angry exchange where you expect a translation in run something like “desist you disgraceful infidel!” but instead the English subtitle read “stop, you stupid dork” (something like that). Word of wisdom: if you’re a director of an an epic move and your name is Tsui Hark, refrain from using teenage translators and google translate. (No offense to teenagers or to google translate).
9 THE INTERVIEW
Get outdoors and enjoy our capital’s fabulous calendar of choices...
4 USPACE 6 what’s hot 8 beat with elle
10 TECH TALK 12 VIEW POINT
FASHION 13 MY STYLE BLUE PRINT 14 SOCIAL NET
FOOD 15 CITY BITES
editorial@abudhabitempo.com
LIFESTYLE 16 PEOPLE CALENDAR
Editor
Magazine Design Praveen prabhakaran
Sana Bagersh features editor alma kadragic EDITORIAL coordinator ElLAINE FATIMA
Editorial Contributors Randy parker DIPTI BHATIA
Web Design Rizwan pERvaiz
Sithara sethumadhavan Lynette mcmillan
Marketing Coordinator Manjul Abhishek Production Coordinator Rizwana Shahid
Address
neena rai ZIAD ABDUL SAMAD
18 PEOPLE METER 19 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 20 TIME CAPSULE 22 TAMAKKAN
raquel velarde
23 MY ABU DHABI
Distribution coordinator melaku muluneh
24 YAS ISLAND
To reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: editorial@abudhabitempo.com If you need to find out where you can pick up your copy call: 02 6673349 or check out the list of Tempo distribution points on our website. Note to Advertisers: Advertisers can request brand tagging with all advertisements. To reach advertising call 02 6673349 or email: advertising@abudhabitempo.com
Disclaimer:
Tempo is a publication of BrandMoxie. Although Tempo Magazine does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.
ARTS 26 ARTICULATE 27 YANK IN SANDLAND 28 EMERGING TALENT PART 2 30 HOROSCOPE
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SPACE Hello Tempo I am writing this email as soon as I finished reading the latest edition of Tempo, right from the first page till the end. I wonder, have I ever done this with any other magazine till date? Not really! While loitering around in a mall, I saw piles of your magazine in a rack and just picked up one, along with a few other magazines. And today morning, after putting my baby to sleep, I was just browsing through all the stuff that I picked up yesterday. Believe me, as soon as I opened Tempo and read the very first note ‘From the Editor’, regarding the Think Pink campaign, something caught my attention in the way it was written and I kept on turning page after page till I reached the very last section ‘Fun Page.’ And not for a moment did I get distracted into doing anything else. Immediately after that, I turned on my laptop, joined your Facebook page and am writing this mail. I particularly enjoyed “What is your Facebook policy”, “Beat with Elle”, “My Style Blueprint”,
“People Meter”, “Social Net”, “Emerging Talent” and so on and so on.....okay everything in the magazine kept me glued to my seat. Keep up the good work guys! Can’t wait to get to the end of the month so that I can get my hands on the next issue soon. By the way the article on the Part Time Jobs ‘social net’ profile was really helpful. In fact I have already gone in and joined the group. I am a stay-at-home mom with a 1-year old daughter to take care of. I was working full-time before I had my baby, but now, I don’t intend going out to work till the time my baby starts school. Are there any work-from home options, here in Abu Dhabi, for people like me? If so, I would look forward to something regarding the same on the next issue of Tempo. The way I am stuck to Tempo today (on FB, website and the magazine itself), even a stay-at-home job option with Tempo would do ;)
October 16-31, 2010 Free ISSUe ENTERTAINMENT
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Cheers and get the next one out soon!!
Sindhu Hariharan
say
Diwali ON NOVEMBER 5
by Lily Kapoor
I want to tell you about my India experience of Diwali or Deepawali (Sanskrit: Deepa = light; Awali = row) also known as the ‘festival of lights’ occurs on Amavasya (no moon day) of Krishna Paksha (black fortnight) of Kartik month of Hindu lunar calendar. It is a five day festival, each with its own legend. On the first day (Dhan Teras), we would go to the market for Diwali shopping and buy clay idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), clay lamps, fireworks, and gifts for friends and relatives. It is also auspicious to buy precious metals either gold or silver on this day. Next day on Narka Chaturdashi, I would thoroughly clean my house, do floral decoration, make colourful Rangoli (colourful patterns) and foot prints of goddess Lakshmi. Everyone would take a customary oil bath on this day and, in the evening the house would be lit with colourful electrical lamps and clay lamps. On the Diwali day itself, I would cook elaborate lunch and prepare special sweets such as Gujhiya and Ladoo. We all wear new clothes and perform Lakshmi Pooja and children burst crackers and light fireworks. We would also drive around our city to see the decoration of other houses and markets and would then go to meet our friends and relatives and have dinner with them and play cards. This will be my first Diwali in Abu Dhabi after coming here from India three months ago. I am eagerly awaiting celebrating Diwali with my Hindu friends and those from all other communities on 5th November. I would do even more shopping here than in India but will miss my brother, especially on the last day of Diwali which is Bhai Duj, festival of brother and sister.
TWITTER & FACEBOOK QUOTES Artist Laurel Moore- What a wonderful article Ellaine. It’s a measure of your great questions I think too! Wonderful design too. Bravo!! 4
Kulsoom Zakir love the emerging talent section!!!
Mark Mungkey Vicente omg, im really there... wow! Abu Dhabi Tempo! = \m/
Ka Boo Thx Abu Dhabi Tempo Magazine for the interview, Specially for Cinderella Elle ;) Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
By ELLAINE FATIMA
SPACE
Winning isn’t everything... It’s the experience that’s more rewarding (or so they say) Aabharan Jewellery organizes a yearly competition entitled ”Dancing Bird Designer Contest” which is a unique opportunity for creative people to participate and showcase their innovative skills, whether they are amateur or professional. This year’s event began on the 6 May and ended on 17 October at the Raddison Blu Hotel, Dubai. I was a fresh graduate and had returned back to my homeland Abu Dhabi, when my Mum shoved something into my hands a week after I arrived and said: “You must enter this.” My response: “And do what Ma?” She answers: “Don’t you want Abu Dhabi to know of your talent?” My mum has been pushing me to join contests ever since I was a kid....beauty pageants, karaoke and whatnots! At least I could get a crash course on jewellery design for free. Being someone who loves design, I did know a thing or two about jewellery designing. The theme was “Celebrate a moment”. Each person had to come up with four designs. I sketched my four and submitted them by 10:30 pm on the deadline date. (I work best under pressure!!) Three days later I received a call… I was shortlisted to final 12 out of 215 contestants. What luck! They called me over to Dubai, to discuss the chosen design which was the Moonstone’s Birthday inspired by René Lalique, which is an abstract gold flower embellished with moonstones. I was thrilled to be shortlisted to final six, receiving my free crash course, and publicity on a full page ad in the tabloids. But I didn’t win because of feasibility issues – my design required more gold since they were bold and big. However, during the awarding, eight out of 25 tables knew my design without personally knowing me, and approached me offering me this and that as well as complimenting me. ..Talking about compliments, Jasbir a known fashion designer (a judge that night) complimented the hand me down dress and Pucci-like shoes I wore that night. So what, I didn’t win but, the experience, the compliments, the offers, the great networking I made were way more rewarding. There’s always next year.. heads up Aabharan, my design is going to be epic!
Ellaine with Seema Shetty , Executive Director of the Dancing Bird competition
Shayma Mani took the “Abu Dhabi Quiz” Challenge 1. Abu Dhabi is the only city that has a hospital for which species? Falcon
WEL OW L H
2. What does Abu Dhabi mean? Father of the Gazelle
4. What is the name of the Museum that is on Saadiyat Island? Manarat Al Saadiyat
Shayma works at the Fairmont Hotel
5. What are the five iconic cultural developments built on Saadiyat Island? Guggenheim, Louvre, Zayed National Museum, Performing Arts Center.... (You’re missing the Maritime Museum)
Vot e
Or vote through your phone
A. Jonas Brothers C. Guns N’ Roses D. Creamfields
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the q
Interested in taking the Abu Dhabi Quiz Challenge? Write to ellaine@abudhabitempo.com
Vote D The event of the Formula 1 you are looking foward to:
Which concert are you excited about? B. Nelly Furtado
do you know your
ABU DHABI Ta
3. What fort in Al Ain houses a permanent exhibition devoted to Wilfred Thesiger, who is also known as Mubarak Bin London? I don’t know (Right answer: Al Jahili Fort)
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Live on Corniche Live on Yas Island The actual race
70.83 % 16.67 % 12.50 %
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What’s HOT Grand Millennium Al Wahda second Millennium Hotels and Resorts opens their Abu in property and their first Grand Millennium Al nnium Mille Dhabi with the launch of the Grand rising comp s Wahda this November, with 850 room spacious 585 contemporary hotel rooms and 265 only is it Not i. residences, in the heart of Abu Dhab to the Al ent the largest hotel, centrally located adjac Club, it ts Spor Wahda Shopping Mall and Al Wahda with a city the also boasts the largest health club in gym rsized supe 2700 sqm spa, swimming pool and a ic aerob m equipped with top-of-the-line Technogy iple mult as and weight training machines, as well national dining areas for authentic and diverse inter Grill and Bar cuisines... from the Porterhouse Blues bello Porto and the Asian restaurant Toshi to the Italian eatery for all-day dining.
Fourth International Date Palm Festival 2010 22- 27 November, ADNEC The fourth edition of the International Date Palm Festival will take place at ADNEC where there will be different variations of tribal dance and poetry, promoting date cuisine offering recipe ideas, healthy tips and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the date palm. In addition, the event will feature scientific journals, specialized film shows and an expressive art and photography exhibition. The festival will also identify rare varieties of the dates, modern techniques in date cultivation and farming methods, as well as the landscape of local and international date marketing. As a special feature to involve the public, the date palm festival will celebrate the rich culture and national heritage of the country by featuring a photography competition. Photographers from across the country are eligible to participate. The photographs should focus on exploring the culture, traditions and customs of the land in all areas (deadline: 15 November, 2010). The festival also invites the public to submit their favourite recipes of sweet or savoury dishes made up of date fruit. Live cooking stations will be set up at the cooking demonstration area in the festival. The winners will have the chance to cook the dish live for the crowd before celebrity chefs.
Visit the date palm festival on your mobile phone.
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Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
Discover Ireland through the viewfinder Tourism Ireland is inviting students in Abu Dhabi to participate in a one month long photography competition. The competition, designed to capture the imagination of students in the UAE and encourage them to explore both popular and traditional culture in Ireland, invites budding photographers to draw inspiration from one of three themes highlighting a cherished national treasure – music, dancing, and poetry. Entries will be judged on creativity, composition, and interpretation of the subject, and students can enter photographs inspired by any of the themes, or even one photograph per theme. The top prize is a trip to Ireland with flights and hotels for the family (up to five people), giving the winner a chance to see all the top Irish attractions through the viewfinder of their camera. The competition closing date is 28 November 2010, and shortlisted entrants will be notified by email/phone in the following week. Full competition details can be found on the website: www.discoverireland.ae/photo.
Mubadala Sponsors Abu Dhabi World Tennis Championship Mubadala announced their title sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi World Tennis Championship, bringing together six of the world’s top men’s players in a three day competition at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City. Mubadala Tennis in Schools is a grassroots mini tennis programme which aims to introduce 7-12 year olds to the game. Twenty-five English and Arabic schools from across Abu Dhabi and Dubai will each receive free tennis equipment and instruction from professional coaches between now and the end of the year. The organisers say that the most promising players will be selected to play in exhibition games at Zayed Sports City’s Center Court during the Championship’s intervals. The Mubadala Community Cup will pit amateur tennis players from across the UAE against each other. Contenders from five age groups will compete for a chance to take part in a tennis clinic with one of the Championship’s six players.
ART OF RACING GALLERIA 1-14 NovEmber, Ghaf Gallery Ghaf Gallery organises the Art of Racing Galleria, an inspiring exhibition of thirteen international artists, who create their masterpieces using a variety of innovative mediums. The theme focus is Formula 1 racing. Entrance is free and visitors are invited to explore the idea of the motorsport not only as a spectator sport, but also as an artistic and interactive medium with images, video footage and sculptures using mechanical motor parts, remote control cars and a full-sized McLaren Mercedes. Visitor timings: Saturday - Friday 9am-1pm and 5pm-9pm.
The Abu Dhabi International Photographic Society Workshop 9-10 November, ADACH The Abu Dhabi International Photographic Society (ADIPS) will hold two workshops that will examine the work of two renowned photographers and will be held at Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) atelier. The first workshop, entitled “Introduction to Studio Lighting” will be held by the US photographer Bobbi Lane. The Bulgarian photographer David Nightingale will hold the second workshop, entitled “Photoshop and print related”. The workshop will also emphasize the tools needed to provide basic lighting techniques, and it teaches that “light, and its correct application, can set the mood, form and texture and pave the way for the core of the subject to shine.” 7
By Ellaine Fatima
BEAT WITH ELle
DJ Shaf Raisi is a simple, easy going, highly motivated person who is passionate about life and his ambitions. Born and bred in Al Ain, DJ Shaf Raisi calls Abu Dhabi home and is one of the circuit's most indemand DJs. He talks to Tempo about how stoked he is to be playing at the Formula 1 this year.
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TEMPO: How did you get your name and when did you start DJing?
We have a music chemistry which clicks all the time when we get together.
• Formula1 theme parties in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
I got my name "SHAF" from my best friend Aicha Diop and added my last name "RAISI" to it. I started in 2002, took a break in 2006 and jumped back in, in 2008 after getting into production and started making my own tracks.
TEMPO: What is your opening track?
• Raisani Parties in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Mykonos
TEMPO: Who inspired you to start DJing?
Adnan Balushi and I wanted to start the Formula1 event with something big and unique! So we produced a track together called “ONE DREAM” especially for Formula1. If I may explain the track in two words, it will be loud and fast. You can listen to it on soundcloud.com/shafraisi
My elder brother – Haneef Raisani TEMPO: Who have you worked with?
TEMPO: What was the most recent thing you were proud of?
• New Year’s party in NewZealand TEMPO: Ready for quick hits? Shoot TEMPO: What's your current Last SONG Syndrome (LSS)? ONE DREAM – Shaf Raisi and Adnan Balushi
The list is big, but just to name a few: Haneef Raisani (Raisani Records, Dubai), Victor Simonelli (West Side Records, New York), DJ Antoine (House Works, Switzerland), Lenny Fontana (New York), Adnan Balushi (Auckland), Oscar P (Miami), Humaid Al Amri (Radio 1), Simon B (Radio1 DJ) and others TEMPO: A little birdie bragged that you'd be performing for the F1 with Adnan Balushi. How excited are you? What are we going to expect on that day?
Being selected as one of the HOT 50 Bachelors in the UAE by VIVA Magazine TEMPO: Where have you performed and what’s the one place you love to perform? I have performed in many events like Redbull take off party, Raisani - Ibiza, Mykonos and Miami, Bar None-New Zealand, Formula1 Abu Dhabi, Sho Cho’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Cubes Club to name a few. TEMPO: What is the equipment you use?
I am very excited to perform for the entire Formula1 Abu Dhabi Grand-Prix crowd in the circuit. It is the biggest event of the year in the Middle East. I am preparing special sets for all the three F1 days. My Music will give the crowd an adrenaline rush to enjoy the race. I love working with Adnan Balushi.
TEMPO: At Karaoke you would sing? Sean Paul – Get Busy TEMPO: List the albums/ songs that you would want to play on your funeral? I would play my latest single “Blackout”. The name matches the occasion (haha) TEMPO: The song that makes you move: ONE by Swedish House Mafia
CDJ 2000 Pioneer, tractor and Ableton TEMPO: State your event calendar for this year
Listen to One Dream on your mobile phone
• Formula1 Event at Yas Marina Circuit
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
By Dipti Bhatia
THE INTERVIEW
Zubin Shroff, a recognized photographer who works at “Cosmopolitan” magazine gave a presentation in Abu Dhabi recently on how cultures and people connect across place, space and ethnics boundaries. He took time off to discuss his art with Tempo…
Zubin Shroff’s ‘The Cosmopolitans’ describes his striking new collection of 78 portraits from six continents; a multi-cultural study of what it means to be a part of a fast paced global village at a time when “globalization” is making the world a smaller place. ‘Photography has been my passion since childhood, but Cosmopolitan gave me a platform to showcase my work.” The photographer is recognized for his work on capturing people and emotions. Being a people photographer he said that he always tries to make sure that he focuses on the emotional impact of the image. He believes that the hardest thing about photography is to find the subject expressing the right emotion at the right time.“ I want people to understand the depth of my photographs and the emotions involved in them” he said. “I remember once waiting for more than two hours on the street, just to find the right person to be captured in my camera” said Zubin.
“I remember once waiting for more than two hours on the street, just to find the right person to be captured in my camera.”
His large-scale formal portraits feature a cast of global citizens from six continents. The portraits include Shroff’s family and friends alongside pilgrims, artists, construction workers, and actors from both Bollywood and Hollywood. He also includes his own self-portrait in which he presents himself as both the author of the work and as a denizen of the changing world he is depicting. Shroff describes the stories behind his images in the voice of an ardent environmentalist, with the passion of an artist dedicated to his vision. ”I don’t believe in specific backgrounds for my subjects. The more natural the settings are, the more impact it carries”, said Zubin. Zubin says that his favorite portrait was created more than a decade ago, where he captured the breathtaking sunrise that made him aware of his own transition into a mature world.
See more of Zubin’s work:
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By Shahid Saeed
TechTalk ‘AquaPad’ controls robot dive buddy You would baulk at the idea of getting an iPad wet, but a new tablet computer has now been designed to work deep under the sea – not just to allow divers to check email, but so that they can communicate with underwater robots working in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations, such as the inside of shipwrecks or caves in coral reefs. Michael Jenkin and Bart Verzijlenberg, engineers at York University in Toronto, Canada, have created an underwater casing for tablet computers so that divers can control underwater robots. Motion sensors detect when the waterproofed computer is tilted, and instruct the robot to move in the same direction.
Today Playstation Move, tomorrow Playstation Mind? You’re running through an abandoned laboratory when suddenly a zombie leaps out at you from behind a door. With one quick flick of your wrist you slash the zombie with your virtual knife, and then you stare at the screen and use your thoughts alone to will a cabinet to fall on top of him. This kind of video gaming isn’t quite here yet, but it’s round the corner. Sony’s new highly sensitive motion-sensing controller, the Playstation Move, launched in September, 2010 is one of a series of devices in the pipeline that promises much more immersive gaming than is possible on today’s consoles.
How ‘Google Instant’ knows what you want If you’ve ever stared at the search box trying to remember the name of that band your cousin mentioned the other day, Google can now help by completing your thought for you. Google Instant, which launched in September this year, takes autocomplete to an extreme. As you type, possible completions of your query appear in the search box, followed by full potential search results for the search Google thinks you want to make. The old style of auto-complete still required you to select from among a number of candidates in a drop-down box. That function is still there, it’s just augmented with actual search results before you’re done typing. 10
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
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By Lynette McMillan
View point ain’t nothing wrong with aging! Let’s be honest. If we don’t die today, we’ll be older tomorrow. I love to just sit somewhere and observe people. They fascinate me. It is amazing what one sees in the way people walk, talk, shop or the way they look at others. Having just come through summer and been rather bored most week-ends, I did that quite often, somewhere in an aisle or a restaurant. What is most obvious to me is how many older people are trying very hard to look young, or at least a little younger. How hardly anybody appreciate it; being blessed with age. Every day added to our lives, is in fact a blessing. Before I came to live here I was involved in jewellery design and manufacturing. Often one of my more mature clients would remark on old age showing on her hands or neck, as we fitted a ring or a necklace for her. My reply to her would be, “If you can still use your hands, why are you complaining? Don’t you know it’s a privilege to get older? It is the unfortunate ones who died young.” What I wanted to add but didn’t, was that they went to the grave with a smooth neck and hands. What a waste. Of course we all try to keep looking young for as long as possible. I myself have many little tubes and bottles, with all kinds of potions and lotions. These are supposed to prevent wrinkles, remove bags under
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the eyes or skin blotches. I have even tried to get hubby to use an eye cream to get rid of the dark rings and puffiness under his eyes. That didn’t last long. Most men are just not troubled by age showing. This cream to lift the skin under your chin, that cream to smooth the small lines next to your eyes; this cream to prevent skin discoloration, that cream to firm the neck; another to regenerate skin cells... it’s never ending and very expensive, I’m telling you. All in the name of skin care, but the truth is, we’re trying to look younger than we really are. Let me get back to the people I ogled. There was the elderly lady with her skintight jeans and short t-shirt, moulded onto her curvy body. I say ‘curvy,’ as a kinder word for ‘rather over weight.’ To complete the outfit, a pair of very high and very blingy sandals. I asked myself “what was she thinking when she adorned that outfit and doesn’t she have a mirror at home, for crying out loud?” Then I realised she knows what she looks like, because she watches herself in every shiny shop front. I see another person wearing a golf shirt and shorts above the knee. Now please, old knees are just plain ugly and nobody should have to
see them. The third person I see has make-up laid so thick she probably needs heavy machinery to remove it at night. Or perhaps she manages to do the job weekly, as it must take a couple of hours to get it done. Let’s be honest. If we don’t die today, we’ll be older tomorrow. Taking care of the body is important and we all should. More important is what I fill my heart and mind with. With age, comes experience and wisdom, something money can not buy. How much experience depends on how much you are willing to do or get done. How much wisdom depends on how much you are willing to learn and how teachable you are. Getting older, brings a lot of freedom and you grow wiser at the same time. I say, celebrate age...or suffer in silence!
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
Photos by Ellaine Fatima
MY STYLE BLUE PRINT
We met with stylista Karima Santiago at The Abu Dhabi Film Festival who stopped to pose for us and talk the finer points of fashion...
Karima Hussein Santiago Profession: Teacher Nationality: Yemeni/ Turkish Describe your personal style in less than 10 words: Depends on my mood, although very colourful and festive. Favorite buy of the past month: I am a very simple person, not much into designer wear. But I recall purchasing a cute skirt from River Island, Dubai. Which are your favorite stores in AD? Mango, Zara, River Island. Does Abu Dhabi have style? Yes, it’s definitely one of the developed ‘fashion countries’, so style plays an important role. And local women here cover themselves up in beautifully designed abayas and hijabs.
Earrings from Turkey
Karima’s must haves Cork wedged shoes from the Dune Summer Collection
Necklace from Turkey
Versace bag 13
By RAQUEL VELARDE
SOCIAL NET
THrough the thOROUGHFAREs VERBATIM FROM RAQUEL’S BLOG: riggsquel.blogspot.com
“Living in Abu Dhabi for over a year proved to be worth the exodus we had from the comfort zone we maintained in our native land. Of course, this excludes the longing for friends and loved ones we left there <sigh>. Despite the extreme hot weather condition, anyone can get by with the discomfort because of the air conditioned places everywhere, 24/7 a day. Aside from that, there’s this feeling of security anywhere you go. You can walk through the skirts of Abu Dhabi without any worries that someone may grab you or any of your belongings. Safe and Sound could very well describe the atmosphere. people preferring having long walks in reaching their destination.
This is why you often find that our family loves to go places even when there’s really no purpose in doing so. We love doing things all together. Recently, my husband decided to start biking to get fit. Biking, brisk walking and anything you can think of to relax means the Corniche. And to adhere to the head of the family’s purpose, the rest of us joined him in his endeavor-- by walking. Taking long walks in Abu Dhabi is but natural....the one dilemma we are having is the sidewalk accessibility to people with toddlers or babies in strollers/buggy/baby carriage. What’s so amazing here is that, there are pavements that have ramps going up. But upon reaching the end of the pavement, voila!..there’s no way how you can get off your baby carriage with ease. Whatever happened to the engineering designs here? Who’s in charge of the public works and highways that let those road designs pass this quality? Everything would have been so perfect hadn’t the sidewalks been designed that way. Good thing here is that there are no disabled people going on their own in their wheel chairs, otherwise they would really be having a lot of trouble getting through to their destination. You imagine underpasses with access ramps but before you can reach the ramps, you have to work out how you can get your wheel chair up the stone curb...whew! I’m just trying to think out loud hoping that concerned authorities could do something about this enigma. But for the meantime we just have to settle into the great obstacle course to reach the Corniche as our toddlers endure the ‘wigglewaggle’ through the thoroughfares of Abu Dhabi. Cheers!
”
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Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
By Sithara Sethumadhavan and Dipti Bhatia
CITYBITES
Fusion food! Far eastern food can be found in niche pricey hotels as well as in the local supermarkets as ready to eat packs. Tempo on its usual search for good food, ended up in Wockano (One to One Hotels). The options we were
for choice I settled for a bowl of spicy Thai prawn and mushroom soup followed with chicken satay in peanut sauce for starters. Though I had to wait long for a sweet lemonade, when it came it was worth the wait. The soup cast its spell cast on me as soon as it was served on my table. It was aromatically spicy, waking up my taste buds and getting me into a feasting mood...and when the grilled marinated chicken strips with dipped in peanut sauce made it straight to my table one bite of the juicy meat sent me wandering through the streets of Thailand. As my table was cleared with the soup bowl and starters I realized that life could not get any better, because it didn’t for me. I waited the chili chicken fried rice to be served as my main course, it took too long to come, and when it did finally arrive it was no match for the starters. But the vanilla tempuras were a decent finale as I conjured back my delicious dream of Thailand....I may not go back for the rice, but I would definitely return for everything else.
presented with were Japanese, Chinese and Thai food with each cuisine in a leaf of the menu. Although I was spoilt
Wockano is quite pricy (around Dh 300, with drinks, for two people). It is located at the One to One Hotel.
Cheese Sticks and yummy pies! If you’re looking for satisfying cheap treats, try the delicious 100 percent pure mozzarella dipped cheese sticks at Papa John’s. It’s baked ‘til it’s bubbling and it has an irresistible flavour that’s quite addictive. These sticks taste even better when dipped in the ranch sauce. The mozzarella sticks are coated in a simple batter and are deep fried to golden perfection. The pizza at Papa John’s isn’t half bad either. The toppings are plentiful, from mouth watering fresh cut vegetables to meat toppings like green peppers, baby portabello mushroom, Jalapeno peppers, pepperoni, ham, spicy Italian sausage and more. If you’re like me and you love pepperoni, you can peel off the small thick pieces of meaty goodness and eat them separately as an appetizer. We left the restaurant content with a belly full of yummy pizza and cheese sticks. Papa John’s may not be for the gourmet pizza lover, but its great stuff for all of the rest of us who love the no-nonsense pie variety. The good thing is that cheesesticks are served free with the purchase of any large specialty pizza. Papa John’s can be found n the Khalidiyah Mall food court.
2
Zubin Shroff “Cosmopolitan” at Al Mamoura
Rizwan Tarmohamed
Dipti Bhatia
1
Briggett Velarde
PEOPLE CALENDAR 3
4
Abu Dha on Co
Cinema by the Sea (Grease 2)
Beauty, Sleeping Theatre l a n io at N
on the Corniche
Horse S Equ
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Savitha Rameshkumar
Ayman Bukair
8 Extreme Tricks & Stunts
Visit the F1 Fanzone, Corniche
Saira Aslam
(my Birthday too)
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Beats
Beats on the Corniche
istry an ADN EC
Holi day Sho and Tr w, A DNE C
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Date Palm Festival, ADNEC
Visit the RSTW at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Cooking & Photography Exhibit
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Photographed and sent in by Tempo reader Raju Alexis
World Green Tourism Conference, ADNEC
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End of month personal time out for rejuvenation and rebooting
24 Cha Powerb mpi o ons ats Wo hip on C rld orni che
Jona on
Rula Al Hinawy
Alma Kadragic
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Neena Rai
THE ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, BRANDING, DIGITAL MEDIA, STRATEGY, RESEARCH, EVENTS AND PUBLISHING EXPERTS Aerospace Week, ADNEC
on
Dent
International Jewellery/ Watch Show, ADNEC
Eid Al Adha Show, ADNEC
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Mark “Int eliminati again
MY NOVEMBER mantra:
• If I BELIEVE it, I can do it • If I can DREAM it, I can own it • If I can DARE it, I can win it • Life's battles are part of the journey • I grow STRONGER with every challen 16
i Art, Abu Dhab ce Pala es at ir Em Kavya Johnson
Raquel Velardde
Cornic h
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Shiekh Zayed Al Nahyan Cup, Equestrian Club
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Prince on Yas
e
Sugababes on Yas
Corrine Bailey Rae on Yas
and 4 battle Mighty p on Yas o worksh
Building Future Education MENA, 2010, ADNEC
Build your own Boat and Race @ City Marina Nelly Furtado Yas Island
27 Aicha Diop
Povashni Naidu
Soffia Diop
Kids Fun Zone on Yas
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tion nstra Demo k” on Yas t r A Live r Mar e you “Leav
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Hatim El Wafai
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Mark “International Children’s Day”
Iman Abu Omar
Ashin John
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as Brothers Yas Island
ternational da y ion of violence nst women”
Brittney Murphy Velarde
Kanye West and Gabrielle on Yas
rave l C
Linkin Park on Yas
Rozanne Vaz
nd S ight, C
nge
Custom aP Car- Corn edal iche
su Brazilian Jiu Jit e Demo, Cornich
DIWALI
ping Show Jum ub uestrian cl
Denny Kristiono
Robert Corley
Brazilian Pa rade, Corniche
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Louwell Aquino
ria abi Galle orniche
6
Ellaine Fatima
5
Rhea Mathew
Rizwana Shahid
November 2010
Beauty Vision Show, ADNEC Signage/ Imaging / Media Show, ADNEC
DO YOU LIKE OUR PEOPLE CALENDAR? Download the screen saver and wallpaper from our website: www.abudhabitempo.com DO YOU WANT TO BE A ‘DAY’ IN OUR DECEMBER CALENDAR? Do you have an event that wants to be featured? Do you want to share your mantra with us? Simply email us at: ellaine@abudhabitempo.com
PEOPLE METER People Meter is an offbeat way to learn more about our community and our people, all of whom come from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life.
The thing you most love about living in the UAE? The standard of living. Good paying jobs. The thing you most hate about living in the UAE? House rents Your biggest regret in life: Nothing Your happiest moment: When I got married to the love of my life Your most painful memory. Expectations of not having a baby You are given a million dirhams what are you most likely to do with it . Go back home to Ethiopia
Melaku Muluneh Nationality: Ethiopian Age: 36
The thing you most love about living in the UAE? The freedom given to me The thing you most hate about living in the UAE? Nothing as such !! Your biggest regret in life: Not making the best of Opportunities provided to me . Your happiest moment: When my parents accepted the guy that I wished to get married to :) Your most painful memory. Nothing as such You are given a million dirhams what are you most likely to do with it . Invest it wisely for my future You are having guests for dinner at your home. what are you likely to serve? Food !! lol!! butter chickeenn and naan *yum yum* hehe
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You are having guests for dinner at your home. what are you likely to serve? The best south African beverage with “tibs” (fried meat) Your favorite line from song?
Your favorite line from a movie? Eddie Jillette: I know the secret to happiness. “ From the movie “No Mercy” starring Richard Gere and Kim Basinger. I love romance movies What inspires you most in Abu Dhabi? How safe this country is. What is your pet peeve living in this city Car accidents on the highway If there was something you could improve about this place, what would it be? Basic commodities and rents should be cheap What do you think is the easiest way to get along with other cultures of Abu Dhabi? Learn, listen, communicate and respect !!
“No woman.. no cry” - Bob Marley is legend!
Your favorite line from a song or a movie? Main chahoon meri jaan tujhe bey penhaa frm jannat :) What inspires you most in Abu Dhabi? The variety of opportunities provided to the youth. What is your pet peeve living in this city? No idea of pet peeves If there was something you could improve about this place, what would it be? Try controlling the increasing cost !! Leaving everything else, the cost keeps increasing :S What according to you is the easiest way to get along with other cultures of Abu Dhabi? Go to events I believe!!
Swati Kanwar Nationality: Indian Age: 21
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
By Ziad Abdul Samad
Making a difference
A Chat with Boppy
Ziad Abdul Samad meets Bappy at his place of work. The 21 year old Bangladeshi has a bubbling personality that rises bigger than the limits of his daily life....
“They were honest about the salary. But they said we will be getting so much overtime that all our basic expenses can be met with that. Here, cleaners don’t get any overtime. There are too many cleaners.” “I get good food three times a day. I stay in accommodation with all facilities; water, AC, electricity. And I made some great friends. This is my destiny,” he adds after a pause. “I know I am smarter than most of the people around here and I can do their job as well as they can. But let me tell you a secret. If you want to be happy, don’t look at the people above you. Look always at those below you.” Over tea and microwaved croissants, Bappy tells me his supervisor here is not strict. He can take a month off as emergency leave anytime he wants. “But if somebody complains or we do something wrong, he deducts from our salary.” “Muhammad!” a cry rang out from outside the canteen. It was his favourite senior staff member in the office. Bappy returns with a grin. “It is time for his kahwa. He always says I make it just right.” Bappy’s smile lingered for a while. He often doubles up as a tea boy and has makes everything from cappuccino to Turkish coffee. Bappy grins, returning my salam with a barrage of one sided Arabic greetings.“I am Boppy Muhammad but call me Bappy. I am okay with English, Arabic or Hindi. Whatever you are comfortable in.” Apart from his linguistic abilities, Bappy can scan, fax, Xerox, type, format, and find his easily way around MS Office and the internet. And he claims to have dabbled in car mechanics, electrical fitting and lighting and a bit of marriage video production. But right now Bappy’s visa labels him as a cleaner and his job comprises mopping, wiping furniture and cleaning toilets. He lives in a camp in the middle of a desert, 50kms from Liwa and 200kms from Mussafah. “The recruitment agency in Dhaka told me the job was for a waiter in a five star hotel,” Bappy says, his lean frame barely fitting his worker gloves, safety boots and XL-size uniform. “Abu Dhabi is dreamland for us. Abu Dhabi is like London or Paris for us. I think the luckiest people are those who can have a home and family there. The highlight of our life is our monthly day off when we can leave the camp and take the shuttle bus to the city.” Two and a half years ago Bappy was just another youth who wanted to see the world. “I was a spoiled kid. My mother used to say I was so lazy I wouldn’t even lift a glass of water. The day I found out what my job really was, I cried. My family told me to come back immediately. But I didn’t.”
“I have been very fortunate to be able to work in this particular office. The people treat me like family. A few of them know its not my job making tea so they give tips sometimes.” A secretary calls out to Bappy to deliver some urgent documents. Bappy comes back, puts on his safety cap and sun shades, and arranges the files neatly in a basket on his cycle. As we return to his past, his eyes become transfixed at the window. “What will I do leaving here? Every few months I used to think of quitting. But now I never do. I am planning to but I want to save some money first. What will people think if I go home empty handed?” He quickly adds, “We are not poor you know. My dad has a car-rental business back home, my sister is planning to study medicine. I can basically spend all the money on myself. But now they are arranging my marriage. I have to send some money home for that.” Bappy gets a month’s leave along with money for air tickets every two years. He will be returning this year for the first time since coming to Abu Dhabi. Bappy plans to marry when he goes for leave and has said yes to a girl his family has found him. Although Bappy misses Bangladesh, he is not homesick anymore. Still, he looks forward to the day that he would return home to tell his family about all his adventures in Abu Dhabi. 19
TIME CAPSULE Kulsoom Zakir Age: 24 Nationality: Pakistani Profession : Engineer Motto: Never give up! The person who inspires you the most Dad. He inspires me to be a good human being.His kindness and thoughtfulness towards those in need of help, amazes me.
Five things you need for survival Diary: I get all sorts of ideas and epiphanies during the day, gotta jot them down to remember them all . Sketch Book - inspiration to sketch can strike at any time. My advice: Be prepared! Mp3 player: Sony says it best, “every moment has its music.” Food: Anyting deep fried or covered in chocolate.Yummy! Movies: I am an addict. Action , adventure, horror or comedy, doesn’t mattter, I love them all! People expect me to say things like laptop, ipad, mobile but I can soooo do without these gadgets disrupting my blissful existence.
If there is a place, hangout, café, mall or hotel that you feel at home- which place would that be? Zaatar w Zeit near Al Salam Etisalat. My sister and I hang out there often .
What car would like to own? Forget cars, I am more of a biker chick. I’d like to own a Harley!
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Tempo October 16 - 31, 2010
If given a chance to change your name… Would you? If so, What would it be? Remember the evil girl from The Ring movies? I really liked her name, Samara . Not Simra or Samra but S-A-M-A-R-A.
What item do you keep buying even though you have plenty? Shoes!!! You can never have enough . I love the freedom of going from oompa loompa to Nicole Kidman and back in seconds.
Your goal in life?
Come out the other end smiling. I want my grave stone to read “She lived” but it’ll most probably say,”Did you find my wallet?”
What are 3 things that today has taught you that you can improve on tomorrow?
List the albums/ songs that you would want to play on your funeral . Anything by Goo Goo Dolls. Especially, Iris or Better Days. And if they forget the CD then they can have a dance party instead. I don’t want people to be too upset about death . It’s a part of life, it happens.Besides, you know what people never forget? Dance parties! What is your idea of a perfect weekend? Barbeque with family and friends at Jabel Hafeet and if no one is free to travel to Al Ain then a ‘spa-day Friday’ al ways cheers me up! Your wishlist of countries to visit. Rome, Paris, US, Egypt, and India, where all of our world’s precious art and history resides. I’d begin with a head-to-toenail tour of my own country first, Pakistan .
Work smart (I didn’t say hard). Plan ahead: Life gives you a few surprises now and then . Return the favour by planning to hit a few curve balls of your own . Don’t regret the decisions you take today. There’ll be plenty of time for that when you’r If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? old :P Rome, weeping my eyes dry in front of one michaelangelo’s sculptures. He was pure gunius; Who in your life deserves a big old unfiltered, unadultrated and personified! Master thank you? of his craft. Mom for putting up with a sometimes moody and demanding child like me (other than Your most valued possession that I am a nice person ..really!!) Love you Books. I cana do magic with a book in my Ma, it is because I love you that I drive you hand. Give me one and watch me disappear. crazy. Twisted, I know.
If your life was a book, what would it be called? My life will most probably be a travel guide.. with a twist. Instead of telling you where to go in places like Pakistan and UAE, it’ll list all the things that’ll happen to you before you reach your destination . These days interesting things happen while you are on the road. As for a title, “A traveller’s guide to nowhere in particular”
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TAMAKKAN
By ALMA KADRAGIC Photos from Sheikha Manar Mohammed Talib Al Hinai
Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Your Business The monthly Tamakkan entrepreneurship seminar took place on October 26 at the usual location, the state of the art auditorium of the Al Mamoura building. The seminar featured presentations by educator Jim Buckingham and e-journalist Farrukh Naeem on how to use social media effectively. The rest of the seminar was devoted to a young entrepreneur who markets her business through social media. Last year none of us could have known about a company called Lucky Nooni because it didn’t exist. Lucky Nooni is about fashion and has come up with a style that wasn’t available before.Sheikha Manar Mohammed Talib Al Hinai saw something missing in the market that she could provide.
designer hopes to see her designs on international runways. Possibly she will work on a line for men at some point. Sheikha Manar received a master’s degree in diversity management from the University of Leeds in the UK, the first Arab to accomplish that. Her father and her uncles earned doctorates and occupy important positions in the Government of Oman. Grandfather Sheikh Talib Al Hinai was a major political leader and represented Oman at the United Nations in New York. Despite the family background in
Sheikha Manar is 23 years old and started Lucky Nooni in Abu Dhabi although she is an Omani citizen. She likes to wear casual clothes and is devoted to Gulf or Khaleeji style. Sheikha Manar says, “We have a beautiful culture and tradition, and I want it to be part of my daily fashion routine as well, starting with my t-shirt.”
politics and government, Sheikha Manar wasn’t interested in those areas. By the time she earned the master’s in 2009, she was already planning the launch of her fashion line which is why her work was highlighted at Tamakkan.
Lucky Nooni t-shirts look contemporary in a different way. Standard round neck shirts become special when adorned with Khaleeji motifs, and that’s the USP or unique selling proposition for the company. By doing something very local and marketing it through the website www.luckynooni.com, her blog, and other websites, Sheikha Manar gets the benefit of viral promotion and reaches customers wherever they might be, from the Gulf to as far as Louisiana in the US and New Zealand. The clothes can be seen live in Bahrain at the Creme Boutique in Al Aali mall (www.creme-boutique.com). In the future, the
Sheik Talib and President Jamal of Oman
The next Tamakkan entrepreneurship seminar is on Monday, November 29, at 6:45 pm in the Al Mamoura auditorium. If you would like to attend, email rizwana@brandmoxie.com. We’ll reveal the name of the featured entrepreneur (s) in the November 16-30 issue of Tempo. 22
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
By ALMA KADRAGIC Photos from Trunz Water Systems
Leaders of Tomorrow Conference November 8: The Coming Water Challenge in the Region The Leaders of Tomorrow Conference to be held at CERT Technology Park from 10:00 am to 12:40 pm on Monday, November 8 is part of a week of activities beginning November 1 to launch the Emirati-Swiss Friendship Platform. The goal of the Platform is to create closer links between politicians, business people, women, healthcare specialists, and young people in the UAE and Switzerland The Leaders of Tomorrow Conference is the only event that is aimed at the young who will be leading both countries in the future. The focus is on “the coming water challenge” because as Switzerland’s Ambassador to the UAE said, “it is the most important issue of the next generation” and “it starts already now.” Wolfgang Amadeus Bruelhart has been Ambassador here for three years. “We wanted to target the young generation,” he explained. “We believe that if you launch a friendship platform, we wanted also to include the young generation.”
Wolf said he had found it “very interesting to design a platform for intergenerational and intercultural dialogue” working with staff from the office of HCT Vice Chancellor Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali. Dr. Kamali will close the conference along with Dr. Johannes Berchtold, Vice President, St. Gallen Symposium.
Tobias Wolf To help organize the conference and forge links with young Emiratis, the Swiss Embassy brought over Tobias Wolf, an undergraduate at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland where he is a member of the International Students Committee. Wolf came for two months to prepare this conference and to meet young Emiratis to first plan and then attend the Leaders of Tomorrow Conference in 2011 that will take place in St. Gallen.
Ambassador Bruelhart has high hopes for the results of the conference. “Because of our belief that water will be the issue of this generation, we expect that by their entrepreneurship, [young Emiratis and young Swiss] can find a solution to the problems,” he said. The problems are saving water, developing new technologies, and conducting research to find new products.
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is co patron of the conference with H.E. Pascal Couchepin, former President of Switzerland, and their Excellencies will welcome the participants. Two doctoral students from Switzerland, Christoph Birkholz from the University of St. Gallen and Pierre-Alain Viquerat from the University of Geneva will make presentations on managing and preserving water resources.
Wolf has been working with Abu Dhabi Men’s College and says he hopes students from there and other men’s and women’s colleges in Abu Dhabi will attend the conference on November 8. Next year in Switzerland. 23
By ALMA KADRAGIC
MY ABU DHABI
Photos from FLASH
Team Flash presents the Stars The smiling happy people on our cover work for Flash, the live events company that brings us the big stars from Christina Aguilera to Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, Aerosmith, and Tom Jones among many others and the big shows from Capitala World Tennis Championships to Wakestock and Yasalam. We caught up to the Flash team at the Yas Hotel’s Skylite Lounge the night they announced the stars coming for Yas Island Show Weekends 2010, another first for Abu Dhabi and for Flash. The young men and women in the photo represent about 20 percent of Team Flash today. Not all of the 51 people working for Flash attended, and fewer were left by the time the photographer snapped the shot.
As Flash’s founding manager and now managing director John Lickrish recalls, first it was just him, and when those of us living in Abu Dhabi first became conscious of Flash in late Fall 2008, there were only two people employed by Flash which the 14,000 of us clapping and dancing while Shakira performed in the outdoor stadium at Emirates Palace on New Year’s Eve certainly didn’t realize. Lickrish (at right) was the emcee for the Yas Island Show Weekends announcement, and he agreed to be interviewed briefly when that job was done. “I never expected us to be where we are now,” he said, shaking his head. Asked whether ideas for new events came from Flash or were provided by the Abu Dhabi government, Lickrish said it worked both ways. “Some of our events are done on a purely commercial basis,” he explained, “like the Capitala World Tennis Championship.” Now that the Formula 1 Etihad Grand Prix musical program has taken shape and Yas Island Show Weekends have been made public, one question remains: Who’s coming for New Year’s Eve? “I wish I knew,” replied Lickrish, “it’s been a tough year for us” with all the continuing, expanding, and new events on the calendar. 24
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
Yas Island Show Weekends Concerts at Yas Arena Weekend 1: Teen Weekend The Jonas Brothers, Thursday November 18 6-10 pm 150 AED
Weekend 2: Hip Pop Weekend - Nelly Furtado, Friday, November 26 8-10 pm. 150 AED
Weekend 3: National Day Weekend -NBA Weekend Concert, Friday, December 3 8-10 pm 150 AED Weekend 5: Guns Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roses - Do Something Rock, Thursday, December 16 8-10 pm 150 AED
Weekend 4: Creamfields Abu Dhabi Weekend, Thursday, December 9, 6 pm - 4 am. 250 AED 25
ARTICULATE
By NEENA RAI
Abu Dhabi Art Fair The season is changing, the temperature getting cooler, birds migrating, people taking to the parks and Corniche. We are past the scorching heat of summer, and there is a buzz in the air. My favourite time of the year in Abu Dhabi is here, and it’s not just the beautiful winter weather that I am talking about.... The Ferrari World has opened its doors, the F1 races will be taking place soon, and my favourite of all - The Abu Dhabi Art Fair rolls out from 4 to 7 November at the Emirates Palace. They will expand on last year’s programme, while the main show, which is the essence of the art fair, will remain the same. I am eager to check out some of the greatest artworks of artists - both dead and alive. Apart from the main fair, there is “Signature”, a section dedicated to innovative and challenging contemporary works by emerging international artists in one-person show formats, and “Beyond”, a selection of outdoor installations. Not to miss will be the public programmes; workshops, panels and lectures involving top artists and figures from the international art world and from around the region, as well as book launches, film screenings and performances. I love the energy and the vibe of the opening night and the opportunity to meet new and like-minded people through the course of the event.
If you are craving some action yourself, get your hands dirty at the workshops. On offer are mono-print making, 3D multilingual typography with the Khatt Foundation, drawing and sculpture, workshops with Estudio Campana and lots more. Quite a number of people flock to the fair for these workshops, and it is fun to watch them create, as well as get involved themselves. Ah,and for art lovers from Dubai, please make sure you hop on the Art Bus which runs to Abu Dhabi during leading art events. The Art Bus to Abu Dhabi operates from 4 to 7 November 2010. It departs daily from thejamjar gallery, Dubai, at 9am, and will make the rounds to the city’s independent galleries, visiting Qibab Art Gallery, Acento Gallery, Eclectic, Ghaf Art Gallery, and Salwa Zeidan Gallery, before going on to Emirates Palace. ArtBus has dedicated art guides at the helm, and passengers receive comprehensive information packs giving them the low down on Abu Dhabi’s art scene and what the day’s programme holds - and all of this for just Dh 50...an absolute steal!
Last year, I immensely enjoyed lectures by curators. I had gone every single day to the fair as I did not wish to miss anything. The live performances in the evenings under ‘Art, Talks and Sensations’ programme on the beach of the Palace, were fantastic. I specifically remember a particular performance which involved three gentlemen eating a meal on banana leaves in traditional South Indian style. It was unlike any live video performance that I had previously seen. Those of you who attended would also remember the spectacular fireworks on the beach. 26
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
By randy parker
yank in sandland
ABU DHABI FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT
I had the fortune the other night to attend the opening night of the fourth annual Abu Dhabi Film Festival. I cabbed it from the Moonbase to the very tony Emirates Palace hotel where the event was held and checked in at the press room in the Island Lounge.
The celebrities paraded before us stopping every 10 meters or so for photo opportunities. I have to admit that I didn’t know the identity of most of the people I was photographing and will have to do some post event research.
I retrieved my badge and hung out drinking expressos until the ceremonies began. I earlier applied for access to the Red Carpet area where the celebrities parade before the various media types but invitations to this event are rare. I thought I would wait until the names of the chosen were called and expected to go back home empty handed. Imagine my surprise when the press coordinator called my name. I was in!!!
I then cabbed it back to the Moonbase. It was a very fun and exciting night for me. Quite a big event for this redneck from the Florida panhandle but I clean up pretty well when I have to!
The chosen were quickly rushed down two floors into the bowels of the hotel past a gauntlet of cordial security personnel to the Red Carpet press area. It resembled a piranha feeding frenzy as all the media types vied for the best vantage points. I chose a raised stage against the back wall which gave me a good view. The room was very hot and crowded but everyone was having a good time. The folks standing on both sides of me were very friendly and I felt like I made some good new buddies. I had a scare right before the ceremony as my trusty Canon camera started to act weird. All it would do was make a sickening beep when I tried to take a photo. Panicked, I changed batteries and memory card to no avail. I finally selected “restore factory settings” and that fixed it. I still don’t know what happened. 27
emergingtalent
Story and Photos by Ellaine Fatima and DFW
Samah Ali Age: 25
I am from Palestine and I currently study at Preston University in Ajman doing my last semester of Fashion Design. The experience I got over the past three years has helped hone my designing and creative skills. My style combines a variety of genres starting from traditional all the way to contemporary. In 2009 I participated in Dubai Summer Surprises Inter University Fashion Design Competition, Sharjah Expo Fashion Show and Dubai Fashion Week 2010. I also had the honour of being interviewed by TV and my designs were recently liked by the actress of Mission Impossible 4 who approached me during my exhibition. My collection draws heavily from the Bedouin culture. I experiment with the abaya-shayla combination to add an international-contemporary appeal to the outfits. With due respect to religion, I personally believe we shouldn’t be totally covered up. Lace would veil the faces, the flowy abayas would open to reveal scarlet and gold under-layers with matching shaylas. This fashion show is very important for me, as I would come out with my very own label with the hope of attracting buyers. I will be wearing one of my own designs, an abaya attached with satin orange tassels till the ankles to represent the desert element “fire”
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Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) came up with a competition called “Emerging Talents” where DFW provides a unique platform for young, amateur designers from across the region to showcase their fashion skills. In this issue we present part two of the Emerging Talent
Niteesh Singh Chauhan Age: 29
When I was a kid my grandma predicted that I would win the world using my own pencil....I realized that when I turned 23, the journey began. I was born and brought up in India Udaipur, (Rajasthan). I am a graduate in the field of arts, and acquired a two year Diploma in Fashion Design. At present I own a flagship store named Niteesh Singh Chauhan- NSC couture, which specializes in high-end men’s wear. My style is Indian, indo -western and western garments. I have a strong vision to design creations that leave every man empowered, stylish, confident, suave and oh so fashionable; and in every occasion of life. Attention to detail is what keeps me going. My collection is characterised by crisp white suits and jodhpurs embellished with buttons and inspired by a ‘sandwich’ approach - the slices, the layers, the various colors and a myriad experiences attached to each. I prefer using natural fabrics like linen, jute, silk and cotton to create most of my designs. I use intricate embroidery inspired from the coriander and lettuce leaves of a sandwich that are also a part of the ensemble. I’m excited to cater to the Middle East market, and DFW has given me a great chance to expose my label.
Sachin Gada Age: 25
I was born and brought up in India, Mumbai and I studied fashion in Paris. I launched my very own brand in Mumbai and Delhi called “Sachin Gada” which caters to very selective clientele from all around the world (Italy, Paris, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Jeddah, Turin) My style is embodies versatility. The brand has no limits. Each garment is thought based. I believe that imperfection is beauty, while perfection is not. Nature is my inspiration. My collection is namely called Prune Petals. My designs involve a lot of volume (3D), delicately structured tiered clothes, with fabrics of varying hues, gracefully flowing over each other, and layered strategically to bring about the effect of a flower in bloom. I am happy of course that DFW gives an opportunity to recognize talent and this is the perfect platform to ‘plunge’ “Sachin Gada” in the Middle East fashion scene and hopefully reel in a huge whale (the market/buyers). 29
REACH FOR THE STARS ARIES (Mar. 21- Apr. 20) Do not be too prompt to give your opinion. To listen to the others attentively. The possibilities of voyages will be favorable in terms of connections moneymaking even though there may still be some health problems nagging at you. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Perhaps it is time to seek the means you can improve your health. You will realize that to help you achieve success your people skills need to be honed. You will need to be sharp-witted and alert in order to identify potential (or even actual) threats to your welfare/ progress. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will be emotional on the questions of money. You should take part in activities which can be exerted by the two young people and old man. You can receive a 30
recognition for the work which you made. CANCER (June 22-July 22)This is a very playful period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. After a period of selfprotectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You must make more things than you like. You are better to channel your energy in the work world. You want working conditions that satisfy you in every way, physically, technically and in the prevailing atmosphere and will take pains to achieve just that. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You could experiment of the unusual circumstances and to meet eccentric people. You ensure that you have all the relevant facts before taking measures. You will find it easy
to learn and to excel. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) A time when you will truly need to “walk the talk”, stand by your beliefs and convictions. You will have a lot on your plate and most of it will pertain to money — both for immediate needs and future gains. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) It might be a good time to make a thorough scrutiny of the real you, an honest assessment of your face, figure, health and assets and seek to implement a make-over where necessary. The truly intimate and personal you, needs to be examined minutely and where there is room for improvement, positive action be taken. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) It might be a good idea to maintain a low profile and be less vocal. A time to make special efforts to get
along with others — both professionally and personally. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) A lively agenda is promised, you’re attracting quite a bit of interest, and your energy for making contact with others is high. This is a time to follow your dreams and ideals, and to plant a seed in the form of a wish for the future. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Recognition, rewards, greater power and prestige, even your assets, property, belongings are enhanced greatly. The time is being truly generous, and you deserve it. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Long-distance and foreign connections, exchange and trade will be favored. You’ll travel a fair amount and may strike up a chance acquaintance who shares your views, ideals and ideas.
Tempo November 1 - 15, 2010
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November 1-15, 2010 Free ISSUE
Team Flash launches