Observations Issue 01

May 30, 2025
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Art
quotation mark

OBSERVATIONS, is a culture report series on the Gulf contemporary art scene. The first issue provides a snapshot of the Gulf art scene through the lens of two dominant nations in the region — the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

This is not Gulf art then and now, but a look at the defining trends shaping the industry — emphasising women leading the way, and the ever-strengthening grassroots scene as the trigger for growth in the cultural creative sector.

With contributions from Gulf residents, nationals and internationally acclaimed curators, writers and the wider Arab diaspora, including Rahel Aima, Umer Butt, Anabelle de Gersigny, Myrna Ayad, Rebecca Anne Proctor, Noor Al Suwaidi, Samuel Hunt, Ahmed Mater and Gaith Abdulla.

Read the full report here.

Observations Issue 01

May 30, 2025
//
Art
quotation mark

OBSERVATIONS, is a culture report series on the Gulf contemporary art scene. The first issue provides a snapshot of the Gulf art scene through the lens of two dominant nations in the region — the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

This is not Gulf art then and now, but a look at the defining trends shaping the industry — emphasising women leading the way, and the ever-strengthening grassroots scene as the trigger for growth in the cultural creative sector.

With contributions from Gulf residents, nationals and internationally acclaimed curators, writers and the wider Arab diaspora, including Rahel Aima, Umer Butt, Anabelle de Gersigny, Myrna Ayad, Rebecca Anne Proctor, Noor Al Suwaidi, Samuel Hunt, Ahmed Mater and Gaith Abdulla.

Read the full report here.

Feature Film

Scoring big in Cannes

Andrew Lancaster is headed to Cannes Lion following the triumph of Inshallah A Boy (Dir; Amjad Al Rasheed).

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Documentary

True-Crime on Netflix

Amanda Sans Pantling’s new true-crime series Playing Card Killer lands on Netflix this month.

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Culture

The New Muslim Consumer

The Arab Youth are redefining self definition and cultural currency.

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