Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship to be Held in Fujairah, UAE

Junior Champs

The Organizing Committee of the Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship held a press conference (1 February 2012) to announce the details of the championship to be hosted in Fujairah on 20-22 February 2012.

Crown Prince the Patron

The Championship is being held under the generous patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah,

Organizers

The championship is organized by the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association, in cooperation with the Fujairah Boxing and Taekwondo Club, which is under the supervision of the Arabic and International Taekwondo Alliances.

Spokesmen

The press conference was attended by Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Marzouqi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Association, Duaij Al Raissi, Vice President, Fakhruddin Abdul Majid, Secretary of the Association, Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, the Championship’s Manager and Mohammad Ishak, General Coordinator of the Championship at the Fujairah Concorde Hotel.

Many Goals

Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Marzouqi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Association, stated that this championship will accomplish a lot of goals, such as contributing to the dissemination of the Taekwondo sport in Fujairah and improving the level of the national taekwondo team through creating opportunities for contact and exchange of technical expertise. One of the hopes is that participants will come to enjoy the tourist attractions of Fujairah and the UAE outside the hours of the competition.

Venue

Organizers and participants will be staying at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

Al Marzouqi added that the championship will be held at the sports stadium in Mirbeh (Merbeh) and will bring together junior teams aged 14-17 years for young men and women.

Participating Countries

The participating countries include Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, Palestine, Lebanon, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Tunisia and Algeria. Both Saudi Arabia and Sudan send their apologies and will not have any teams participating. No word has been received as yet from Mauritania, Somalia, Oman and Comoros Island.

UAE Has Strong Showing

The UAE is participating in the male and female categories. There will not be UAE women in every weight category because it is the first time the UAE has participated in the junior female categories and there are not the numbers of young women for each weight division.

Why Fujairah?

When asked why Fujairah was chosen as the venue, Al Marzouqi spoke of the policy of his federation to share the various locations in order to strengthen the sport in every region and city. He also said that the Crown Prince of Fujairah had been thoughtfully and practically supportive in every way towards the hosting of the tournament.

“Fujairah is no stranger to such championships,” said Al Marzouqi. “It has organized many championships and tournaments in the past because of the care and patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah and the Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi.”

Crown Prince’s Creative Generosity

Al Marzouqi commended the role of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, for his support and generous patronage of many championships and sporting events.

His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah has given directives to honor the best Arab male and female taekwondo players who are retired but who have achieved international success.

The Crown Prince also gave directives to honor the best former Arab judge in coordination with the Arab Taekwondo Alliance.

In this tournament for the first time there will be an Honor Prize for the best Arab male and female competitor.

Evaluating Taekwondo in UAE

Duaij Al Raissi, Vice President of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association said, “The head of the Competition Committee at the International Taekwondo Alliance, Mr. Philip Bodo was invited to evaluate the level of taekwondo in the UAE including the organization of the championship.”

Associated Training Seminar

Al Raissi pointed out that there will be an international training seminar for taekwondo referees before the championship from 10-17 February 2012.

Experienced Referees

The Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship will be refereed by twenty of the best international Arab referees, headed by Moroccan referee, Yousif bin Ali. There will be three international Emirati referees participating in the championship: Khalid Khalfan Al Miqbali, Rashid Faraj Al Alili and Zayed Khalifa Al Suwaidi.

Crown Prince Pays for Palestinian Team

Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, the Championship’s manager, expressed his joy in organizing this championship in the UAE and especially in Fujairah. He thanked His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, for paying all the costs of the Palestinian participants in the championship and for his constant support of the sport of taekwondo.

First for Daedo at UAE and Arab Champs

Mohammad Ishak, the general coordinator of the championship, stated that this will be the first time in the UAE and Arab Championships where the latest electronic equipment (Daedo) will be used. Daedo is a chest protection gear for the players and it keeps scores electronically. The recapture of scenes will also be used during the matches to help referees.

Timetable

Download your copy of the timetable for the Taekwondo Championships and related events from this link.

Take a Look

Some pictures taken during the press conference are posted in this photo album.

Related

International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah, FIF, 31 January 2012.

Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 14 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch With Fujairah

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photographs are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai, Fujairah and ‘Getaway Tourism’

In a recent interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said that he likes to sleep in the desert alone every ten days to live like a Bedouin.

Much of his poetry comes from these evenings in the desert but probably most of his visionary ideas arise from these hours of solitude.

Solitude and Quiet

One of the most helpful lectures on leadership was given on this topic of Solitude and Leadership, a speech that stressed the value of being alone with your thoughts to renew your vision and passion.

One of the most read articles in the New York Times in recent days has been on a similar theme. Entitled, ‘The Joy of Quiet’, Pico Iyer writes about the contemporary yearning to disconnect (even from the Internet!), ‘the urgency of slowing down’ and the essential need to find time and space for oneself.

Fujairah—The Getaway Emirate

You may not have a desert resort in which to pitch your tent every ten days but Fujairah for many in the big UAE cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, represents a getaway place.

The road trip (even shortened by the new express road) provides the transition stage that helps people to disconnect from their harried lives and heightens their yearning for quiet and rest.

Fujairah is an attractive place with the distinctive landscape of mountains and coastline, all of which is conducive for individuals and teams of people who seek quiet, refreshment and a new vision. No wonder His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, called Fujairah ‘the lungs of the UAE’.

The eastern emirate might have an increasingly bright future in ‘getaway tourism’ for people who are seeking to follow in the footsteps of leaders like His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Related

HH Sheikh Mohammed and the Arab Spring, CNN, 27 December 2011.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch With Fujairah

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photographs are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, watching birds in the desert (Credit: The Media Office of His Highness).

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah Moving Towards Completion

July 2012 is the date declared for the completion of the second largest mosque in the UAE.

It is located behind the main street of the city of Fujairah, at the back of a row of hotels and banks.

The mosque is said to be the size of three football fields, is able to hold 28,000 worshippers, with 13,500 in the main prayer hall.

It is only as one stands near the building that one gets a sense of how grand this mosque is already and how awesome it will be upon completion.

The expansive courtyard will have fountains and palm trees to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to come, linger, enjoy the calm and build relationships.

The new mosque will be a place where all people may attend and in this regard it will be an attraction for fascinated tourists as well as faithful worshippers.

Mosque Mapping

Check out Fujairah’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque on Google Maps. Since this map was created in June 2010 more than 10,000 people have had a bird’s-eye look at the area of the mosque in relation to the city.

Check the Progress

The latest photos (1 February 2012) of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah are in this photo album.

Further

Latest Photos and Report on Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, FIF, 28 October 2011.

Check out the Progress of Fujairah’s New Mosque, FIF, 28 October 2010.

Foundation Laid and Walls Rising on the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 April 2011.

Large Mosque Rising in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 6 June 2010.

Related

Longer Visiting Hours at Bidyah Mosque Fujairah, FIF, 16 February 2011.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, resources, events and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah

At a recent press conference, officials from the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Federation announced that an international training seminar would be held in Fujairah for Taekwondo referee accreditation.

The press conference was held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel which will be the venue for the international training event.

Mohamed Fekry, General Manager of the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, said that his hotel exists to support the community of Fujairah, so the hosting of this local and international event is yet another important step in the fulfillment of this vision and passion.

Training Seminar

The seminar to train referees at the top standard will be held from 10-14 February 2012 and 150 participants are expected to gather from many different countries of the world.

The sessions will run from 9am-12.30pm and 2pm to 6.30pm.

Local taekwondo players will be used for the trainee referees to demonstrate their aptitude.

Literature Conference

Following this seminar a literature course will be held at the same venue with many of the same attendees. Approximately 165 people are expected to undertake the literature course, to be held 15-17 February 2012. This course will involve knowing with excellence the international Taekwondo Rule Books.

Driving Force

Eid Mesmari, manager and instructor of taekwondo in Fujairah, is the driving force behind this event. Thanks to his passion and the generous patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, the sport is steadily increasing in popularity and skill and these training events signal another milestone for the eastern emirate.

Take a Look

Some photos of those addressing the press conference are posted in this photo album.

Related

Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, FIF, 14 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch with Fujairah

The emirate of Fujairah is growing by 10,000 people every year and in this last year it has a new express road, a new Carrefour, four new shopping malls under construction, the much-talked about oil pipeline and plenty more.

Stay in touch by joining the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page—lots more news, resources, information and photographs.

Where are the Restaurants in Fujairah and the UAE that Serve Emirati Food?

There’s a provocative article in ‘The Daily Beast’ and 'Newsweek' today (30 January 2012) about the Emirati Chef, Ali Ebdowa, who is bringing Bedouin cooking into his stylish restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

Annia Ciezadlo writes:

“There is one cuisine that is hard to find in the Emirates, that is conspicuously absent from its hotels and restaurants and increasingly from its home kitchens and that is Emirati.”

As head chef at Meziai (at the Emirates Palace), ‘one of the only upscale restaurants that serve Emirati food’, Ebdowa is trying to bring back desert cooking to contemporary UAE. The article explains how he is seeking to do this.

+ Where are the Emirati restaurants in Fujairah, the emirate that is aiming to boost local heritage as one of its tourism attractions?

+ Where are the Emirati chefs in Fujairah and the UAE?

+ Why has the labour policy of Emiratization had little effect on those who cook and serve tables in the restaurants of the UAE?

Link

Annia Ciezadlo, Haute Bedouin Cuisine With Mezlai’s Ali Ebdowa, The Daily Beast/Newsweek, 30 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Keep Up With the Ever Changing Emirate

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

The UAE According to the Human Rights Watch Report 2012

Every year, for the last 22 years, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a World Report summarizing the condition of human rights in more than 90 countries and territories throughout the world.

‘Arab Spring’

HRW has just released their 2012 report and within it there is an article on the ‘Arab Spring’ that has created opportunities both for change and oppression.

UAE and Human Rights

The UAE is ranked and featured in the HRW Report 2012. Read the changes listed and the rationale given.

A news conference was held in Dubai on 25 January 2012 at which the report was launched and a statement made about the state of human rights and the UAE in this last year. Here is a brief report on the UAE.

Download the HRW World Report 2012

The 676-page World Report can be downloaded from this link.

Check out the country you are from and read the issues raised.

Have a look at the thematic essays and videos available from this link.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photographs are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

5th Fujairah Monodrama Festival Ends with Tributes, Awards and Entertainment

After ten days of shows, seminars, lectures and forums about the art of monodrama, the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, which had attracted participants from more than 36 countries, concluded with a closing ceremony, awards and a concert.

The closing ceremony was held in the Hajar Ballroom at Le Méridien Resort at Al Aqah.

Thanks to Ruler

HE Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Festival Chairman, thanked His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, for his generous patronage of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Thanks to Ruling Family

Al Dhanhani also paid tribute to His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, for his unlimited support since the inception of the Festival, and His Highness, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority (FCMA), for his ongoing efforts and wise counsel that made the 5^th Fujairah Festival such a success.

Thanks to Organizers

Al Dhanhani thanked his friend and colleague, Engineer Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, the Director of the Festival, Ibrahim Allan, Executive Manager of the FCMA, chairpersons and members of committees and all festival guests.

Award Ceremony

Al Dhanhani and Al Afkham distributed certificates and awards to the artists, media personalities and all participants in the Fujairah Festival.

Entertainment and Eating

A concert with singers, Hatem Al Iraqi and Mona Amarsha, provided the entertainment, which was then followed by a formal dinner.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Ruler of Fujairah Thanked by Theatre Artists for Supporting the Arts, FIF, 29 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Celebrates Egyptian Actor Amro Saad, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Images:

Top: Al Dhanhani (right) and Al Afkham (left) distributed certificates and awards to the artists, media personalities and all participants in the Fujairah Festival.”

Bottom: “A concert with singers, Hatem Al Iraqi and Mona Amarsha, provided the entertainment, which was then followed by a formal dinner.”

Thanks to Mohammad Salim Al Bloushi for the photos.

Stay in Touch with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Ruler of Fujairah Thanked by Theatre Artists for Supporting the Arts

The Executive Board of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) presented a letter of thanks to His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, in appreciation of his support for the work of the ITI.

The letter was sent on behalf of theatre artists from all over the world. The board affirmed to His Highness that they will continue to work hard to achieve his vision of sharing ideas internationally and fostering creativity.

The letter was framed during the meeting of the ITI’s Executive Board at Le Méridien Al Aqah Resort on 21 January 2012.

The chairman of the meeting, Mr. Ramendu Majumdar, President of ITI Worldwide, paid tribute to His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah, for his generous patronage of the international events and activities of ITI and his ongoing support for theatre.

He expressed appreciation to Sheikh Hamad for opening the second centre for ITI, which is based in Fujairah, and for supporting the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Fujairah Monodrama Celebrates Egyptian Actor Amro Saad, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Images:

Top: His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah.

Bottom: Members of the Executive Board of the International Theatre Institute.

Stay in Touch with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Fujairah Monodrama Celebrates Egyptian Actor Amro Saad

The 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF) this week celebrated the career of the young Egyptian actor, Amro Saad.

On 24 January 2012 Saad gave a lecture in which he outlined his experience with the Egyptian cinema and the development of his acting career.

The lecture was chaired by Hussam Abdul Hadi and was held in the Al Majlis Hall that is associated with the Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre. The lecture and discussion was well attended by a large number of Arab and international artists as well as guests to the FIMF.

Overnight Movie Star

Saad said that his acting career commenced by coincidence. He wanted to be a journalist but his father wanted his son to enroll in a College specializing in interior design, so that he’d secure a good job with a healthy salary. Saad attended the Applied Arts College in Cairo and worked as an interior designer for five years. He was discovered by Yousif Shaheen and Khalid Yousif and invited to act as the main character in the movie Heen Myassara that screened in 2009. Overnight Saad became a star.

His second movie, Dukkan Shahata, was a huge success and the public found a new idol in Saad.

Amro Saad said he was initially nominated for the leading role in the movie Kheyana Mashroo’a (Legal Betrayal), instead of Hani Salama, but he rejected the offer to accept the leading role in Heen Myassara, on which he worked for five years.

School of Giants

Saad told the audience that he not only graduated from the Yousif Shaheen school of art but from the school of all the giants of Egyptian cinema such as Mahmoud Al Melaigi, Ahmad Zaki, Nour Al Sherif and Suad Husni, from whom he learned much.

Saad is currently working on a new movie, Aswar Al Aqamar (Walls of the Moon), which starts shooting next week.

Television and Theatre

Saad’s lecture was followed by a vigorous discussion between the audience and the actor.

Artist, Nour Al Sherif, suggested that Saad should “experience acting in live theatre at least once every four years because it’s a necessary experience for every actor who wants to polish their skills.”

Tribute Award

After the lecture and discussion, His Excellency, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Chairman of the FIMF, paid tribute to Amro Saad and presented him with an award.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 28 January 2012.

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Images:

Top (from left to right) Chairperson Hussam Abdul Hadi and Amro Saad.

Bottom (from left to right) HE Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Chairman of the FIMF, paying tribute to Amro Saad and presenting him with an award.

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Introducing Arab Theatre to the World Emphasized at Fujairah Monodrama Festival

Speakers at the International Theatre Forum (26 January 2012), as part of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF), stressed the role of the festival in drawing attention to monodrama theatre.

The speakers explained that the FIMF introduced Arab culture and art to the international theatre and artists through the exchange of visits and the staging of events.

The discussion involved Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (chair), Tobias Biancone (Director-General of the International Theatre Institute), Birute Mar (Lithuanian artist), Jolanta Juszkiewicz (Polish artist) and Weislaw Geras (Polish artist and director of the oldest monodrama festival in the world).

The theme of the forum was the importance of monodrama theatre around the world.

Arab Theatre to the World

Tobias Biancone (Director-General of ITI) said that direct communication between Arab artists and the rest of the world through monodrama is very important. “Arab theatre has to be introduced to the world,” he said. “I’ve noticed great progress in the Arabic monodrama shows I’ve attended at several festivals and especially this festival.” Biancone added that it’s not fair to present good theatre and not share it with the rest of the world. He asked all Arab theatre artists to take their shows to different parts of the world, as it is the best way to promote their ideas and their art.

Forging Relationship With Audience

Mar said she was surprised with the response after her first show at the 1^st FIMF. She said, “I can honestly say now, in this edition of the festival, that things became very different after a relationship has been established between the theatre and the audience.” She said that a festival opens up the artists to the world and this is very important for Arab culture, thus heightening the significance of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Arab Theatre Showcased at Polish Festival

Weislaw Geras, director of the Polish Monodrama Festival, said that his was the oldest festival, starting 46 years ago. He paid tribute to Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (Director of the Fujairah Monodrama) for attending the Polish festival and opening delegates to the richness of Arab theatre. On his visit Al Afkham presented a lecture on Arab theatre to the Polish festival that was followed with an ‘Arabic Day’ that included the performance of two Arabic shows. This Arab theme was a first for Poland.

Polish Publications

Geras announced that the Polish festival will publish ten books this year, seven of which are about Polish actors and three about actors from other countries. He affirmed that these publications stimulate communication and provide information for all theatre enthusiasts in the world. A new book with 68 articles recently published in Poland focuses solely on monodrama theatre.

Artists Exposed to Different Cultures

Jolanta Juszkiewicz talked about her artistic career in Poland and Australia saying that her time in Australia was an important factor in increasing her knowledge of different cultures. With over 200 cultures, Australia is a melting pot for all cultures, which is important for promoting understanding and peace in the world.

Juszkiewicz, who was attending the FIMF for the first time said that she enjoyed the Fujairah festival atmosphere. “I’ve benefited a lot from this experience of Arab culture, she said. “I’m currently planning to visit future shows that stem from the Arab culture, which I respect and admire.”

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Image: Participants at the International Theatre Forum that was part of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival: from left to right—Weislaw Geras, Birute Mar, Tobias Biancone, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham and Jolanta Juszkiewicz.

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Fujairah to be Headquarters for New International Library of Monodrama

New Document Library

At a meeting of the International Monodrama Forum (ITF), on the sidelines of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, members decided to found a documentation library, with the headquarters in Fujairah, specializing in the art of Monodrama that is written in different parts of the world.

The recommendation was proposed by Fujairah’s Mohamed Saif Al Afkham.

The meeting was chaired by Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, President of IMF and it was attended by Vice President, Nina Mazur (Ukraine), Yolanta Sutowich—Director of the THESPIS International Festival in Germany, other members of the IMF and directors of Monodrama Festivals in many different countries.

Monodrama Award

The meeting also agreed on the mechanism of the Valery Khazanov’s Fujairah International Monodrama Award, which will be awarded to the best Monodrama show once every two years.

The value of the award is currently 5,000 Euros.

The Award Secretariat was formed with the following members: Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Nina Mazur, Yolanta Sutowich, Tobias Biancone—Director General of ITI, Alfira Arslanova—Director of the Russian Monodrama Festival, in addition to Olga Pozeli, secretary of IMF.

The committee will choose the best international monodrama shows and the award will be given for the first time to the winner during the next Fujairah International Monodrama Festival in 2014.

Thanks

Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for some of the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Related

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 27 January 2012.

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

Image: “The meeting was chaired by Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, President of IMF.”

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page

Books by Mohammad Al Dhanhani Launched at Fujairah Monodrama Festival

Two books by, Fujairah writer and poet, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, were launched at the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival on 25 January 2012.

The books, Ya Lail Ma Atwalak and Al Yazra, were launched at the majlis associated with the Dibba Al Fujairah Theatre. The two volumes were recently published by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority.

The book launch and signing were chaired by poet and former Jordanian Minister of Culture, Jerais Samawi, who explained the importance of Al Dhanhani’s books and the richness of their symbols and allusions.

Samawi said that the texts go into the depths of the human mind and extract the thoughts and concerns. The books also take their inspiration from the local Emirati environment and introduce that unique landscape to Arab readers. The chairman also spoke highly of the flow of words and the different human emotions that the texts evoke.

Tribute from Friend and Colleague

Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality and Director of the Monodrama Festival, was introduced as one of Al Dhanhani’s best and lifelong friends and a companion in creative and cultural work. In his personal tribute, Al Afkham stated that the Al Dhanhani is enthusiastic, one who believes in himself and a creator that shared his ideas with him.

“Al Dhanhani’s theatrical texts have all begun as mere ideas,” Al Afkham said. “These ideas soon turn to realities in the pages of his plays, poems or television scripts.”

Iraqi artist and director, Aziz Khayoun, talked about his experience in working with Al Dhanhani when they staged Al Haffar, a play that was a huge success.

A Moving Dedication

Al Dhanhani thanked people for attending the book signifying and those who contributed to turning his dreams into realities. He then read a text from his first poetry book, Sudfa (published in 2011) and then signed copies of the books for the guests of the festival. The author dedicated these books to his late father who died in 2011.

About Al Dhanhani

Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani was born in Dibba, Al Fujairah in 1969. He is the Director of His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah’s Court. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and Chairman of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival.

Some of Al Dhanhani’s theatrical plays include: Fanous, Qatra, Sheraa Al Samoum, Al Layla Al Akheera, Ya Lail Ma Atwalak and Al Haffar.

His television scripts include Sara Ellail, Lel Asrar Khoyot, Al Ghafa, Wadeema and Ma Nettefeg.

Al Dhanhani won the best theatrical text award for his play Ya Lail Ma Atwalak and has been honored at a number of Arab and international festivals.

Most recently the spectacular dramatic and dance performance, The World Passes Through Here, was written by Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani and thrilled all those who attended the opening ceremony of the 5^th Fujairah International Monodrama Festival at the Fujairah Fort.

Thanks

The book launch was conducted in Arabic. Thanks to Mahmoud Allam for some of the above content and Hessa Al Falasi for her translation.

Images:

Top photo (from left to right)—Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Jerais Samawi, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham (paying his tribute) and Aziz Khayoun.

Middle Photo: Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani signing one of many books on the night.

Bottom Photo: HE Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, at his office at the Diwan in his role as Director of His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah’s Court.

Related

Sheikh Rashid Al Sharqi Attends Fujairah Monodrama and Heritage Village, FIF, 27 January 2012.

‘Arab Spring’ Featured in Syrian Play at Fujairah Monodrama Festival, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Leading Actors Visiting Fujairah Encourage Acting Schools and Versatile Theatres, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Fujairah Monodrama Includes Interviews and Conversations with Actors, FIF, 24 January 2012.

Spectacular Opening of Monodrama Festival at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 23 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

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