Initiative Reflects Dubai Properties Commitment to Nurture Local Art and National Artists

Dubai: 2 July 2006 - Dubai Properties, a member of Dubai Holding and developers of Culture Village, announced today it will set up a dedicated gallery for UAE artist, Abdul Qader Al Rayes in the Al Souq area of the landmark leisure and tourist development.

An artist of regional and international repute, 55-year old Abdul Qader Al Rayes' works have been showcased at leading exhibitions worldwide, including Lebanon, Prague, Germany, Australia and the United States. Known for his unique style, inspired by the rich culture and tradition of the Arab region, he is the recipient of several awards including the prestigious 'Golden Frond' at the GCC Exhibition in 1999.  

The announcement was made at a press briefing hosted by Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties and Al Rayes.

"The Al Rayes art gallery will feature the best of his art work," Al Dabal said. "His canvases have been appreciated at exhibitions worldwide, and displayed in most of our local museums. It's only appropriate that the UAE pays tribute to such an accomplished national artist with a dedicated display at the Cultural Village." 

Al Dabal added that one of the core aims of the Culture Village, a project inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is to encourage and support the arts, specifically that of local artists.

"Culture Village is intended to be a world-class destination that mixes old-world nostalgia within a modern, sophisticated ambience," Al Dabal said.

A founder member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, Al Rayes praised the unique initiative of Culture Village as a remarkable project that answers the region's need for a cultural hub to bring together poets, artists and cultural experts from all over the world.

Al Rayes said: "The gallery at Culture Village will be a museum displaying all my art work. I will also teach and train anyone who is interested in learning the art."

Adding diversity to the cultural and arts scene in the UAE and the region, Culture Village will blend Middle Eastern history with the rich heritage of Dubai, offering an elite lifestyle in an intellectually stimulating environment with year-round cultural events.

The AED 50 billion development will feature wide open spaces, traditional wind towers, cobble stone walkways, distinct sculptures, waterways topped with bridges, creekside souks, restaurants and cafes. An expansive amphitheatre will host live performances and cultural festivals, while an exclusive dockyard will revoke the rich Arab tradition of dhow building.

-Ends- 

Note to Editors
About Dubai Properties
Dubai Properties is a member of Dubai Holding and operates with the express aim of conceiving large-scale developments, transforming Dubai's vision into reality. The portfolio of projects handled by Dubai Properties is diverse and represents the highest quality of real estate in the region. Real estate offerings by Dubai Properties include the 1.7km long Jumeirah Beach Residence with The Walk as a promenade of retail and entertainment venues stretching the waterfront. Business Bay, the region's business capital offers the best corporate headquarters for international businesses. The Villas at Dubailand is another unique development from Dubai Properties offering hacienda-style residential communities. Recently Dubai Properties announced the AED 50 billion Culture Village, a unique development offering an elite lifestyle in an intellectually stimulating environment, with year-round world class cultural events.

For further information, please contact:
Linda Abdulhay
JiWin
The Public Relations Subsidiary of Dubai Press Club
Dubai Media City
Tel: +971 4 3613333
Fax: + 971 4 3688001
Mob: +971 50 4824185
E-mail: Linda.abdulhay@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2006