News from the region you shouldn’t miss!
١. Arts Club Dubai launches first artist residency to support emerging UAE talent
The Arts Club Dubai is launching its first Artist Residency Programme from October 2025 to April 2026, supporting two up-and-coming UAE artists. The six-month remote program offers a commission fee, material support, and a chance to showcase new work in an exhibition at the Club in April 2026. One artwork will win a $10,000 prize and join the Club’s permanent collection. Artists will also connect with the Club’s community through cultural events, and their works will be sold at a silent auction, with all proceeds going directly to them. The program, themed “Singular Focus,” encourages art that emphasises clarity and simplicity. A committee of art experts, including collectors and curators, will select and mentor the artists. Applications open on September 1, 2025, and close on October 10, 2025, with selected artists announced by October 20, 2025. Eligible artists must be over 18, live in the UAE, and submit a CV, portfolio, project proposal, and artist statement to patrons@theartsclub.ae. More details are available at www.theartsclub.ae.
٢. Abu Dhabi’s DCAD launches pottery & ceramics residency with Italy’s Ginori 1735 to foster UAE design talent
The Design Council Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has launched a six-month Pottery & Ceramics Design Residency Program in partnership with Italian porcelain brand Ginori 1735. Starting in 2025, the program will train 10-15 UAE-based artists in traditional and modern ceramic techniques, blending Emirati and Italian craft traditions. Hosted at the MAKE workshop in Abu Dhabi, the residency includes masterclasses, studio practice, and a focus on sustainability. Participants will showcase their creations at a public exhibition in October 2026 at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, with top talents offered internships at Ginori 1735’s Florence headquarters. This initiative strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for global design and cultural exchange.
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٣. Alaïa’s Summer Fall 2025 campaign redefines timeless femininity
Alaïa’s Summer Fall 2025 campaign, shot by photographer Tyrone Lebon and directed by Frank Lebon, marks a bold new chapter for the fashion house. For the first time, the campaign was filmed entirely outdoors on France’s northern coast, capturing models Loli Bahia and Nastassia Legrand in striking black-and-white imagery. The visuals, blending still photos and videos, evoke a timeless, cinematic feel, drawing inspiration from classic literature and films like Wuthering Heights and The Piano. Set against wild, dramatic landscapes, the campaign highlights the strength and individuality of the Alaïa woman—pure, powerful, and modern—while staying true to the brand’s roots in timeless design.
٤. World Padel Academy and SkinLab launch ‘Smash and Glow’ ladies-Only padel aeries in Dubai
The World Padel Academy (WPA) in Dubai, partnered with SkinLab, has launched Smash and Glow, a weekly ladies-only padel series to empower women through fitness, self-care, and community. Held every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, the program welcomes women of all skill levels to enjoy padel in a fun, supportive setting. First-time participants receive a free SkinLab dermatological consultation voucher. The series blends sport and wellness, encouraging women to connect and stay active while celebrating their strength and confidence. Smash and Glow aims to redefine fitness by fostering a sense of community and holistic well-being for women across the UAE.
٥. “Aden – Marseille” exhibition explores cultural ties and shared heritage at the museums of Marseille
The “Aden – Marseille” exhibition, hosted by the Museums of Marseille and the Louvre Museum, Paris, runs from November 20, 2025, to March 29, 2026. It features around 30 Yemeni objects from Marseille’s collections, donated in the early 1900s by the Compagnie des Messageries maritimes and the Riès family, coffee traders, alongside nearly 100 rare items loaned from the Louvre, British Museum, and other European institutions. The display explores the cultural and human connections between the ports of Aden and Marseille, beyond just trade, while reflecting on their colonial context. It invites visitors to discover the rich history of these exchanges and the shared heritage of these diverse collections.
٦. Daisy Edgar-Jones joins Boucheron as brand ambassador, reflecting bold creativity and elegance
Boucheron, the iconic Paris jewellery house founded in 1858, has named British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones as its new brand ambassador. Known for her roles in Normal People, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Twisters, Daisy brings her natural elegance and bold creativity to the partnership. Her upcoming projects include starring in A Place in Hell and a Sense and Sensibility remake in 2026. Recently seen wearing Boucheron’s Question Mark necklace at Cannes, Daisy’s timeless style aligns with the brand’s innovative spirit. She will feature in upcoming campaigns, celebrating Boucheron’s values of talent and self-expression. “I’m thrilled to join Boucheron and be part of its beautiful story,” Daisy said.
٧. Marmar Halim’s “The Childhood” AW25 collection celebrates family roots and bold femininity
Marmar Halim has launched its Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, “The Childhood,” inspired by the designer’s mother and sister. The collection blends her mother’s elegant, timeless style with soft, neutral tones and tailored pieces, alongside her sister’s bold, vibrant energy shown through daring cuts and bright colours. “The Childhood” celebrates Marmar’s personal journey, merging classic sophistication with modern flair. Now available, the collection invites women to embrace their own stories through its nostalgic yet contemporary designs.
٨. Tower 28 debuts in the Middle East with exclusive Sephora launch across 55 GCC Stores
Tower 28, a California-based beauty brand, has launched exclusively with Sephora Middle East, bringing its clean, skin-friendly products to 55 stores across the GCC. Known for non-irritating, high-performance makeup, the brand offers favourites like the SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, SunnyDays Tinted SPF, and GetSet Matte Powder Blush. Designed for sensitive skin, Tower 28 combines effectiveness and fun with an inclusive approach. “We’re thrilled to join Sephora Middle East and share our safe, high-quality products with new customers,” said Amy Liu, Founder & CEO.
٩. Experience Oman and IRONMAN partner to boost adventure tourism with major triathlon events
Experience Oman and IRONMAN have teamed up to promote Oman as a top adventure tourism destination through a global partnership lasting until 2030. This collaboration will bring major triathlon events to Oman, including the IRONMAN 70.3 Salalah on October 25, 2025, the IRONMAN 70.3 Muscat in February 2026, and an annual full-distance IRONMAN in Muscat starting in November 2026. The events aim to attract athletes and tourists, boost the economy, create jobs for local companies, and showcase Oman’s culture and natural beauty. “This partnership highlights Oman’s potential as a leading sports and adventure destination,” said the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
١.. Miu Miu premieres women’s Tales Films by Joanna Hogg and Alice Diop at Venice Film Festival
Miu Miu showcased two new short films, Autobiografia di una Borsetta directed by Joanna Hogg and Fragments for Venus, by Alice Diop, on August 30, 2025, during the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori program. The event was celebrated with an exclusive dinner at Ca’ Corner della Regina, attended by celebrities like Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson, and Willem Dafoe. These films, part of Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales series, highlight bold storytelling by women filmmakers.
