Tag: Abu Dhabi

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Tamakkan “Smart Cities” on Blockchain

ABU DHABI, UAE – A gathering of UAE based and international cryptocurrency experts advocated the creation of a unified platform to connect developers, business, the government to enhance the adoption of blockchain technology in the UAE. The Tamakkan BrainTrust also articulated the need for greater experimentation and collaboration across government and private entities to unlock blockchain innovation.

 

The event, hosted at the Beach Rotana Residences, brought together government and private institutional stakeholders as well as academics, who shared insights on the role of blockchain technology and its exciting potential applications.

 

The “braintrust,” a specialised discussion focused on outcomes, featured Mohammed Mahfoudh Balfaqih, Managing Director of Peninsular Advisory, Rajesh Johnny Co-Founder Oryx Prive Investments, and Hoda al Khzaimi, Director of the Centre of Cybersecurity at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and brought together a diverse group of investors, consultants, regulators and engineers to devise a framework for the UAE.

 

Balfaqih recommended that government build a private blockchain platform by giving access to citizens and residents to data centers and IT departments in order to experiment with the development of select key products.

 

“The government can spur the adoption of blockchain technology by introducing simpler regulations and offering incentives, while the private sector can support startups by investing in them and encouraging experimentation,” he added.

 

The Municipality welcomed open discussion about the challenges and opportunities presented by blockchain technology. Omar al Hashmi, Director at the Abu Dhabi Municipality’s Knowledge Management and Innovation Department said, “blockchain is an exciting technology that will forever change many of the products and services that we use today, and this is why we should bring together stakeholders at government and private sector level to shape the conversation.”

 

Al Khzaimi, urged the creation of an ecosystem with computing power to ensure that there is adequate mining capabilities, and also the creation of open regulatory labs that bring together governments, industry and academia to build a unique local framework.

 

Johnny extolled the benefits of blockchain as a valuable tool that can solve many of the world’s challenging problems, describing blockchain as a simple and open source solution that gives trust to the people, removing inefficiencies from processes that are usually slow because they need various approvals or verifications.

 

Among the industries being disrupted by blockchain are identity management and banking, said Johnny, adding that blockchain is also unlocking much needed venture capital for startups, thereby empowering youth and creating jobs.

 

“There is a huge pile of data that can use blockchain to link departments, organizations or governments and the user’s information is protected using privacy encryption. The owner has power over the use of his or her data, and can even choose to monetize the technology”, said Johnny.

 

Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie and founder of Tamakkan introduced the concept of ‘braintrust’ as a new forum for vital dialogue and decision-making. “We are pleased to be organizing the Smart Series for the Municipality as a vehicle for smart city transformation. Our aim is to bring together key stakeholders such as government, policy makers, research centers, financial institutions, universities and industry leaders, the media, incubators and accelerators, technology leaders, public organizations and the private sector.”

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Tamakkan Hosts the First Screening of “Lemonade” in Abu Dhabi

Tamakkan hosted a screening of the Documentary Film Lemonade produced by US born Emirati author and speaker, Dedra L. Stevenson, on home schooling an adult with Autism. The movie is directed by Emirati, Sara Al Hashemi, titled after the famous English phrase: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. It follows the daily life and struggles of Dedra’s son, Ibrahim, a 23-year old adult living with Autism.

The movie screening was also an awareness event on the life of people living with Autism here in the UAE, and how even those with a disability can be given a purpose in life that gives them happiness and meaning. The session was attended by family members of Ibrahim, various film personalities, guests who have an autistic relative, and fellow community members who were there to support the cause. It was heart-warming to see Ibrahim’s family there to support him and to bravely share their experience of overcoming their struggles.

Tamakkan founder Sana Bagersh found the documentary film very interesting as it tackled the plight and relationship of a mother and her son with autism. “Film-making is a very powerful tool that can be used to entertain and also to educate. Dedra’s film captured my heart as it showcased a sensitive yet crucial topic that needs to be addressed here in the UAE.”

The movie screening was followed by a Q&A session where Dedra L. Stevenson, the executive producer, along with the Director Sara Al Hashemi, Creative Director Sheikha Bin Jarsh, and Ibrahim’s nurses, Arden Kristoffer Onayan and Mark Vincent Salazar. They answered questions on what the struggles were in their life to come to where they are now, what more could be done to help other families in similar situations, and how people could help in making such families feel welcome and at ease in public spaces.

When asked why she waited this long to show this story, Dedra Stevenson, said it was something that had been in the back of her mind for a while but it was brought out when Ibrahim’s former nurse Kaleb Habtamu, told her about a boy he met in the Al Thiqa Club. “These guys need a reason to wake up every morning just like all of us do. We go to jobs, we go to schools, we go to exercise, and all that so what about them? They need purpose”, said Dedra.

About Tamakkan:

Tamakkan is an initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. Established in June 2009 by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising and marketing company in the UAE, Tamakkan support s the growth of SMEs and startups by providing access to information and networking, as well as promoting innovation, best practices and corporate social responsibility to corporations and institutions. The initiative has steadily grown into a powerful knowledge sharing and training platform that has contributed to the development of the local economy. www.tamakkan.com

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The Smovies #BornToChallenge Winner now screening at VOX Cinemas

Abu Dhabi, UAE –The winning film of the Smovies’ fifth season is Vasilis Blioumis “Walking With You” which has started screening at VOX Cinemas across the UAE, Oman and Lebanon. The film, which focuses on how a woman bravely battles breast cancer, beat a shortlist of 24 films.

The Smovies, which was launched in 2014 by BrandMoxie, a leading marketing firm in the UAE, is aimed at encouraging budding filmmakers and identifying emerging talent. The competition, with VOX Cinemas as strategic partners, is open to students, amateurs and professionals, whose submissions are one minute long short films shot with a camera or smart phone.

The fifth season’s theme, “Born to Challenge,” attracted submissions from across the country. It was supported by Infiniti of Arabian Automobiles in Dubai and the US Embassy Abu Dhabi. Previous Smovies challenges included one on cinema etiquette, and the others were titled “The Message”, “Why I Love UAE”, and “I Have a Dream”.

Sana Bagersh, founder of The Smovies praised the quality of submissions, and said that Blioumis’ film was chosen by The Smovies’ jury because of the delicate way it handled a difficult subject. “It’s a moving film and the actors do a magnificent job. A disease like cancer is devastating on many levels, but in this film Blioumis beautifully portrays a woman who comes to term with herself even as her looks change and people around her see her differently,” said Bagersh

The new season has kicked off with the theme “Giving,” reflecting the announcement by HH President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed’s declaring 2017 the year of giving.

Bagersh said the new theme provides broad flexibility for storytellers and has the potential to be adapted into beautiful film on the big screen. “There’s just so much raw untapped talent that we’re very optimistic that we’ll see some great content.”

Film submissions for the new season run through to April 2017. The shortlisted entries will be judged by The Smovies’ jury of film experts: Emirati actor Mansoor Al Feeli (Zinzana), Khaled Al Mahmoud (Sabeel) and Nujoom Al Ghanem (Red, Blue, Yellow), award winning scriptwriter Imad Deiratany, as well as filmmaking instructors and veterans David Moore, Greg Unrau, Mohannad Al Bakri, Dahlia Mahmoud and Michelle Nickelson. All submissions are uploaded to the platform’s own website www.thesmovies.com.

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Media Inquiries: Neil Bie Email: events@oquezo.com Tel: 02-4918624

 

ABOUT
The Smovies

The Smovies is a short film creation platform that has been launched by BrandMoxie, a leading media group in the UAE involved in marketing, publishing and events. The Smovies is intended to provide an opportunity for emerging filmmakers, by offering recognition and exposure through the platform. The Smovies also embraces new technologies, and promotes the film making capabilities of phones, tablets and other everyday communication terminals. The competitions roll out across three seasons: April to June, July to September and October to December. Other film competitions will focus on narrative and national themes. BrandMoxie’s CSR initiatives include Tempo, a community focused magazine, Tamakkan, an entrepreneurship and innovation platform, and The Dream Players, a programme that supports the performing arts. BrandMoxie is based in twofour54, Park Rotana Complex, Abu Dhabi UAE  www.thesmovies.com www.brandmoxie.com www.tamakkan.com

Please follow us on:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkrdyWbAb408Gh0IzKekb1g

https://twitter.com/thesmovies

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Smovies/1599189056984472
About the U.S. Embassy

U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi is dedicated to strengthening US-UAE partnerships in diplomacy, commerce, trade, regional security, education, art and culture. The Embassy engages with a wide range of local partners to encourage broader and deeper understanding between the people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

 

 

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Vox brings short films back into cinemas

Chris Newbould July 9, 2015

Vox cinemas is set to give audiences a blast from the past this weekend when it revives the tradition of screening short films before the main feature. The films are the winning entries from the Smovies competition, run in partnership with Brand Moxie. A total of seven films will receive airtime thanks to the competition, headed up by overall winner Faisal Hashmi’s The Spartan Surprise. Sadly, to the best of our knowledge, the renaissance won’t be accompanied by an intermission with Wurlitzer organ and ice cream salesgirls in full fifties regalia.

The contestants ranged from students to professional and amateur filmmakers, who each submitted a 45-second short clip. Awards for the competition include a grand prize of Dh 10,000 and runner-up prizes of cinema vouchers and other gifts. The main prize for the filmmakers was the opportunity to have their Smovies screened in VOX Cinemas in the UAE.

The jury of The Smovies included Emirati directors Nawaf Al Janahi, Khaled Al Mahmoud and Nujoom Al Ghanem, as well as filmmaking instructors and veterans David Moore, Greg Unrau, Mohannad al Bakri and Michelle Nickelson.

The second season of The Smovies, has been launched and will be a narrative challenge themed “The Message” or #SmoviesMessage, and entries submission is open. The deadline for Season 2 is August 15. See www.thesmovies.com for details.

Link: http://www.thenational.ae/blogs/scene-heard/vox-brings-short-films-back-into-cinemas

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Raytheon International Inc. joins AmCham Abu Dhabi ‘WOMEN ACHIEVE’ Initiative

http://ameinfo.com/finance-and-economy/sme/entrepreneurship/raytheon-international-inc-joins-amcham-abu-dhabi-women-achieve-initiative/

Raytheon reassures its commitment to provide a work environment that is favorable to women’s development
AmCham Abu Dhabi announces that Raytheon International Inc. has become the latest signatory of WOMEN ACHIEVE, an innovative program established by its Women in Business Committee that promotes the professional advancement of women.
The program was developed to encourage companies and organizations to give women more opportunities to advance their careers by offering them positions of greater responsibility and leadership.
Raytheon is now the 38th organization that has joined an expanding list of leading companies that support the WOMEN ACHIEVE initiative including Accenture, AECOM, Al Noor Hospitals Group, AMIDEAST, Bechtel, BrandMoxie, Boeing, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, ExxonMobil, Institute of Management Accountants Middle East, Lockheed Martin Global Inc., Mubadala GE Capital, New York Institute of Technology, Northrop Grumman, Olgoonik Global Security, Parsons, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, and others.
As a supporter of the WOMEN ACHIEVE program, Raytheon reassures its commitment to provide a work environment that is favorable to women’s development by empowering women to refine their leadership skills and flourish in their respective jobs and areas of expertise. Moreover, Raytheon pledges to provide greater opportunities for women’s participation in training and career advancement.
“Our company strongly values the diversity of our global workforce around the world as a proven means to delivering success for our customers,” said Christopher J. Davis, President, Raytheon International Inc., in the U.A.E. “We are proud to support the AmCham Women Achieve initiative to help advance women in business, and spur new ideas and innovations for the U.A.E. in the global marketplace,” he added.
Bob Harward, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi, commented, “We are delighted to have Raytheon sign WOMEN ACHIEVE. AmCham Abu Dhabi is proud to support innovative initiatives, such as WOMEN ACHIEVE, that foster positive change in the business community and realize the full capacity of talent available to grow industry.”
Established in January 2013, WOMEN ACHIEVE emphasizes seven key ideals, which direct companies towards acquiring a supportive work environment for the professional advancement of women. These ideals include encouraging women to grow through training, shadowing, coaching, mentorship and internship programs, as well as considering female candidates for new opportunities and the support of ‘rising stars’ into leadership positions. WOMEN ACHIEVE also encourages the induction of women to serve on boards of various organizations and advocates the importance of fair remuneration for female employees.
Participation in WOMEN ACHIEVE is open to entities of all sizes. Companies that are interested can elect to become signatories by contacting AmCham Abu Dhabi. In addition, WOMEN ACHIEVE signatories receive a certificate of acknowledgement from AmCham Abu Dhabi for their support and are eligible to use the WOMEN ACHIEVE seal on their communication collateral.

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Tamakkan Season Finale Focuses on Gender Differences in Negotiation

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/tamakkan-season-finale-focuses-on-gender-differences-in-nego-pr-567685.html

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tamakkan’s season finale session on “Gender Differences in Negotiation” raised awareness about key variations in negotiations between the two genders and offered solutions to help individuals identify and mitigate weaknesses and get what they deserve at work, regardless of gender barriers.

The seminar discussed the differences in business negotiations by explaining the nuances in the way men and women discuss and present their cases at the work place. Speaker Giuseppe Conti, a lecturer at INSEAD and other leading European Business Schools, then went on to provide possible solutions for the problems faced by women when negotiating. The session sparked a lively debate between Conti and among audience members.

Tamakkan is a knowledge-sharing platform established by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising agency in the UAE. The initiative operates under the patronage of Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation (FHCB) and is supported by Aldar.

“I think a lot of women do not like to negotiate, and yet it is a crucial skill for everyone to have, as we are all constantly negotiating something in our lives. Tamakkan is happy to be collaborating with INSEAD to learn valuable insight that will help us overcome the fears and make us more effective negotiators,” said Sana Bagersh, Founder of Tamakkan and CEO of BrandMoxie.

Maysoon Barber, Business Director of Fatima BintHazza Cultural Foundation introduced the ongoing partnership of the foundation and Tamakkan: “Tamakkan and the Fatima Bin Hazza Cultural Foundation cross paths in having the same passion for sharing knowledge, fostering talent and supporting cultural initiatives.”

Maysoon Barber, Business Director of Fatima BintHazza Cultural Foundation introduced the ongoing partnership of the foundation and Tamakkan: “Tamakkan and the Fatima Bin Hazza Cultural Foundation cross paths in having the same passion for sharing knowledge, fostering talent and supporting cultural initiatives.”

INSEAD who brought speaker Giuseppe Conti also provided an insight on how they collaborated with Tamakkan for this session: “INSEAD actively promotes gender diversity within business by creating a learning environment that brings together people, cultures and ideas from around the world. The collaboration of INSEAD with Tamakkan is a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas and best practice, while deepening our engagement with the local community.” said ZeinaSleiman, Associate Director, Institutional Relations and Alumni Affairs of INSEAD business school.

Giuseppe Conti, an ambassador of INSEAD and a recognized expert in the field of Negotiation shared valuable insights on gender differences in negotiation, with a focus on making women more effective and confident. “The focus of the session is the difference in men and women when negotiating for themselves, which impacts the gender gap between men and women”.

The session revealed that though men and women negotiate differently, negotiation effectiveness is not based on gender. Several propositions on better negotiation were discussed and debated throughout the session.

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Tamakkan Focuses on Entrepreneurship Models and the Entrepreneur Mindset

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/tamakkan-focuses-on-entrepreneurship-models-and-the-entrepre-pr-564757.html

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tamakkan’s session on “Embracing Success: Finetuning the Entrepreneur Model” offered insight on structures, mindsets, and experiences that align optimally to entrepreneurial success.

The seminar debated the various businesses models, along with methodologies, strategies, structures and the pros and cons required to consider before setting up a business in the UAE. The session also featured entrepreneur experiences and a scientific assessment of the entrepreneurial ‘mindset’.

Tamakkan is a knowledge-sharing platform established by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising agency in UAE. The initiative operates under the patronage of Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation (FHCB) and is supported by Aldar.

“In this session we wanted to focus on the various dimensions of SME success. Entrepreneurship is not only about business, but also involves various dimensions and aspects coming together, such as the business owner’s personality, mindset and approach.” said Sana Bagersh, Founder of Tamakkan and CEO of BrandMoxie

Stephan Mckenna, Senior Associate (Corporate) of Clyde & Co LLP presented the various business structures available within the UAE, and the factors to be considered as a business is set up as an SME. “There are numerous establishment options in the UAE so if you leave realizing you have options, sometimes you need to stop and think. It is important to know when it is appropriate to take advice from experts who can always steer you towards the right direction.” said Mckenna.

Nicola Ablett, Certified Practitioner of PRISM Brain Mapping revealed the underlying factors within the mind to map one’s strengths and build the entrepreneurship skillset. “PRISM brain mapping leads entrepreneurs like you to know who you are, and how you can function well in the right environment. Fifty percent of lies in our genes and the rest of lies in experience, development and exposure.”

Iain Cooper, Creative Partner and Founder of Lighthouse spoke about how he started Lighthouse, and the challenges he overcame along the way. “After starting out with the negativity of ‘Impossible is everything’, optimism is essential, which is not just blind faith, but tampered with reality.”

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The Smovies Short Film Platform Launches Creative Filmmaking

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/the-smovies-short-film-platform-launches-creative-filmmaking-pr-560863.html

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Smovies, an exciting platform that reinvents the short film competition, has been launched by BrandMoxie, a leading marketing firm, alongside its newly announced strategic partner VOX Cinemas which is owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, the cinema arm of the wider Majid Al Futtaim Ventures group of businesses. As the Middle East’s largest and fastest growing cinema exhibitor, VOX Cinemas will support The Smovies by offering screening exposure to the winning entries of the competition across its cinemas in the UAE.

The Smovies will run three seasons of competitions, focusing on various themes from CSR, and National Day to road safety and other topics at the hearts of budding filmmakers. The competition has debuted with a cinema specific theme around which the first films will be created. “We are thrilled to be launching The Smovies, and are excited to be working with VOX Cinemas who are also believers in community engagement, and commitment to innovation and creativity,” said Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie.

Commenting on VOX Cinemas’ involvement in the competition, Ashleigh Potts, Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager at Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas said, “The entire idea behind The Smovies is to make movie making easy and accessible to all. At VOX Cinemas we are dedicated to delivering innovative and customer-focused cinema experiences, which is why we look forward to being part of this concept and giving movie fans across the UAE the chance to be part of the thrilling filmmaking process with BrandMoxie.”

The Smovies’ first competition will run for about a month, with submissions uploaded to the platform’s own website www.thesmovies.com. The shortlisted entries will be judged by The Smovies’ jury of film experts. After the final selection of the top entries, members of the public will be able to vote for their favorite entries.

The winners of the competition will be awarded a grand prize of Dhs 10,000, with runner-up entrants receiving cinema vouchers among other gifts. The winners will have an opportunity to develop their idea into multiple vignettes, or ads, which will be screened across VOX Cinemas in the UAE.

“Technology has shaped the creation and consumption of video content today and one of the more exciting directions this has taken includes the rise of user-generated content, a dynamic phenomenon that we are embracing through The Smovies,” Ms. Potts added.

The Smovies will run two competition seasons after the VOX Cinemas competition. In July the competition will be narrative challenge and in October it will run a UAE-centred theme.

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VOX, partner launch short film contest

ABU DHABI, April 12, 2015

Abu Dhabi’s VOX Cinemas and its strategic partner BrandMoxie have launched The Smovies, an exciting platform that reinvents the short film competition.

VOX Cinemas, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, the cinema arm of the wider Majid Al Futtaim Ventures group of businesses, will support The Smovies by offering screening exposure to the winning entries of the competition across its cinemas in the UAE.

The Smovies will run three seasons of competitions, focusing on various themes from CSR, and National Day to road safety and other topics at the hearts of budding filmmakers.  The competition has debuted with a cinema specific theme around which the first films will be created.

“We are thrilled to be launching The Smovies, and are excited to be working with VOX Cinemas who are also believers in community engagement, and commitment to innovation and creativity,” said Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie

Ashleigh Potts, corporate sales and marketing manager at Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas said: “The entire idea behind The Smovies is to make movie making easy and accessible to all. At VOX Cinemas we are dedicated to delivering innovative and customer-focused cinema experiences, which is why we look forward to being part of this concept and giving movie fans across the UAE the chance to be part of the thrilling filmmaking process with BrandMoxie.”

The Smovies’ first competition will run for about a month, with submissions uploaded to the platform’s own website www.thesmovies.com.  The shortlisted entries will be judged by The Smovies’ jury of film experts. After the final selection of the top entries, members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite entries.

The winners of the competition will be awarded a grand prize of Dh10, 000 ($27,200), with runner-up entrants receiving cinema vouchers among other gifts.  The winners will have an opportunity to develop their idea into multiple vignettes, or ads, which will be screened across VOX Cinemas in the UAE.

“Technology has shaped the creation and consumption of video content today and one of the more exciting directions this has taken includes the rise of user-generated content, a dynamic phenomenon that we are embracing through The Smovies,” Potts added.

The Smovies will run two competition seasons after the VOX Cinemas competition.  In July the competition will be narrative challenge and in October it will run a UAE-centred theme. – Trade Arabia News Service

Link: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MEDIA_279562.html

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The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival to be Launched in March

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/the-abu-dhabi-international-poetry-festival-to-be-launched-i-pr-557671.html

 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – In recognition of the UAE’s rich tradition of oral storytelling and poetry, the capital will host the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival on March 19, which will bring together some of the world’s leading poets, such as well-known Americans, Patricia Smith, Kane Smego and G Yamazawa, to participate in a rich and multi-cultural programme alongside recognized Emirati and regional poets.

The event will be the Middle East’s first-ever festival dedicated solely to spoken and written poetic verse and will feature an exciting blend of workshops, open mics, slams, and competitions followed by the grand finale of performances that will showcase the talent of leading Arab and Western poets.

Founded by Rooftop Rhythms and BrandMoxie, The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival is being hosted by the event’s patron, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, with support from the US Embassy of Abu Dhabi and Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation.

Award-winning poet, Dorian “Paul D” Rogers, is the founder of Rooftop Rhythms, a well-known platform for nurturing poetry in the UAE. He shared the vision for the event. “Nothing captures the human experience and inspires the soul quite like poetry – it is a legacy for this great country. For us, holding the Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival here is a way of bringing poetry to its very source.”

Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie added, “We’re excited to be working with Rooftop Rhythms, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and our partners to celebrate the culture and tradition of the spoken word. We are all huge believers in community engagement and in nurturing creativity, and, with this, we’ll be reaching out to schools, universities, and community groups to make it an inclusive affair.”

The festival’s headliner is Patricia Smith, National Book Award finalist and three-time National Poetry Slam champion, who will be accompanied by fellow Americans, Kane Smego, and G Yamazawa. Home-grown local talent will also have a chance to shine, performing at the evening gala, as well as taking part in the daytime workshops, open mic events in English, French, and Arabic, and a poetry slam competition. The festival will provide free, writing and performance workshops, lectures, as well as a writing competition. This cultural celebration will be inclusive to all ages, attracting the participation of schools and universities, all the while providing positive, family-friendly entertainment.

Eisa Al Raeesi, Head of Student Affairs at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said, “Our university is committed to making Abu Dhabi a hub for cultural diversification as it is mentioned in the university’s moto, ‘A bridge between civilizations’. It is an honor to work hand-in-hand with our partners to realize this.

Jeremy Jewett, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy of Abu Dhabi added, “The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival will be a fun cross-cultural celebration. There’s so much in poetry that links different people together no matter the language. We love to help support programmes that bring unique American artists and experts over to engage directly with locals. I’m really excited about the schedule that BrandMoxie and Rooftop Rhythms have put together and the American poets that plan to come to Abu Dhabi.”