Ramadaniyyat رمضانيّات

On Poetry and Music with Barween Habib, Mahdi Mansour, and Faraj Abyad

Monday, April 3, 9:30pm
Conference Center (A6) Auditorium

Booking required | Free

On this Ramadan evening, poet Mahdi Mansour and musician Faraj Abyad are in conversation with the poet, critic, and media expert Barween Habib about the interwoven relationship between poetry, philosophy, and music. Beginning with Andalusian poetry and classical music, they delve deeper into contemporary poetry and music, exploring the profound impact the Andalusian Maqamat have had on the present-day Arabic poem structure and its musical Maqamat. 

The event is in Arabic with simultaneous English interpretation available.

Emirati Short Film Program

Tuesday, April 4, 9:30pm
The Blue Hall

Booking Required | Free

A series of short films by Emirati filmmakers

The films for the night feature the work of four Emirati directors:

Hamam Zakiya directed by Eman Al Sayed – 7 min

A Small Dream directed by Sarra’a Al Shehhi – 15 min

Hayya directed by Shereen Abu Ouf – 19 min

The Monster directed by Abdulrahman Al Madani – 25 min

Faraj Abyad: Andalusian Love Story

Wednesday, April 5, 9:30pm
The Red Theater

Booking Required

Andalusian Love Story, composed by Faraj Abyad, is based on a series of love letters written between Ibn Zaydun and Wallada Bint Al Mustakfi. Influences from modern Khaleeji, Latin, and classical music intertwine with classical Egyptian and Syrian Muwashshah styles to create a new modern sound rooted in Arabic Turath and tradition.

Exploring intergenerational Healing and Medicinal Practices

Thursday, April 6, 9:30pm
Reading Room, NYUAD Art Gallery | Register here

In this workshop led by artist and curator Zuhoor Al Sayegh, participants will explore natural healing processes passed down throughout generations, using plants and herbs often sold at Hakeem (Arabic for 'wise' and 'healer') spice shops that are ubiquitous in the UAE. There is an urgency to document these practices as the passing down of knowledge from elder generations becomes less common. Al Sayegh will draw from her own experiences and knowledge from her parents and grandparents, and will invite participants to create space to explore their own personal histories with medicinal practices. Combining oral history, shared by participants, with books on Andalusian plant medicine from the NYUAD library, the group will be invited to document, imagine, write, and research recipes that can be relevant and accessible to us today.

Workshop: Arabic Vocal & Music Composition with Faraj Abyad and Yarub Smarait

Thursday, April 6, 7:30pm
The Arts Center

Booking Required | Free

Join composer and vocalist Faraj Abyad, along with violinist Yarub Smarait, in this interactive workshop. Participants will learn how to set Arabic poetry to music using the Arabic Maqam and rhythm.

Part of Off the Stage presented by Mubadala