Middle East
Entrepreneurial women transform home-cooked meals into a source of income
The Jamat in Dubai includes a disproportionate number of bachelors and young families, who, with all the pressures of work and modern life, find it difficult to prepare traditional home cooked meals. Meanwhile, many older women in the Jamat possess exceptional cooking skills and an enterprising spirit. The opportunity to come together was obvious, and led to the creation of a Golden Alliance.
Dubai Culture recognises Ismaili Centre as a patron of the arts
The Ismaili Centre, Dubai was recently recognised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority with the inaugural Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award. The award honours individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution towards the development of Dubai’s cultural sector.
Iranian cooking offers dishes rich in aroma, colour and flavour
The cultures, traditions and foods with which Iranians mark special occasions are as rich as the country’s history. For instance, to mark Nowruz, the dining table is adorned with a special table cloth and seven dishes that represent new life, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, patience and beauty.
Ismaili Centre, Dubai joins with Architectural Heritage Society to host lecture series
In the Autumn of 2009, the UAE Architecture Heritage Society hosted the ATHAR public lectures series in conjunction with the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. ATHAR is a programme of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, which advocates the conservation of cultural heritage.
My year of living livelihoods
During the course of the Golden Jubilee, many murids around the world pledged a nazrana of Time and Knowledge to Mawlana Hazar Imam. Shaheen Tejani reflects on the completion of her recent TKN engagement with the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance.
London exhibition provides insight into the life and legacy of a prominent Persian ruler
A major exhibition on the Safavid Emperor Shah Abbas I, whose rule of Persia spanned the 16th – 17th centuries is on at the British Museum in London. It provides a historical and cultural introduction to Persian culture and achievement, and situates it within the wider context of world events in the same period.
A lens into the legacy of Royal Photographer Noor Ali Rashid
Born in 1929 in the port of Gwadar, Noor Ali Rashid was sent to Dubai by his father, who hoped to cure him of his interest in photography — a distraction from the family business. Instead, through the lens of his camera, Rashid bore witness to the unfolding of a new country.
Exhibition by UAE Royal Photographer inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre Dubai
Reminiscing Heritage, an exhibition of photographs taken by acclaimed Royal Photographer of the United Arab Emirates, Noor Ali Rashid, is being hosted at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. The exhibition was recently inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Optometrist provides eye health services to people in need
According to the WHO, more than 90 per cent of visually impaired people live in developing countries. One Ismaili doctor is making eye health services accessible to some of them and improving the quality of their lives.
Qatar’s quest to build a knowledge society
Qatar is in a hurry to meet the challenges of a dynamically changing world by transforming itself into a knowledge society. Its leaders are propelling the nation on a quest for excellence in education.
Orchestra in Dubai expresses the harmony of the international Jamat through a unique musical compilation
Members of a Jamati orchestra in Dubai have produced a two-disc musical compilation in celebration of the Golden Jubilee. Frontierless Brotherhood — A Fusion of Diversity reflects the cultures and heritage of Ismailis from around the world.
Syrian Jamat prepares to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam on his Golden Jubilee visit
It has been nearly seven years since Mawlana Hazar Imam last visited the Syrian Jamat, and the enthusiasm and excitement are building. Over 100 000 people are expected to attend Darbars in Salamieh and Al-Khawabi, including Jamati members from around the world.
Two cities inextricably linked by a shared heritage and common values
During the past year, Sameer Kassam served as a volunteer with the Aga Khan Development Network in Salamieh and in Cairo. In addition to gaining an understanding of the AKDN’s work and local impact, Kassam also noted the links between the two cities.
UAE Jamat volunteers in event to raise funds for cancer research
Every year since Dubai held its first Terry Fox Run in 1999, the Jamat in United Arab Emirates has helped with the event’s organisation. The 2008 run set a new benchmark for attendance and fundraising, making a significant contribution to cancer research and raising awareness about the disease.
First Imamat Day at the Ismaili Centre Dubai is marked with a celebration of expression
Starting with an inaugural flag-raising ceremony at the Ismaili Centre, Imamat Day in the UAE was celebrated with enthusiatic creativity. The Souq al-Izhar exhibition invited members of the Jamat to express themselves artistically on a variety of themes.
Ismaili children in Syria present a Golden Vision
Ismaili children and youth in Syria expressed their love and devotion to Mawlana Hazar Imam through Golden Vision with Golden Hands, a Navroz art exhibition held in Salamieh, Syria.
Prince Amyn inaugurates the Ismaili Economic Forum
The Ismaili Economic Forum was opened by Prince Amyn on 26 April 2008, amidst a gathering of Ismaili economic and business leaders at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Focusing on the theme of Strategic Business Alliances, the Forum provides a platform for collaboration on economic opportunities and addressing common challenges.
Thousands of visitors tour the Ismaili Centre Dubai
Following the opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, thousands of members of the Jamat enjoyed memorable and informative guided tours of the new Centre.
United Arab Emirates visit diary
In March 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled to the United Arab Emirates for a Golden Jubilee visit. During the busy four day trip, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Jamat and presided over the historic opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai.
Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai
Mawlana Hazar Imam officially opened the Ismaili Centre Dubai on 26 March 2008. Information about the opening of the Centre, including the press release, Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech, videos, photographs and fact sheets can be found here.
The Dubai Park
Situated across the road from the Ismaili Centre Dubai, the Dubai Park is a gift from Mawlana Hazar Imam to the city of Dubai.
Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai
Speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the inauguration of the Ismaili Centre Dubai on 26 March 2008.
UAE Jamat prepares in anticipation of Golden Jubilee visit
With only hours remaining before Mawlana Hazar Imam’s expected arrival in the United Arab Emirates, there is an air of excitement and anticipation as the Jamat prepares for an historic visit.
Getting in shape in the UAE
There is a growing realisation that obesity is becoming a health issue around the world. Naeema Nizari who lives in Dubai shares her thoughts on gaining and losing those extra pounds.
From AKDN to Google
Aleem Walji recently joined Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the world’s largest Internet search engine company. He is part of the Global Development team and brings to Google his insight in social development based on his education and experience with Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Emirates Woman of the Year Award
From London to Dubai, Zenny Hirji’s fund-raising efforts for charitable organisations have been exemplary. Now she is recognised as the “Emirates Woman of the Year" for her work with the Children's Hope Foundation.
Excursions across cultures
Sixteen members of the UK Jamat participated in “Excursions across cultures." They experienced the warm hospitality of the Syrian Jamat, as well as the rich and varied history of a land that has weaved together many different cultures over time.
Early detection of breast cancer
Shebina Amlani, a Health Education Consultant from Toronto, now living in Kuwait writes about breast cancer and how “early detection” can help assuage the effects of this devastating disease in women. Amlani’s experience in this field includes being a Health Promotion Consultant with the Ontario Breast Screening Program (Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital) in Toronto, as well as a regular contributor to publications relating family and women’s health.
Forays into the global village
Sabeen Virani talks about the growing phenomenon of young people across North America going overseas to study, work, or volunteer. She recounts her own experience in Syria as well as other individuals’ ventures to places like Sudan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Uganda.
“Shoot for the moon” they say
"Shoot for the moon", they say - "even if you miss, you will land among the stars." Are these just statements to give hope or is it a reality? As participants in the Syrian Preparatory Programme (SyPP) Ruba Dayoub and Ahmad Alkasir set it to the test.
Nanga Parbat - Hike to raise awareness of thalassemia
The United Arab Emirates Thalassemia Society and Pakistani Thalassemia Society joined hands to increase awareness of thalassemia. Last year, the awareness effort was undertaken by a trek to Nanga Parbat in the Himalayas. The Aga Khan Scouts and Guides of United Arab Emirates participated and raised funds for this awareness campaign.
Ramadan in Dubai
Rozina Nawaz, a resident of Dubai reflects on how Ramadan is celebrated in Dubai. As a cosmopolitan hub of trade and tourism, this vibrant city observes this holy month with various activities and events and evokes a sense of spirituality in all its citizens and residents.
Golden Jubilee Imamat Day in the Middle East
11 July 2007 marked the unison of Ismailis of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds gathered in various regional venues in the Middle East to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their Imam. Irrespective of the geographical settings, whether it be Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, the celebrations were memorable.
Email this page
Print this page
Bookmark & Share
Email
RSS Feed
Twitter
