Introduction

The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

 

Articles related to: United Arab Emirates

Musical conversation across cultures enthrals audience at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai

Remix 2011 artists bring magic to a musical evening at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. Photo: Prime Vision Studios

Twelve inspiring and talented artists from across the Middle East and Central Asia performed a beautiful and thought-provoking concert at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai recently. It was an important occasion for both the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Music Initiative, intent on bridging gulfs that have existed for the past hundred years.

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Three years on, the Ismaili Centre, Dubai can look back with pride

Entrance into the Ismaili Centre, Dubai — a plurality of perspectives. Photo: Gary Otte

Three years after the opening of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, it has emerged as a multidisciplinary hub of culture, faith, education, and community identity. Exemplifying the core values of Ismaili Muslims, the Centre offers a platform for dialogue, unity and progress within the Jamat and the wider community.

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UK Ismaili Community Ensemble shares its melodies in Dubai

During rehearsal, Paul Griffiths works with a Syrian musician from the UAE Jamat.
. Photo: Naveed Osman

The UK-based Ismaili Community Ensemble undertook a journey to Dubai at the end of September. During the trip, they collaborated with local Jamati members in a performance at the Ismaili Centre, supported an international fundraising event organised by FOCUS, and conducted a workshop with children challenged by disabilities. Ensemble member Rabiyyah Raval shares her account.

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Entrepreneurial women transform home-cooked meals into a source of income

Members of the Jamat had an opportunity to try a variety of dishes at the at a Golden Alliance food mela, held at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai in April 2010. Photo: Prime Vision

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.

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Dubai Culture recognises Ismaili Centre as a patron of the arts

Entrance into the Ismaili Centre, Dubai — a plurality of perspectives. Photo: Gary Otte

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.

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Ismaili Centre, Dubai joins with Architectural Heritage Society to host lecture series

ATHAR participants browse a selection of Aga Khan Trust for Culture publications at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. Photo: Rafiq Ally

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.

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A lens into the legacy of Royal Photographer Noor Ali Rashid

This is an early image of the Carlton Tower,  opened in 1977 as Dubai

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.

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Exhibition by UAE Royal Photographer inaugurated at the Ismaili Centre Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Majid and Noor Ali Rashid  pause at a photograph of the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Photo: Farhad R Ally / Akbar Hakim

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.

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Optometrist provides eye health services to people in need

Dr Soroya Janmohamed with patients from Hama and Salamieh who travelled to the eye health camp. Photo: Zahir Daya

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.

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Orchestra in Dubai expresses the harmony of the international Jamat through a unique musical compilation

 Copyright: Ismaili Council for UAE

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.

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UAE Jamat volunteers in event to raise funds for cancer research

Ismaili Volunteers and members of the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides gather at Mamzar Park for the 2008 Dubai Terry Fox Run. Photo: Karim Halani

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.

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First Imamat Day at the Ismaili Centre Dubai is marked with a celebration of expression

A view of the entrance to Souq-al-Izhaar (Market of Expressions). Photo: Prime Vision

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.

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United Arab Emirates visit diary

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam at the Royal Terminal of Dubai International Airport, as members of the Jamati leadership look on. Photo: Gary Otte

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.

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Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai

The entrance of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai is adorned by fountains, trees and a five-arched teak and meranti portico. Photo: Gary Otte

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.

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The Dubai Park

In the Dubai Park, located opposite the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, water flows from the fountains along channels that are interconnected with pools. The criss-cross fountains are inspired by the Al-Hambra. Photo: Gary Otte

Situated across the road from the Ismaili Centre Dubai, the Dubai Park is a gift from Mawlana Hazar Imam to the city of Dubai.

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Getting in shape in the UAE

 Photo: Courtesy: Karim Halani

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.

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Emirates Woman of the Year Award

Zenny Hirji with the Emirates Woman of the Year award. Photo: Courtesy of Emirates Woman magazine

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.

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Early detection of breast cancer

Display of the breast cancer ribbon outside a Dubai shopping Centre. Photo: Karim Halani

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.

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Nanga Parbat - Hike to raise awareness of thalassemia

Scouts & Guides at base camp at Nanga Parbat. Photo: Aga Khan Scouts & Guides, UAE

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.

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Ramadan in Dubai

Mosque in Dubai. Photo: Getty Images

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.

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