From 28 August – 3 September, Art enthusiasts are welcomed to experience a celebration of artistry and sophistication with a curated exhibition from Zayed University’s artists
Abu Dhab : The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is proud to partner with Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) this Emirati Women’s Day to honor and showcase the remarkable creativity of female Emirati artists. Beginning Thursday, August 28, the hotel’s elegant lobby and Crystal Lounge will be reimagined as a gallery space, featuring 10 artworks by the university’s most talented Emirati artists. Presented under this year’s national theme of Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, the exhibition welcomes residents and guests to experience a powerful showcase of artistry that blends heritage, identity and contemporary expression.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s General Manager Karim Gharbi comments on the collaboration saying, “At The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, we are deeply committed to celebrating the heritage and creativity of the UAE. Emirati Women’s Day is a meaningful occasion for us to honor the extraordinary contributions of women in shaping culture and society. Through this exciting collaboration with Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, we are proud to open our doors as a platform for Emirati artists to share their vision with our guests and the wider community. It is a privilege to showcase such remarkable talent within our hotel and have our space be a celebration of art, identity, and innovation.”
From sculptures and paintings to digital installations, the exhibition will entail a versatile range of Emirati creativity. Guests will have the opportunity to discover the work of numerous talents such as:
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Sara Alahbabi: A conceptual artist and educator whose work spans installation, sound and sculpture, exploring visibility, memory, and belonging in the UAE’s urban and cultural landscape.
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Ameena Aljerman Alali: An artist who explores Afro-Emirati history through personal and collective memory. Working across video, sculpture, photography, and text, she reimagines oral and visual histories to address themes of trauma, identity, and heritage. Her work has been exhibited in the UAE and internationally, creating space for alternative narratives within broader Indian Ocean histories.
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Zainab Alhashmi: A multidisciplinary artist and curator working across mediums to examine the layers of human behavior and experience, with exhibitions at major cultural venues across the UAE.
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Asayel Abdalla: A visual artist specializing in photography, mixed media, and printmaking, whose practice blends cultural narratives with experimental techniques.
Dean Professor, Janet Bellotto of CACE says, “The College of Arts and Creative Enterprises–Zayed University is proud to partner with the St. Regis Abu Dhabi in celebrating Emirati Women’s Day. This panel reflects the full arc of artistic growth—faculty as mentors, students as emerging voices, and alumni like Afra Aldhaberi, whose journey from student to mentee to faculty embodies the strength of continuity and community. Collaborating with partners in our wider community is essential to presenting and celebrating initiatives like this, which honour the women who paved the way while shaping a future of creativity, resilience, and vision through the arts.”
This collaboration reflects the shared vision of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and Zayed University to champion Emirati women in the arts, and provide a platform for their voices to be seen and heard. By showcasing bold ideas and diverse practices, the exhibition not only celebrates the creativity of a new generation but also highlights The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s commitment to honoring the UAE’s heritage, supporting local talent and enriching the cultural landscape.
FACT BOX
What: Zayed University Art Exhibit at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
When: From August 28th to September 3rd
Timing: All Day
Where: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Lobby and Crystal Lounge
