Category Archives: People

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Kamal Musallam is an excitingly unique artist whose music carries a distinctive, pleasant flavor that is simultaneously unexpected and refreshing. His musical journey innocently began with his mother gifting him a piano at a tender age of 3, and from then on there was simply no looking back. An architect by profession, Kamal Musallam realized that music was his true calling in 1997, when he became a part of Ziad Rahbani’s ensemble. He was then at a crossroads to choose between a career in architecture or music. His decision to explore the world of music imposed several demands on him, there’s no doubt that it has been a fantastically rewarding journey so far.

To the uninspired ear, jazz and Arabic music are not flavours that generally go well together. However, Musallam elegantly merges the two diverse worlds of jazz and Arabic music to create a truly one-of-a-kind musical treasure. Musallam is as passionate about Arabic music as he is about contemporary jazz. As a child, Kamal was trained to play the Oud, a traditional string instrument of the Middle East and also the acoustic guitar. His knowledge and passion in playing these instruments inspired him to merge the two and produce a whole new genre in the musical world.

With Dubai as his music laboratory and home, Kamal has successfully established his three active bands, Kamal Musallam group, Kamal Musallam Trio and Eastmania. From performing in small cafe’s to performing at huge music festivals, Kamal has tasted success at every level. With an ultimate goal to constantly play live and reach out to more people, this Jordanian artist sets out to travel across countless countries and participates in numerous festivals to introduce his music to the world and strike a special chord with his audience.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A self-taught Emirati artist, Abdul Qader Al Rais made quite an entry into the art world during his tweens. Right from the beginning his artworks have been critically acclaimed by his fellow artists and critics around the world. His watercolour artworks are mostly inspired by local landscape, scene and heritage of UAE. With more than 10 awards and 15 solo exhibitions, Al Rais is one of the most celebrated and noted artist in UAE.

Al Rais’s signature geometrical motifs—flying squares—made his artworks recognisable even without his initials. The incorporation of flying squares along with abstract calligraphy in his paintings, became his idiosyncrasy and carved a niche for his paintings around the world. His paintings are featured in many palaces and government offices in UAE. His artworks can also be spotted in many local trains, a government initiative to encourage public art in Dubai.

His latest endeavour Past Forward: Contemporary Art from the Emirates is the first major touring exhibition of Emirati art. Past Forward showcases various peculiarities of Emirati heritage and their deeply rooted culture on hospitality. It includes artworks of 25 contemporary Emirati artists. This 18-month long touring exhibition is having its last stop in Bluegrass, USA. This exhibition includes three of Al Razi’s artworks- Al Jalbout (Pearl Diving Boat), Obaid and Mouza, Thekrayat (Memories).

Al Jalbout, represents an integral occupation in Gulf region’s history, pearl diving. The painting shows a sectional structure of the pearl diving vessel. Thekrayat, is a defined scene of rural Fujairah,which homes the oldest mosque in UAE and the only place without a coastline in the Arabian Gulf.

At 64, he is one of the most seasoned artists old enough to making art that depicts the times before the establishment of UAE.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”870″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”869″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Combining new age folk with classic blues, Josh Monteath’s music is refreshingly melodic and filled with heartfelt messages.

Like most songwriters, Monteath’s songs are derived from his own personal life and experiences. He firmly believes that to be able to write well, one must write about what one knows. In Monteath’s case, he writes about the people around him, the little things we do, that special girl, and what inspires him whether it be good or bad.

More than anything, Monteath enjoys sharing his music and stories and hopes that people find their own way of relating to it.

Below, he joins Yello Ideas in an exclusive interview:

1.What inspires you?

Without sounding too cliche, my main inspiration would be my life experiences. Most of my music is about a time in life whether it be good or bad. My music is essentially my voice, because I can be a bit closed off in terms of sharing personal stuff.

2.When did you discover your flair in music?

My flair in music, had always been with the times and the influences at the time. I’d have to say the most comfortable I’ve been with writing music and enjoying the music I compose, came after I heard John Mayer’s Solo in Gravity (Live in L.A). That single moment defined what type of a musician I’d be and what type of a musician I want to be.

3.Please describe the genre of music you sing?

That’s a tough question, I usually say singer-songwriter cause it’s an easy title (chuckles).
But I guess it would be a cross between blues/folk/pop.

4.What is the reason behind choosing the particular genre?

I find it hard to define what genre of music I play, so it’s hard to say why, but I certainly didn’t pick it. It just felt right, much like how my music changes from time-to-time, cause it just feels right.

5.What motivates you to write?

People and events in my life.

6.Are you an early person?

I am, indeed.

7.What time of the day do you prefer for song writing?

It kind of just happens at anytime, it’s never really planned. Having said that, there’s just something about writing at midnight or early in the AM. I guess cause everyone’s a sleep and you’re just working on something so special, it feels like you’re the only one doing something at that hour…and that feels really nice (though it makes for some really tiring afternoons).

8.Who is your inspiration in the music world? (Legendary musicians, bands, etc.)

BB King, Aerosmith, John Mayer, Otis Redding, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Aaron Neville, Kings Of Leon…I could keep going on. (laughs)

9.Have you observed a specific age group that listens to your music more?

For the most part it would be between 17- 40, but every now and then I get some great compliments from people in their 60’s. I often worry that my music would not be their cup of tea, so it’s nice when you realize that’s not the case.

10.Who do you aspire to be in the minds of your listeners?

Someone they can relate to, someone who moves them with his art, the same way I’ve been moved by my influences.

11.A message for your fans.

Thank you so much for listening! As a musician, the best thing one could ask for is to have loving fans who support you, and to have that continuous support makes this journey so much more interesting than it already is![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”856″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”855″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Add a touch of magic to your events!

Fred Sharp is considered to be one of the leading professionals working as a close up magician for hire in Dubai. He frequently performs his brand of magic at prestigious events in Dubai, the UAE and all around the world. With a stress-free personal style he enthralls his audiences from start to end. A professional entertainer, Fred makes sure that no matter when or where your event is, it becomes a once-in-a-lifetime, memorable event!

Amaze your guests, have fun, and witness great magic at corporate and private events. Show your guests the time of their lives and let Fred inspire them.

Awe-Inspiring Close-Up Magician in Dubai

As a unique and talented entertainer, Fred knows exactly what it takes to shock and awe his audiences. He interacts with the audience and performs thought-defying magic for them, at their tables. Fred is flexible in the sense that his shows can be customized for particular audiences and age groups.

As a professional magician in Dubai, Fred can create branded magical shows specifically for the purpose of showcasing your company’s message, products or services. Your guests are important and their entertainment can never be left to chance. Fred’s avid dedication to exclusive, reliable and personal entertainment solutions ensures that we will make your event as hassle-free as it will be memorable.

Fred’s focus is always on ensuring an incredible and delightful experience for everyone.

What Makes Fred Sharp Different!

There may be a lot of magicians in Dubai, but there is a very select minority who can truly entertain and mystify their audiences. Fred has the power to do just that… and a lot more!

Fred has hosted ceremonies and shows for some of the biggest names in Dubai, giving the audience hours of unbridled entertainment, while also subtly yet effectively delivering the host’s branding message. He is also a well-loved motivational speaker for many MNCs in Dubai. The audience loves him because he commands their full attention and interest while also spreading enthusiasm and inspiration among them. Let’s just say that Fred has supernatural gift to motivate audiences to live above their circumstances and become, better, smarter, more energetic employees as well.

Fred Sharp is originally from France. But he has been all over the world pursuing the most authentic magic training he could find. But he chose to settle as a magician in Dubai.

The result?
Fred has won quite a few prestigious magic awards including the Rovi Cup at the International Brotherhood of Magicians (British Ring).

He is a regular guest performer at FFFF in New York. This convention is considered as the most prestigious (invite-only) gathering of close up magicians from around the world. He has performed at over 2000 events for many prestigious private parties and corporate events in the UAE but also across Europe. Fred has entertained members of the Royal Family in Britain, and many stars from the screen and the sporting world as well.

You NEED Fred Sharp for Your Next Event!

There is a lot at stake whenever you are planning to host a show or event of any type. But the good news is that finding a world-class magician in Dubai isn’t that hard because you know where to look now. Fred Sharp brings his charismatic personality, irresistible accent and captivating magic to your audience.

Please have a look at our example videos or read the client testimonials to find out how we can help your event stand out.

Motivational Speaker in Dubai

Fred has hosted ceremonies and shows for some of the biggest names in Dubai, giving the audience hours of unbridled entertainment, while also subtly yet effectively delivering the host’s branding message for corporate clients.

He is also a well-loved motivational speaker for many MNCs in Dubai. The audience loves him because he commands their full attention and interest with his magical skills while also spread enthusiasm and inspiration among them.

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Twist again: Miqdad al Suwaidi (left) plays foosball at the Tornado Sports Cafe, which he owns.

Miqdad al Suwaidi is top of the table for foosball in the UAE – and has the battle scars to prove it, Keach Hagey writes.

That Miqdad al Suwaidi is a professional is clear from the moment he approaches the foosball table. Eyes downcast, mouth slack with seriousness, he wraps a tennis racket grip around the wooden handles of the table’s central rods and snaps a rubber band on the end of each. Then he wraps a yellow vinyl brace around each wrist. If the scene had a soundtrack, it would be Eye of the Tiger. “This skin area right here is very sensitive, so from shooting too much you can actually tear your skin and start bleeding,” he said. “It happened to me way too many times, so I got smarter and eventually started using protection on my wrist.”

At first glance, al Suwaidi does not seem like the kind of guy who would bleed for his sport, let alone win world championships. The diminutive Abu Dhabi native, 36, wears fashionably sporty clothes and radiates the manic, hospitable energy of a club promoter. The grandson of a pearl diver, he spent four years as an analyst at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world, before switching over to help his father run the Bin Jabr Group, a property, construction and manufacturing company.

But since becoming the first person from the UAE to win a major international foosball title in 1996 until this year, when he ranked first place in the professional division in singles and doubles at the world championship in Las Vegas, he has also been a driving force for foosball in the Middle East. Foosball, also known as table football or soccer, was invented by an Englishman in the 1920s but became popular around the world as a bar game in the 1970s. It lost much of its allure with the rise of video games in the 1980s, but recently has been making a comeback. In 2002, the International Table Soccer Federation was established in France to promote and regulate the sport. In the last five years, more than 60 countries have established competitive leagues and federations – and Suwaidi wants the UAE to be the next one.

He dreams of creating a league parallel to the country’s football league, with foosball teams corresponding to the al Jazeera, Al Ain and Al Wahda football teams. “If we can get tables in there and try to talk to the managers to see if we could maybe form league, we could have teams from every club competing, just like they do in a football league,” he said. But for now, he’s intent on building on the 250 players he has registered and ranked at his website, www.uaefoosball.com, (he ranks number one, naturally), and on training for the upcoming World Cup of foosball in Nantes, France next month. The foosball World Cup occurs every four years, a year before the real football equivalent.

“When I practice for a major event, I practice about three hours a day,” he said. “I practice alone for about two hours, passing and shooting, and then I practice against some competitors for about an hour.” Sometimes this happens on the two foosball tables he has at his Abu Dhabi home, and other times at the gaming club he owns, the Tornado Sports Cafe. The club is named after the brand of American-built foosball tables he grew to love while attending college at Boston University, but also offers PlayStation games, touch-screen games and a second floor dedicated to online gaming that resembles a nocturnal exhibit at the zoo. The club is open daily from 10am until 3am, but he says the pressure from his clients to keep it open 24 hours is intense.

Suwaidi doesn’t understand the allure of online gaming. He prefers the physicality of foosball which, though one step removed from the grassy pitch, is still much more of a sport than a video game. “It’s very exciting to actually be face-to-face with your opponent,” he said. “You get to move around and be physical.” But physicality, of course, brings the risk of injury. In addition to bloody wrists, he’s hurt his shoulder and his hip – “because you switch from left to right” – during combat on the table.

“And,” he added, “you get headaches from concentrating.”

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