Stars of the future
Shelter
The UAE is full of enterprising individuals who are keen to make an impact on their local society, and so when Emirati twins Ahmad and Rashid Bin Shabeeb (the young masterminds behind brownbag.ae and bimonthly magazine, brownbook) developed their Shelter initiative, we were more than eager to collaborate with them in order to give would-be entrepreneurs that all-essential boost. Initially the programme was based in Dubai, but plans to expand across the UAE saw Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba, Sharjah, as the perfect new base.
The Shelter in Maraya Art Centre is a du-supported incubation center for UAE entrepreneurs, where they can join forces with like-minded individuals to discuss and implement their strategies and plans. This in-house experience takes up the entire first floor of the art center and is unique within the region as a community workspace where inventive individuals can meet fellow forward-thinkers, creatives and intellectuals – a place where thoughts can become reality. Information on training programs, regional conferences and other opportunities are readily available, as well as a private café and library.
Freej
When we got wind of Freej, the Middle East’s first 3D animated series, we knew we had to be part of it. In order to offer our support to the series’ creator, Emirati Mohammed Saeed Harib, we offered him a collaboration deal – and we haven’t looked back since.
Meaning ‘neighbourhood’ in Khaleeji dialect, Freej is a family-focused show that tells the story of four old Emirati ladies, Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi and Um Khammas, who live their lives in the traditional manner they grew up in in a secluded neighborhood. The values they’re used to though are continuously being challenged by the ever-expanding Dubai city, and the women must handle the social and cultural issues that come with the increasingly globalized society, which they do with a hearty dose of wit and sarcasm – and, of course, a good cup of coffee.
Sponsoring talents
We’re proudly associated with our appointed brand ambassador, Ahmed Bukhatir, the incredibly popular nasheed singer whose values regarding community are aligned with our own. In Ramadan 2010 we collaborated with him when he launched his new album, Moments with Allah, with proceeds made through downloads of his song being donated to charity.
We recognize that there is an incredible amount of talent in the UAE, some of which is already known, and some of which is simply waiting to be discovered, and we’re keen to help all gifted Emiratis make a name for themselves.
Sheikh Majid Awards
Initiatives such as the Majid Bin Mohammed Youth Media Award are vital to the development of our country’s young people, and as such we’re pleased to say that we’ve supported the effort since 2010. The next generation of Emirati media professionals are nurtured and encouraged by such awards, and we like to think that we’re inspiring them to be something more through participating in such an event – it’s certainly boost for them, as it gives them the opportunity to develop the skills needed to enter the media sector as knowledgeable, well-rounded professionals.