Dubai: Art Dubai captured the world's attention this week attracting visitors from every corner of the globe.
Artists, intellectuals, students and visitors from all walks of life gathered at Madinat Jumeirah to feel the artistic pulse of the city.
Art Dubai welcomed Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Presidential Affairs, accompanied by a group of high-profile women.
Shaikha Manal is the President of Dubai Women Establishment and President of Dubai Ladies Club.
After touring the halls of the exhibition, she took time to view the artworks and interact with local and international galleries.
Najat Makki, an Emirati artist whose works are displayed by the local Hunar gallery said: "Art Dubai is the best place to meet with our counterparts from different parts of the world and exchange experiences."
Najat said she never missed the opportunity to support local art, particularly events such as this.
She said: "This year I'm showcasing two of my artworks titled 'Nature'. Art Dubai is very important to take part in especially for us as Emirati artists we actually have a lot of responsibility on our shoulders being the citizens of the host city. The artists from all over the world gather in Dubai to get to know the art scene of our country and to know more about our culture."
Improvements
Asked whether she thinks Art Dubai in its fifth edition has made a lot of improvements compared with the previous editions, she replied, "Undoubtedly, big time improvements and I'm positive that the next edition will also be more advanced than the current one.
"This is in fact the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai to always present the best and he has excelled in executing his vision of excellence.
"However, I would like to send out a message to the people in charge of Art Dubai to pay more attention to the Emirati artists' presence at the event because I have noticed we were last year the minority and we unfortunately still were this time. Maybe with more effort the management can double the presence of the locals."
"Art Dubai is better than ever." Said Sylvia Khouvali, representative of Rodeo gallery, which took part in the event. "This is our first participation but we were a regular visitor to the previous editions. We showcase three artists and we appreciate the link of interaction between all the participants." She said.
American Gallery owner, Leila Heller, said: "My gallery showcases contemporary art from all over the world with a touch from the Middle East Market. My gallery has a philosophy of emerging artists but has to be someone I relate to and cutting edge in a lot of ways and most importantly the dialogue between East and West."
Persian artist Farideh Lashai is showcasing work with mixed techniques and messages.
"My artwork expresses the revolution of art in various dimensions, so the viewer will hear the voice of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum sing about freedom and hope, and the viewer will see the famous comic Charlie Chaplin playing the role of Hitler."
