The Cultural hub, Manarat Al Saadiyat is to reopen in Abu Dhabi in November, offering a range of interactive initiatives and programmes focusing on art, design, music, film, innovation and lifestyle.
There are new art and photography studios. The Art Studio will provide a casual drop-in environment where members of the community can come in and work alongside a team of teaching artists.
There will be a Teaching Artists Development Programme, which will offer university students and emerging artists internship opportunities and mentorships. There will also be a space where smaller performance events and screenings can take place.
The Photography Studio will house a gallery, studio space and other facilities including an alternative processes darkroom, a library, and a variety of production equipment, such as cameras, audio gear, and lighting and printing facilities.
There will also be an outside space, with al fresco dining options, called The Garden Pavilion, where classes will be held. A new cafe, Larte, will offer a host of Italian and European dishes.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said as Saadiyat Island’s first multidisciplinary creative space, Manarat Al Saadiyat has mirrored the development of a vibrant cultural community in the capital.
"We are opening the newly renovated Manarat Al Saadiyat to reflect the growing public interest in the culture of the emirate.
"The new space and its diverse programmes will offer a vibrant and interactive platform for the community to engage with a variety of artistic activities that bring the vision of Saadiyat Island to life. Manarat Al Saadiyat aims to provide a focal point for all audiences to connect in a community where artistic creativity is actively welcomed and celebrated," he said.
Alia Khalid Al Qassimi, head of Manarat Al Saadiyat said the tourist spot will now provide the perfect place for anyone and everyone to come, nurture and explore their creative skills.
"This new artistic space will offer the public somewhere to indulge their artistic appetites, whilst it will also help the creative community to expand and grow. It’s a place where everyone will have the opportunity to experience a special artistic moment," said Al Qassimi.