Threads of Hope: Afghan carpets meet contemporary design in Sharjah

Welcome back to Al-Monitor Dubai.

This week, we highlight a Sharjah exhibition showcasing carpets crafted by Afghan women and designed by contemporary artists and designers. We feature a show of vibrant paintings by Ghanaian Kofo Marfa, a delicious new Filipino eatery in Dubai Marina and a new book on late Egyptian painter Inji Efflatoun.

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Happy reading,

Rebecca

P.S. Have feedback or tips on Dubai's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.

1. Leading the week: “Naseej — Threads of Hope”

A view of a tour of “Naseej: Threads of Hope,” at BEEHAH. (Courtesy of BEEHAH)

Taking place at BEEAH, a public-private organization in Sharjah dedicated to pioneering sustainability and innovation, the exhibition “Naseej: Threads of Hope” showcases nine handwoven carpets by regional and international artists. Staged in collaboration with the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), the show is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of both the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and BEEAH's board of directors. It concludes with a silent online auction ending on June 4.

Conceived as a dialogue between art, design, craft and community empowerment, the exhibition is worth visiting not only for its vibrant intricate works inspired by traditional carpet art but also for its social mission. Curated by Fatima Deemas, it merges contemporary design with cultural heritage — presenting pieces that reflect the theme of a child’s well-being.

Each carpet was handwoven by female artisans in Kabul, Afghanistan through FBMI and its artisan platform Zuleya using natural dyes and ethically sourced wool that honors traditional Afghan craftsmanship and protects the environment.

Founded in 2010, FBMI empowers underprivileged communities — especially Afghan women — by providing sustainable employment and critical social services. Its four pillars are Arts & Culture, Education, Health and Strategic Advisory and it has already supported over 2 million low-income Afghans.

Dates: Through June 4

Location: BEEHAH, Sharjah

More details here.

2. Word on the street: Kooya Filipino Eatery

A view of a zesty fried dish with shrimp at Kooya Filipino Eatery. (Courtesy of Kooya Filipino Eatery)

Tucked away in Dubai Marina is an eatery featuring Filipino cuisine by Chef JP Anglo, one of the most renowned and respected chefs in the Philippines. The menu, inspired by homestyle cooking from his homeland, offers something for every palate. You’ll be hooked after tasting Filipino favorites like chicken sisig and bulalo, a hearty beef soup. There are other street dishes too, such as lumpiang Shanghai made with ground pork, minced onions, carrots, eggs and seasoning. With Filipinos comprising one of the largest expat groups in the United Arab Emirates, this eatery is a must for anyone wishing to delve deeper into the culture via mouthwatering cuisine.

Location: Nasdaq Street, Marina Promenade

More details here.

3. Dubai diary

A work by Kojo Marfa at JD Malat Gallery. (Courtesy of JD Malat Gallery)

• “HOME: Heart of My Existence” at JD Malat Gallery

This week marks the final chance to see the work of Afro-surrealist Ghanaian artist Kojo Marfo at JD Malat Gallery, which opened in Downtown Dubai this January. “Home is the heart of my existence,” Marfo states in the show’s catalogue. “It reflects the things I’ve been through, my experiences and my emotions. It is not necessarily the four-cornered building we live in; it is what goes on in our hearts and minds.”

His UAE debut, “HOME: Heart of My Existence,” presents vibrantly colored abstract figures that capture scenes of everyday life in Ghana — deeply influenced by traditional Akan artifacts, sculptures and carvings, all of which he links to his West African roots.

Dates: Through May 31

Location: Act 2 Tower, Ground floor, 13a, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

More details here.

• “The Shape of the Sky, a Rectangle” 

This exhibition presents the work of KM Madhusudhanan, whose art explores ideas of time, memory and identity. Adorned with ancient symbols and alluring golden hues against dark, mysterious backgrounds, Madhusudhanan’s art is inspired by the southern Indian state of Kerala, whose rich, layered compositions, tropical landscapes and deep history make this exhibition a truly profound experience.

Dates: Through June 15

Location: 1x1 Art Gallery, Warehouse 10, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz

More details here.

• The Art of Fresco: History, technique and contemporary exploration with Chafa Ghaddar

For art history enthusiasts — especially those passionate about the Renaissance — this three-day deep dive into traditional and conceptual fresco techniques is not to be missed. Ghaddar will trace the evolution of frescoes through the centuries, highlighting how the painting technique is both an art and a science. Students will learn to layer lime and sand to prepare natural pigments, gaining hands-on experience in how frescoes are created and transformed into art.

Dates: June 2-4

Location: The Tashkeel Makerspace, Warehouse 89

More details here.

4. Book of the week: “The Life and Work of Inji Efflatoun”

Published this month, “The Life and Work of Inji Efflatoun” — a project by Sharjah’s Barjeel Art Foundation, co-published with Skira — presents for the first time an English translation of the late Egyptian artist’s memoir. It traces several key moments in her life — from growing up in Cairo’s Shubra neighborhood, to her time as a painter and later as a political activist imprisoned at Al Qanater Women’s Prison, where she produced some of her most powerful works, and to her early mentorship by Kamel el-Telmissany. From him, she learned that a painting conveys “an honest expression of society and self,” as stated in the book edited by Barjeel founder Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi and the foundation’s director, Suheyla Takesh.

5. View from Dubai

Palm Jumeirah, pictured in 2008 with fewer hotels and residences than it has today. (Courtesy of Shutterstock)

The Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most exclusive areas today. When it was first envisioned in 2001, the man-made archipelago shaped like a palm tree was to serve as one of the symbolic icons of the city. It has and continues to be known worldwide for its luxury offerings coupled with picturesque sea views. The Palm’s fronds are formed from 61 million cubic meters of sand and 7 million tons of rock.

6. By the numbers

• As of May 2025, the population of the United Arab Emirates stands at 11.35 million, according to Global Media Insight (GMI).

• In 2025, the Indian community in the UAE is estimated to number nearly 4.36 million, accounting for around 38.45% of the country’s total population, making Indians the Gulf nation’s largest expat group, according to Global Media Insight.

• After Indians, Pakistanis comprise the second largest expat community at 16.72% of the total population, followed by Filipinos at 6.89%, according to GMI.