The Culture Counter

<p>THE CULTURE COUNTER - Introducing you to some of the most interesting conversations and debates we have about the arts, from our region and beyond, right here from the heart of The Arts Club Dubai. The first international outpost of the historic London private members’ club, The Arts Club Dubai is located in DIFC’s ICD Brookfield Place. The Arts Club was founded in London in 1863 by men of vision, to be a haven for a community of people all connected by their love for the Arts. It has evolved to become a vibrant hub for creative and entrepreneurial members, providing an environment in which they can entertain, exchange ideas and participate in a rich cultural programme of events. The Arts Club Dubai shares this same vision, giving Dubai a unique concept for an extraordinary new membership. For more information, please visit www.theartsclub.ae </p>

Reframing the Mind: A workshop by Dr. Naif Al Mutawa

In the lead-up to World Mental Health Day, we welcome Dr. Naif Al Mutawa for a workshop on recognising and reframing negative thought patterns, building emotional resilience, and prioritising mental wellbeing in both daily life and the workplace. Through practical, guided exercises, participants learn to cultivate greater self-acceptance and transform unhelpful patterns into rational, positive perspectives.

12-16
18:11

Authored: Sara Hamdan, What Will People Think?

Writer and former New York Times journalist Sara Hamdan joins us at The Arts Club Dubai to discuss her debut novel, What Will People Think? — an intergenerational story moving between 2011 New York and 1947 Jaffa, exploring identity, legacy, and the tension between tradition and ambition. A Palestinian American raised in Greece and based in Dubai for two decades, Hamdan brings a global perspective shaped by a varied career in journalism, finance, and technology, including roles at Merrill Lyn...

12-16
48:31

An Evening With: Angelo Zegna

We are pleased to have welcomed Angelo Zegna, EMEA CEO and fourth-generation member of the Zegna family, for an evening exploring the remarkable legacy of Ermenegildo Zegna — the visionary founder who helped define Made in Italy. Angelo reflects on how his family has carried these values forward for over a century, and how craftsmanship, innovation, and responsibility continue to shape Zegna’s vision for the future of luxury while honouring its rich heritage.

12-16
36:15

An Evening with Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports

When Paul Griffiths arrived in the UAE in 2007, he took a bold leap from his role as MD of Gatwick Airport. Since then, he has led the remarkable transformation of Dubai Airports — guiding its rise from just over 34 million passengers a year to one of the world’s busiest international hubs. In conversation with journalist Rosanna Lockwood, Griffiths reflects on the records broken and world firsts achieved under his leadership, and shares his vision for the future of aviation in Dubai and beyo...

12-16
43:21

Beyond the Runway: Fashion’s Global Shifts

Fresh from the Fashion Weeks, this conversation brings together leading voices in the industry to unpack the season’s defining ideas and aesthetics. Featuring Sujata Assomull, Contributing Editor at Vogue Business and Founding Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar India; Sharifa Al Hashemi, founder of ONORI; and Jessica Michault, Senior Editor at Emirates Woman, the panel explores standout collections, emerging trends, and the creative statements shaping the runways.

12-16
32:03

Preserving The Invisible: The Art of Conservation

What happens behind the scenes to preserve the artworks we love? Tune in for an engaging conversation on the craft, care, and complexity of art conservation led by industry experts, including Ekaterina Plastinina, Associate Director at Green Art Gallery; Vedika Kochhar, Founder and Head Conservator at Partum Restauro; and Collector Salvatore Lavallo. The discussion sheds light on the complex process behind artwork preservation, an exacting science that focuses on aesthetics, in which every de...

07-01
55:40

Hormonal Health: How to Balance Body, Skin, & Mind

Hormones affect everything — from our skin and sleep to mood and weight. In this insightful conversation, Francesca Ogiermann-White, founder of The Beauty Triangle and Tatler’s Health & Beauty Editor-at-Large, leads an expert panel on how to better understand and manage these vital body chemicals. Joined by bio-identical hormone expert Dr Martin Galy, aesthetic doctor Dr Suha Kersh, and GP Dr Carla Saour, the discussion dives into breakthroughs in women’s health, modern weight loss treatm...

07-01
01:02:50

A Founder's Story: Brunello Cucinelli

Step into the world of luxury and vision with Brunello Cucinelli in this exclusive fireside chat that marks his first appearance in Dubai. Discover the extraordinary journey of the man behind Italy’s iconic brand, as he shares how his personal values, family, and challenges shaped his philosophy of "Humanistic Capitalism." Get a rare glimpse into Cucinelli’s reflections on building a legacy, overcoming obstacles, and blending ethics with entrepreneurship.

12-19
45:21

Stress, Burnout, & Mental Health

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Dr. Saliha Afridi, founder of The LightHouse Arabia, leads the conversation focusing on the importance of mental health and wellbeing in today's fast-paced world. She explores the meaning of a healthy mind, common mental health challenges, and strategies for fostering resilience. With this year’s theme centring on mental health in the workplace, the conversation, moderated by Scott Armstrong founder of mentl.space, provides valuable insights o...

12-19
53:47

Gut Health & Longevity By Lanserhof

Dr Jan Stritzke, a leading specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiology and Medical Director at the award-winning Austrian health resort, Lanserhof Sylt, shares valuable insights into the crucial link between gut health and longevity. He explains how a balanced gut microbiome affects digestive health, heart function, immunity, and ageing. Dr Stritzke provides practical tips on enhancing gut health through diet, lifestyle changes, and integrative medicine, all aimed at improving the quality ...

12-19
58:42

A Founder's Story: Christian Louboutin

In this special edition of A Founder’s Story, we are joined by the iconic designer Christian Louboutin for an insightful fireside chat, moderated by Ritu Upadhyay, Middle East Bureau Chief at WWD. Christian explores his personal and professional evolution, from the inception of his brand to its rise as a global fashion symbol. Throughout the conversation, Christian shares key moments from his illustrious career; the successes and challenges he faced and the inspiring stories that shaped...

12-19
59:30

The Yellow Metal

Gold stands as a cornerstone in the annals of currency, trade, and investment. Tracing its rich history unveils tales of civilizations, conquests, and economic transformations, showcasing its profound influence on human affairs. Today, amidst the complexities of modern finance, gold retains its allure as a strategic asset, sought after for its stability, diversification benefits, and hedge against economic uncertainties. But how has this yellow metal sustained its value through time? And wha...

06-24
01:08:18

The Culture Dispatch: The Root Resurgence

In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of interest in plant-based remedies and traditional herbal medicine practices, driven in part by a societal shift towards holistic wellness intersecting with traditional knowledge and scientific advancements in the sector. But how can we navigate the integration of traditional plant-based medicine into modern healthcare systems? And how can we do it whilst respecting cultural heritage, indigenous rights and ensuring safety and efficacy for ...

06-24
01:13:01

The Art Cereal: New Trends in Collecting

Ahead of Art Dubai, Amelie von Wedel and Pernilla Holmes, Founder and Director of Wedel Art, art advisory firm and curators for The Arts Club London and Dubai, lead a discussion on the most interesting works capturing the attention of the art world now. They will also share some tips & tricks on art collecting, alongside their unique insights into emerging movements in a fluctuating contemporary market.

03-11
47:51

Cross Border Audiophiles: A Conversation with Dustee Jenkins

A conversation with Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Spotify, exploring the latest trends and innovations coming out of the audio space. Diving into what this exciting future of audio represents to Arab creators and how streaming platforms like Spotify drive their discovery across borders. In conversation with Stavros Antypas, Cultural Programme Manager at The Arts Club Dubai.

02-15
45:00

The Culture Dispatch: Navigating Financial Frontiers 2024

Dive into the intricate world of financial movements, where we unravel the past, scrutinise the present, and peek into the future of venture capital trends. Offering valuable perspectives on the venture capital landscape, courtesy of our distinguished speakers: Philip Bahoshy, CEO & founder of MAGNiTT, and Noor Sweid, the astute Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures. As we unravel these intricacies we can't help but wonder: What are your predictions for the venture capital land...

02-05
44:12

The Cultural Dispatch: The Future of Fuel

With the conclusion of COP28 and the emergence of practical resolutions, we've evolved from an unequivocal rejection of fossil fuels to a commitment for transitioning away, tripling renewable energy, and enhancing climate finance for the most vulnerable. In light of this newfound resolution, there's a growing expectation for fuel companies to embrace cleaner and more efficient production methods. What implications does this hold for the future? Does fossil fuel production indeed pose a hindra...

01-29
41:34

A Founder’s Story: How Mohamad Ballout built Kitopi

In 2021, Dubai’s Kitopi became a unicorn with a $415 million round led by SoftBank. Founded in January 2018 by Mohamad Ballout (CEO & co-founder) and his friends Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, it is today the world’s leading managed cloud kitchen platform. But where does it all start? Whether from their parents’ garage, or from an enlightening conversation or from having been in the right place at the right time, some of the best founding stories begin like his. Join us...

01-25
48:44

The Art Cereal: Ai & Art | A New Age

A fireside chat with Award winning director, writer & poet Nujoom Al Ghanem While AI presents innovative tools for artists and the potential to challenge traditional boundaries, it also raises questions about authenticity and human creativity. Can AI-generated art truly evoke the same emotional depth as human-created pieces, or is it merely an algorithmic imitation? In the pursuit of artistic evolution, is the fusion of AI and art a harmonious partnership or a discordant clash? Moreover, ...

12-21
44:52

The Art Cereal: Creativity to Mobilise Change

Art for The Ocean: Creativity to Mobilize Change took place in the prolific art market of Dubai during COP 28 (the world’s largest annual climate gathering, hosting more than 100 Heads of State and over 35,000 participants). Bringing together artists, collectors, philanthropists, and ocean advocates alike to create a direct bridge between the art world’s capabilities and the ocean’s needs during that global climate event. Program partner Oceanic Global curated a diverse group of global stakeh...

12-13
49:40

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