Culture

Peter Harrington showcases Shakespeare’s First Folio at Abu Dhabi Art

Scholars, collectors, and lovers of English literature will have the rare opportunity to view – and for interested institutions or a private collectors – acquire, one of the most important books ever printed, William Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623).

Presented by world-leading rare book firm Peter Harrington, a copy of this cornerstone literary work, will be offered for sale at £4.5 million at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Art fair, taking place from November 19–23 at Manarat al Saadiyat. It is one of only 24 copies to remain in private hands.

No institution, museum, or private collection in the Middle East currently holds a copy of the First Folio. Its appearance in Abu Dhabi represents an extremely rare opportunity for a regional collector or cultural institution to join the ranks of the world’s most prestigious libraries – from the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., to the British Library in London – in stewarding one of the world’s greatest literary treasures.

“Shakespeare’s work transcends time and geography,” says Pom Harrington, owner of Peter Harrington. “It has been credited as shaping and solidifying Shakespeare’s influence on the English language. But when you see the excitement the Folio generates wherever it travels – whether to Tasmania or Toronto – you’re reminded how extraordinary it is that a 17th-century book printed in England can still inspire wonder, centuries later and worlds away from where it was first printed.”

Printed in London in 1623 by Isaac Jaggard and Edward Blount, The First Folio is the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, preserving thirty-six works – including eighteen that might otherwise have been lost forever. Without this volume, the world would have no Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, or The Tempest.

It took nearly two years to print, with each page laboriously typeset by hand. Several compositors, each with their own quirks in spelling and punctuation, worked on the text, meaning no two copies are exactly alike. Even at the time, the Folio was an expensive, prestige object, with a bound folio costing up to two months’ wages of a skilled worker. Of the roughly 750 copies originally printed, only 233 are known to survive, with just 24 remaining in private hands worldwide.

Culture

EPAA Sharjah announces discovery of new, rare ant species in Wadi Shees

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA), through the Al Dhaid Wildlife Center, has recorded a new scientific achievement that adds to Sharjah’s growing contributions in research and biodiversity conservation.

A new and rare ant species has been discovered in Wadi Shees and officially documented under the scientific name Carebara Sharjahensis- Sharjah Ant. This discovery marks a significant addition to EPAA’s ongoing efforts to monitor local wildlife and study endemic species within the Hajar Mountains, one of the richest ecological regions in the UAE.

The discovery was made by Professor Dr. Mustafa Sharaf from EPAA’s Al Dhaid Wildlife Center, following extensive and meticulous field surveys in Wadi Shees. Only a single specimen of the new species, classified as a “soldier” ant, was found, despite repeated visits to the site. This rarity suggests that the species inhabits highly specialised microhabitats and likely follows a subterranean lifestyle, making it extremely difficult to detect.

This discovery also represents the first documented record of the Carebara genus in the UAE and only the third known species of this genus in the Arabian Peninsula.

This achievement reflects Sharjah’s vision of placing science and knowledge at the core of biodiversity conservation and advancing specialised research efforts.

EPAA affirmed that the discovery of the Carebara Sharjahensis “Sharjah Ant” marks an important step forward in Sharjah’s efforts to support scientific research and document the unique environmental assets of the Hajar Mountains. This discovery once again reinforces that Sharjah’s natural environment is home to rich, rare, and endemic species that must be protected and preserved.

EPAA expressed its appreciation for the extensive scientific efforts undertaken by the team at the Al Dhaid Wildlife Center, whose work strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for biodiversity research in the region. EPAA continues to support environmental studies and field surveys, while ensuring the highest levels of protection for the mountainous areas to safeguard the species they host.

EPAA added that this rare scientific discovery is clear evidence of the success of Sharjah’s environmental monitoring system and the expertise of its specialists and researchers, who work diligently to protect and document the richness of the local environment. The achievement also reflects Sharjah’s vision of embedding science and knowledge as fundamental pillars for biodiversity conservation, ensuring the continuation of advanced research that highlights endemic species in the Hajar Mountains and enhances Sharjah’s presence on the regional and global map of scientific discoveries.

The scientific study revealed that Carebara Sharjahensis bears partial resemblance to a species recorded in Zimbabwe, yet it displays distinct anatomical features, most notably the presence of well-developed lateral horns on both sides of the head, accompanied by fine sensory hairs. The ant also possesses a uniform yellow coloration and several precise structural traits in the head and thorax.

These characteristics confirm that the newly discovered species exhibits clear uniqueness, making it an important addition to the region’s biological richness. Researchers continue their efforts to locate other members of the colony, including the queen, males, and workers, as initial findings suggest the species follows a concealed lifestyle, dwelling beneath the soil and among decomposing organic materials.

WAM

Culture

Islamic Arts Festival illuminates House of Wisdom & SPARK

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah Department of Culture and Director of the Islamic Arts Festival, inaugurated seven artworks as part of the installations participating in the 26th edition of the festival.

The inauguration took place at the House of Wisdom and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), in the presence of Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, a number of international artists and media representatives, and attendees of the art event.

The courtyards of the House of Wisdom hosted four artworks: “The Cloak Pavilion” by artist Aden Chan of Studio LYYH from Hong Kong; “Illuminated Passages: The Five Pillars” by artist Romina Khanum from the United Kingdom; “Lighthouse” by Emirati artist Salma Al Mansouri; and “Keep Your Eyes on the Light” by Saudi artist Fatima Abdulhadi.

SPARK also hosted three artworks: “Ashes and Order” by Emirati artist Rawda Al Marzouqi, “Circle of Light” by Kuwaiti artist Mahmoud Shaker, and “Repetition” by Iranian artist Neda Salmanpour.

Al Qasir and the attendees toured the seven works, gaining insight into the artists’ ideas and experiencing the creative process embodied in each piece. The tour offered an opportunity to discover the intricate details of each work and listen to the stories each artwork tells in its own unique way.

There were numerous stops at the installations, which reflected a diversity of ideas and visions. Visitors listened to the artists explain their journey in creating each piece, from the initial concept to the final touches, striving to align with the festival’s theme, “Siraj” (Lantern).

WAM

Culture

RAK Ruler attends Candlelight concert at Ras Al Khaimah National Museum

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today attended the Candlelight musical concert hosted at the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum.

The event was organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah, and was attended by a number of ambassadors accredited to the UAE and senior officials.

H.H. Sheikh Saud stated that arts and music serve as a bridge that deepens human connection and communication, enhances dialogue and cultural diversity among nations, and inspires future generations to advance on their paths of creativity and innovation.

He noted that the emirate is keen to support artistic initiatives that reflect its ambitious future vision, convey its message to the world, and further establish the UAE’s position as a global model of openness, coexistence and diversity.

The Candlelight concerts form part of a global series overseen by the entertainment company Fever. The series aims to bring classical music to wider audiences through unique performances staged at prominent landmarks around the world, illuminated by thousands of candles.

The concert featured a distinguished operatic performance by soprano Ana Kovacevic, accompanied by Italian pianist Aldo Dotto. The duo presented selected pieces from renowned operatic and classical works, creating an enchanting musical atmosphere where voice and melody blended harmoniously with the glow of candlelight.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of refined artistic expression in the heart of the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, one of the emirate’s most notable historical and cultural landmarks.

The setting provided a fabulous backdrop that highlighted the depth of the emirate’s cultural identity and underscored its role in supporting artistic initiatives that promote diversity and creativity within the community.

WAM