Whoever came up with the expression “March Madness” must have been someone who’d experienced Tempo’s busy craziness. There are so many things happening around us this month – in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah – but also within Tempo’s own community and creative ecosystem.
The big news in March is the launch of the Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival which is being organized jointly by BrandMoxie and Rooftop Rhythms, in collaboration with the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, and with the support of the US Embassy and the Fatima Bint Hazza Foundation. What’s cool about the event is that brings together international poets like Patricia Smith, G Yamazawa and Kane Smego, together with recognized Emirati poets, and yet it also offers the community interaction opportunities through poetry workshops and slam competitions. And this is only one event that plays against the rich tapestry of Abu Dhabi Festival events – a cultural and artistic feast brought to you over the entire month by ADMAF.
Then there are the cool social and public-good initiatives that are going on. Tempo is excited about its support of the Tarahom fundraiser initiative, in aid of those suffering the tough winters of the Levant. In fact Tempo is so committed, it is giving away a very special gift that we once received – a Man City jersey that has been signed by the players of the team to help raise money for the charity. We reckon that Man City super-fans would try so hard to outbid each to own this shirt that we could raise a good amount for the Red Crescent’s Tarahom cause.
Of course no March is ever complete without a celebration of mothers. In this issue Tempo dedicates a special page to express our love of mothers. We take this opportunity, on behalf of our staff and contributors, to honour a very special mother – HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak – who has been in the forefront of women’s advancement and positive social change; earning the noble title of Mother of the Emirates.
As always, Tempo celebrates creativity, innovation, engagement and community. Reach out to us and be part of the conversation, across any of our social media platforms.
Spread kindness,
Sana Bagersh
Ed Loves:
- The Women’s Heritage Walk this month which takes place in the first week of March, as 44 intrepid women cross the desert from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi over 6 days, to celebrate women’s achievement and endurance. To support this cause make a pledge through gogetfundingcom.
- The Innovator science event on the Corniche this month, focusing on the importance of STEM education and supporting the DIY culture of building and innovating. Check out the details in our What’s Hot page.
- Nolu Restaurant out in the Bandar community in Abu Dhabi. Talking to the waitstaff, I’ve been told that the restaurant was set up by an Afghani American who is a stickler for fine cuisine. The definite must-try is their Afghani dishes!
- I was invited by my friend Ahmed al Yafei, founder of the Art Hub to the Liwa Art Hub – for a concert featuring American folk singer Mary McBride that was supported by the US Embassy and NYU. The concert, against the majesty of the towering dunes, was pure magic, and the Art Hub there, a veritable creative oasis of recycled artforms and resident artists, definitely worth the drive!
