University Bound

An article on a University-bound high school graduate for YOU! Magazine, Dubai

Natalie Robehmed, the talented, effervescent eighteen year old head girl of Dubai College, chats with us about her last few weeks in school and the nerve-wracking University application process.

Where are you headed for University and what will you be studying?

I’m going to be studying Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London or at University College London. I haven’t completely decided yet!

How did you decide on this course?

At first I was considering pursuing an Art foundation course, as I have always really enjoyed Art and am taking it at A-level. However, when I thought about what excited and interested me the most about studying Art, I realised it was examining the reasoning behind what I created. ‘Why does this form exist in this way?’ ‘What does beauty mean?’- I realised Philosophy ties into all the questions that made Art enjoyable for me. I decided on Philosophy as it was such a varied, interesting and diverse subject. I knew it would keep me passionately interested for three years, something that was vital to my choice of course.

What would you say were the main highlights and drawbacks of the entire University application process?

It has definitely been a busy year filled with anticipation! As everything is online, the actual application procedure is not as daunting as it may seem, and I genuinely enjoyed the entire process. One of my main highlights was attending a rigorous interview at an esteemed institution, where I had to constantly think on my feet and prove I was truly zealous about studying Philosophy. The two day interview process opened my eyes, and though I wasn’t offered a place, it left me 100% convinced about my choice of course.

I’d say the drawback to the entire process for my friends and I would definitely be the high amount of stress involved! Whether qualifying for the correct fee status, or getting offers for places on oversubscribed courses, the entire process is wrought with anxiety.

With hindsight, what is one piece of advice you would give to the Year 12s as they start thinking about their final year of school?

I would definitely say start thinking in advance. The year creeps around faster than you can expect and it is a good idea to start thinking about courses and Universities you would be interested in. Competition is getting fiercer and fiercer and just good grades don’t get you anywhere these days. Make sure you have stellar extra-curriculars, a fantastic personal statement and lots of enthusiasm for what you hope to pursue.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I would like to continue with education for a while, perhaps a Masters and then most likely, get into teaching. I love the idea of being a teacher.

What are you going to miss the most about Dubai?

Everything! This is my home and I love it. Life is so easy here, and I am going to miss that. I am really looking forward to experiencing London, but I know I will definitely miss Dubai and the carefree existence we have here!

Finally, have you got a message for your fellow classmates, about to begin a new chapter in their lives?

I’ll keep it short and sweet: stay in touch!

Dubai Art Gallery Round Up

An Art Gallery Round up for YOU! Magazine, Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s burgeoning art scene is catching the fancy of culture-vultures all around the Emirate. No longer do we need our fix of fine art and photography from anywhere further afield than local Arty-neighbourhoods of Al Quoz, Dubai International Financial Centre and Al-Bastakiya. This month we review two galleries located in DIFC’s Gate Village, an invigorating Art hub that is worth a day trip.

ArtSpace
Founded in 2003 by Maliha Al-Tabari, ArtSpace was born out of the need to promote Middle Eastern art in the country. ArtSpace is dedicated to promoting Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Artists. Every three weeks, artist’s artworks are exhibiting, ranging from paintings to sculptures, catering to the taste and trends of the sophisticated Dubai art market and the gallery’s discerning worldwide collector base. With the promotion of Middle Eastern art at auction houses like Christies, Artspace has placed itself at the forefront of an art movement that is taken a keen interest in the region’s works. The space is manned by qualified personnel who are helpful and informative. The space itself is sleek, contemporary and minimalistic, allowing the exhibits to speak for themselves without added frills and fuss. Having features intriguing artists like Ahmed Mater and Adel El Siwi, ArtSpace is a great starting point for those unfamiliar with contemporary Middle Eastern Art. Dedicated to promoting art in the region, the Gallery caters to the needs of both artists and art enthusiasts alike, but the gallery has gone beyond the boundaries of simply holding exhibitions and provides consulting for art investors as well as offering corporate art services to institutions. Artspace is a must-visit that promises to keep Dubai’s Art scene flourishing with possibilities.
Contact details:
Gate Village, Building 3 DIFC
Tel: 04 3230820, Fax: 04 3230821
info@artspace-dubai.com
www.artspace-dubai.com

The Empty Quarter

Heralded as Dubai’s premier Fine Art Photography Gallery, The Empty Quarter is a modular, dynamic space showcasing emerging and established photographers. “We believe photography speaks to people in different ways” says Elie Domit, The Gallery’s creative head, which explains the underlying motivation in presenting exhibitions that cover varied themes, from architectural, environmental and fashion photography to landscapes and more ambiguous conceptual subjects. The Empty Quarter aims to support initiatives undertaken by the artists by inviting guest photographers for workshops and debates to encourage engaging with the work in diverse ways. Upon entering, the eternal words of Ebn Al Rumi clearly marked on the door set one’s creative instincts alight “Forms from the viewless spirit leaps to light”, this gallery is a treat from the word go. From the white, open lines maintained throughout the gallery, to the etchings on the wall- The Empty Quarter is a space that lends itself to be bisected as the exhibits require. The end result is a visual feast that stimulates even the most amateur of art appreciators. Located in the hub of Dubai’s Arty-scene, directly opposite ArtSpace, The DIFC Gate Village is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon being inspired and soaking up some culture. What stands out about this gallery for us? The unique coffee table and collector’s books on fine art and photography that include unique finds like the bright red shoebox housing The Andy Warhol Polaroids, a fantastic place to pick up a gift for a photography-loving friend.

Contact details:
Elie Domit (Creative/Partner)
Mob. 050 5533879 elie@theemptyquarter.com
www.theemptyquarter.com
Gate Village, Building 2 DIFC P.O. Box 506697 Dubai, UAE
Tel: 04 3231210, Fax- 04 323 1524
info@theemptyquarter.com

Top Ten Wardrobe Staples

An article on Top Ten Wardrobe Staples for YOU! Magazine, Dubai.

Whether you are a stylish fashionista who likes to keep up with the trends, or a no-fuss fashion neophyte who struggles to keep up with what’s ‘in’, You! Magazine identifies ten wardrobe staples that transcend fashion’s seasonal changes. Kit your wardrobe out with these ten basics and you’ll be fashion-ready for everything, from a stroll on the beach, to a black-tie ball.

THE WARDROBE STAPLES:

* The crisp white shirt

A timeless classic, the crisp white shirt is a necessity in every wardrobe thanks in large part to its absolute versatility.

* The fitted blazer

Perfect to add structure to an otherwise casual outfit, the fitted blazer is a formal wear saviour that adds panache to any outfit.

* The perfect pair of jeans

Many women dedicate their lives to find a pair that fits just right, whether pear-shaped, hourglass or athletic, find a pair that fits like second skin and never let go.

* The black trouser/pencil skirt

Depending on your preference, the good pair of black trousers or a form-fitted black pencil skirt is one item that will find the most wear in your wardrobe.

* The summer dress

Floaty and feminine, the summer dress flatters all figures and keeps you cool and kitted out for the heat.

* The black dress

The LBD never goes out of style, and each season is updated in a myriad assortment of shapes and cuts. However you choose to wear it, keep it handy for spur of the moment formal occasions.

* The flat sandals

Making a raging comeback, and perfect for those who can’t handle swaying on elevated shoes, flat sandals are available in an assortment of styles.

* The high-heels

Whether you’re a high-heel novice, preferring to stick to your comfy kitten heels, or an addict, tottering away on super-high stilettos, every woman needs one pair to fall back on.

* The 'IT' bag

A good bag always finishes off an outfit well. A bejewelled clutch or the latest leather luxe ‘IT’ bag, however you choose to wear your bag, make sure it coordinates with your outfit.

* The sunglasses

A must-have in the U.A.E in terms of a style statement as well as protection from the glaring sun. Classic styles like the Aviator withstand trends and keep you stylish all year-round.