Featuring a series of works and four new commissions by UAE-based emerging artists, NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery is marking it’s first-ever collaboration with U.A.E. Unlimited for an exhibition at The Project Space this month. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development and curated by Emirati arts researcher Nasser Abdullah, this retrospective, entitled Intimaa: Belonging, focuses on these artists’ place in an era of globalisation and the formation of a ‘universal identity’ as the result of the rise of technological advancements. Though photography and sculpture, talents like Emirati artist Saeed AlMadani, Emirati multimedia artist Sarah AlMehairi, Algerian cultural cartographer Sofiane Si Merabet, and Syrian multimedia artist Majd Alloush will explore how society has formed this unified existence and global identity.

The exhibition will also introduce commissioned poems by rising Emirati poets Ahmed Al Mannai, Ali Al Mazmy, Hassan Al Najjar, and Shamma Al Bastaki, all of whom have been supported and guided by the award-winning poet, writer, and presenter Khalid Albudoor. As with past editions, this year will feature the established artist-mentor, Saudi-Palestinian guest artist Dana Awartani. These artists have also received mentorship from Dubai-based Iranian artists Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian throughout the process. In conjunction with this exhibition, the artists have taken part in the inaugural launch of U.A.E. Unlimited’s Stellar Programme, an innovative and thorough curriculum, giving artists access to thought-provoking conversations, mentorship sessions, and workshops. It acts as a portal of creative and professional development, as each of the artists receives real art-world experiences with exceptional guidance. Intimaa: Belonging will run from February 15 until March 28 at The Project Space, Abu Dhabi.