Saudi Arabia: Abu Dhabi launches its first festival of creativity in October

A festival dedicated to the challenges of tomorrow 

Everything is planned! The festival will be held from October 14 to 16 at Manarat Al Saadiyat and will revolve around the theme Bridges, which aims to bring together international talent from the fashion, design, retail, branding and technology sectors to inspire solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges! 

“The challenges of 2020 mean there has never been a better time to design a future we can be proud of, together. We are thrilled to bring some of the world’s most inspiring people to this infinite place, and have them explore new ideas and possibilities with you at Semi Permanent Middle East” says Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of the festival. 

In the presence of renowned guests 

Among the guests at the event will be British-born, Oscar and Grammy winning songwriter, record producer and DJ Mark Ronson.

The official launch of a bespoke collection by Rotterdam-based object designer Sabine Marcelis, who has collaborated with Celine and Burberry, will also be on the agenda.

And that’s not all! Turkish-born, Los Angeles-based new media artist Refik Anadol will also create an exclusive large-scale installation in the emirate 

“Abu Dhabi’s rapid cultural growth as an international epicenter for art, design and technology and its position as a gateway to the Arab world, Africa and Asia make it an ideal host” said Murray Bell, founder and creative director of Semi Permanent. “With a series of internationally renowned art exhibitions, hotel openings and collaborations with some of the world’s most respected architects – including Jean Nouvel and Bjarke Ingels, it’s clear that this is a community with a limitless imagination“

So get ahead of the game and reserve your seats!