National Day the ArtE Way – Come Celebrate The Spirit of the Union with Us

One market to showcase them all, one market to find them, one market to bring them all and in the National Day fun bind them!

In the Spirit of the Union, ArtE Market will dive deep into red, green & black regalia for the lead up to the National Day weekend, as a big ‘hoorah!’ for UAE unity- HOORAH!

48 years ago, on one humid afternoon (most likely), the leaders of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah signed the first constitution, uniting them under one country: The United Arab Emirates. And, because there’s always one, Ras Al Khaima joined them a couple of months later in February ‘72 as the seventh state of the now thriving UAE.

Because we love a good party and you love a good artisanal product, the makers of ArtE will be out to celebrate the National Day long weekend, not once, not twice, but three times! Here’s the line-up with a little of what to expect:

ArtE’s UAE National Day Run-Down

The NBD Unity Run
Date: 15/11/2019
Time: 7:00am – 3:00pm
Location: The Unity Village, Silicon Oasis

Those who run together have fun together and those who don’t, need not miss out – ArtE will be gathering the best talents, tastes and skills that the United Arab Emirates has to offer. Find us at the finish line for a makers market with meaning and National flare.

The Unity Village in Silicon Oasis will be an electric carnival atmosphere – imagine an Iranian live band, an African MAMBO Circus, traditional Romanian costumes, an Angklung, a Ukelele and more than you could Google search at any one time. Get involved with a spot of tree planting or yoga and feast your eyes on the talents of the ArtE Market vendors all in one place.

The NBD Unity Run is in support of the ‘My Community’ initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, that aims to transform Dubai to a disability-friendly city by 2020 – this event is open to all, seeing out the UAE Year of Tolerance.

Register for the race here

Get a taste for the event here

And see you there!

The D3 Dubai ‘Hat-Tip’ to National Day

Date: 28/11/2019
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: D3 Dubai Design District, between buildings 1&3,

When a place is described as being ‘where creative minds can come together to realise their dreams’, you get all fuzzy inside and can’t quite contain yourself, no? Must be the creative mind in me screaming with joy! On Thursday 28th November, ArtE the Makers Market will be at the Dubai Design District!

Find us rubbing stylish shoulders with Maison des Fleurs, Archiade and the cool purpose-built material library, Colab in a shaded pedestrian walk-way between Building’s 1&3.

They’re keeping us in anticipation about their big National Day bang! But we’ve heard on the ‘artisanal-vine’ that there will be some VIPs and festivities at full-force!

From the Trucial States to Times Square

 Date: 29/11/2019
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Times Square Centre

Don’t miss the Arte vendors at our regular, The Times Square Centre, on Friday 29th November. Expect to see all your favourite artists, artisans and makers under one roof, offering handcrafted, unique products ranging from art, jewellery, fashion, home decor, sweet delights and more.

Times Square will be joining in with the National Day celebrations too! Alongside the educational interactive activities and themed décor showcasing the culture and history of the UAE, they are partnering with Motivate Media Group to host a month-long book festival.

In the spirit of all things literary and UAE, you can find titles such as The Race to Space – the book about the UAE’s space programme and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, as well as several book signings including for the title ‘Pearls to Oil’ and ‘From Trucial States to the United Arab Emirates’. 

A Royal Send-Off with a National Day twist at The QE2

Date: 30/11/2019
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location: QE2, Mina Rashid Marina

She’s fit for a Queen and boasts 50 years of excellence. She hosted all the somebodies: Nelson Mandella, David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor and Buzz Aldrin and is #stillmakinghistory. We believe there’s no better vessel to celebrate The Spirit of the Union, than the grand QE2 Boat Deck moored at the quay in Mina Rashid Marina, under the new ownership of the Dubai Ports Authority.

Enjoy this beauty adorned in all her National Day splendour, whilst picking up some of the best hand made products the Union has to offer from our very own ArtE Makers.

If you really want to treat yourself (you know you’re worth it) then avail our special hotel rates for the event night using the Promo Code: QE2ARTE – just click here. And! By using the code ARTE1112, you can get a 10% discount for tickets to ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Be Bop A Loola’ at the Theatre by QE2.

ArtE Discounted Room Rates for 08 / 15 / 22 / 30 November & 14 December
Room Type Single Double
Standard Room 325 370
Superior Room 350 400
Deluxe Room 375 425

Above rates are per room per night and inclusive of breakfast in Lido Restaurant.

Above rates are inclusive of 10% service charge, 7% municipality fee and 5% VAT per room per night.

Additional Tourism fee payable directly in the hotel at AED 15 per room per night

Rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation of bookings.

 So there you have it! Get your crafty dose of hand made unique pieces ready for the long weekend in celebration of the National Day festivities – Fill your larder, adorn with finery, embellish your homes and serve with style – bought to you by ArtE the Makers Market. For those of you who don’t work on Fridays and Saturdays, enjoy your five-day weekend! We’ll be toiling away as artists always do. Happy 48th National Day (2nd December) to all of our Emirati friends!

WAFI Winter Wonderland

Have you ever been to WAFI in December?

WAFI’s Winter Wonderland Tree, Grotto and mall decorations are a must visit destination in Dubai. It is the school holiday and every family with kids has WAFI on their list of places to see.

The queuing system makes it easy to browse the market whilst you wait your turn to see Santa & his Elves. The car park is convenient. Khan Marjan in the basement is a fascinating treasure trove of Middle Eastern heritage.

Carrefour makes the visit complete for turkey and trimmings. Enjoy the exclusive stores and other familiar brands like Marks & Spencers, which is where you will find ARTE the makers’ market, only a stone throw away from WAFI Gourmet restaurant, offering a Middle Eastern food experience for lunch or dinner.

ARTE is part of the Winter Wonderland and our vendors are selling amazing handmade goodies from Sunday 16th December to Saturday 22nd December – 10am to 8pm.

Santa’s grotto queue started at 8.30am and is well organised giving the visitors of the Winter Wonderland display plenty of time to browse and shop at the ARTE market. It is fascinating how throughout the day all nationalities swarm in to enjoy this splendid display at WAFI, Dubai’s goto destination.

Come join us this weekend for the last few days of the market. You will find a variety of vendors at the market, ranging from art, Christmas tree decorations, fashion for ladies, evening wear and abayas, and jewelry.

Don’t miss Painting with Abel, having your name done in Calligraphy with Amer, or Antwanet with her Brother sewing machine, making customised towel items for bathrooms and kitchens.

#wafi

ARTE Market on the charming QE2

#STILLmakingHISTORY 

Once the worlds’ most luxurious cruise liner that is restored into a fine hotel now sits on the quay of Maritime City.

We are thrilled to bits that the QE2 is ARTE’s new market destination. 

A legend of the sea, The Queen Elizabeth 2 is a floating entertainment, heritage and hotel destination famed for its storied past from the 1960s. 
She has found her final resting place in Dubai under new ownership by the Dubai Ports Authority. She is now firmly anchored to the quay in Mina Rashid Marina.

ARTE is overjoyed to work with such an amazing team on the QE2.

We organized a special Christmas pop-up market on Saturday, December 15th from 10am to 2pm. Vendors were selling lovely hand crafted and unique gifts on the the Pavilion Deck – perfect for morning Christmas shopping.

The QE2 team went above and beyond to make the ARTE team and our vendors feel welcome on this majestic ship.

The event was well planned, well managed, and well executed and the vendors, the crew, the shoppers and buyers had a blast.

The Christmas decorations were impressive, the actors of the Panto visited for a naughty run around and the food and the ice creams were just divine. 

SEWING HOPE

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A community sewing event to help Syrian refugees

BROTHER INTERNATIONAL GULF (FZE), an imaging and printing solutions provider, will be sponsoring a sewing oriented community CSR event on the Friday 26th October 2018 from 11AM to 6PM in aid of Syrian refugee children. The event is held in partnership with ARTE, The Makers’ Market and Times Square Center, Dubai.

The event has been developed to involve the wider community in the UAE, which include Brother staff, volunteers, sewists and the general public to help sew as many children’s winter clothing as possible that will benefit the Syrian refugee children.

It will be a full day of fun activities designed to involve the whole family. Throughout the day, visitors will spend time connecting with each other, participating in the CSR initiative and entertainment, as well as celebrate the spirit of giving, kindness and love embodied by the Year of Zayed.

Soichi Murakami, Managing Director, BROTHER INTERNATIONAL (GULF) FZE, said: “As a company,we are always on the lookout for CSR initiatives that work for the greater good of the disadvantaged or marginalised communities. “Sewing Hope” is such a cause-worthy event that has been designed to encourage involvement from the community in the UAE. I cordially invite UAE residents and visitors to come and support so we can work collaboratively to make a positive difference. I also take this opportunity to recognise our preferred implementation partner, SKILLS3 – a social enterprise which is making a major positive difference to women across the MENA region. We are looking forward to a day of giving and sharing.”

You are invited to join Brother ‘Sewing Hope’ to come together to sew winter clothing for Syrian refugee children.

This event is for sewists and non-sewists alike. Grab a friend and come down and use your skills to make a difference. .

The sign-up is now officially open and book your activity slot immediately

Sign up here: http://signup.com/go/UutZXmD

10 Reasons Handmade is Best.

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ARTE, the Makers’ Market is a place for the wonderful creatives of the UAE to gather and sell their products. Over 13 years of hosting markets in five star shopping malls in Dubai and surrounding Emirates, we have come to realise that hand created is best and here is why.

#1.  Handmade is Thoughtful.

Each item is a creation of love and skill. The artisan uses all their abilities to create a beautiful item that celebrates their craftsmanship. They have imagined each piece, from beginning to end. The thoughtfulness extends to the buyer, who appreciates all the effort and skill.

#2. Handmade is High Quality.

Hand created products are made to the highest quality because the maker understand the value of each piece. Remember paying less means your getting less. Hand crafted work is built to last. It is not there until the next upgrade or until the guarantee runs out.

#3. Handmade is Green.

There is not large factory or industry behind hand made. Generally the products are produces and sold in one region or home town. Products pass through fewer hands than big companies, creating a smaller footprint. Who doesn’t value that today?

#4.Handmade is Sustainable.

Creators of handmade items care greatly about the quality of the materials they use. They spend time looking for recyclable packaging, Eco-friendly suppliers or local producers.  Where there is an over production of certain goods their is the likely hood of unethical sourcing. The better the materials, the better the end product.

#5. Handmade is Supportive.

When buying a hand crafted item you are supporting the local economy, the local community and a real person. Each sale makes a huge difference in their lives. You are supporting a child going to school or a meal for their table, not a huge corporate brand.

#6. Handmade can be Customised.

This is my favourite reason for buying hand-made. You can make it your own! Personalising your piece creates a feeling of pride that it is unique to you. Every artisan wants to see a happy customer. By helping create your very own bespoke item they attain this happiness.

#7. Handmade has a Story.

Hand crafted items are created under one roof, by one maker. By supporting the maker, you support their creativity and skill. You get to shake the hand of the creator of your beautiful piece. The Artisan has spent many nights learning a skill, perfecting a technique and pouring their passion into what they make. Your gift has a very special story of a lifetime woven into it.

#8. Handmade Keeps Traditional Skills and Crafts Alive.

Yes, you support learning, creating and history by allowing craftsmen to practice, showcase and carry on traditions. We are a society that values the art and creativity and by buying handmade you support the continuation of the arts for the next generation.

#9. Handmade is Unique.

Handmade is not mass produced. Each item is a unique display of craftsmanship. Each has their own character that is to be admired. When you buy handmade, you are buying a commitment of authenticity, a guarantee that no other piece will ever be the same.

#10. Handmade is Better for Your Conscience.

You are more aware of how your actions influence the bigger picture. Not supporting mass market products, unethical sourcing or low cost labour. You are supporting peoples livelihoods with a responsible decision to redistributing wealth.

But most of all Handmade is a community!

Join ours and discover the wonderful world of Handmade, you won’t regret it! The Artisans of the Emirates have stories to tell.
Up and Coming Events – click here
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For any questions please email info@arte.ae
Booking forms available here
Become a Vendor here

ARTE Workshops at Times Square Center

Join us for some ARTE workshop fun! Discover your creative side at Times Square Center on 13th April 2018 from 10am until 6pm.

WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE:

Decoupage with Nida of Desert Patch
Mala Bracelet Making with Archana of Strings & Beads
Terrarium Making with Jipson of MyGreenDubai
Vintage Cushion Making with Angela Hargett of Hemp Vintage
Slime Making with Delia of @theslimesquaddubai (Instagram), fun for young and old.
Paint the Animals with Evelyn Mendoza of Potpotski Arts and Crafts for all ages.
Knit-A-Thon in support of Rags to Riches Knit-A-Thon. All welcome.

Check out the Facebook event page here and register your interest.

For more information, leave a comment below or email info@arte.ae

Shilpa – Henna Musings and ARTE

Henna Musings, a thoughtful collection of gorgeous designs which represent the UAE and Dubai. When we think of henna, we think the beautiful, intricate patterns that are created on the hands and feet of woman. Yet, these images are fleeting. Not, Henna Musings designs, Shilpa has created everlasting henna creations on candles. These lovely candles make wonderful gifts and amazing decorations for any home.

It is however, with a heavy heart that we tell her story today… as always Dubai is a transient city and Shilpa will be heading on to new adventures. We wish Shilpa all the best and know that she will be deeply missed at our markets.

Shilpa will be at ARTE in Times Square Center this Friday, 9 March from 10am to 6pm. Please join us in saying farewell and don’t forget to stock up on her Henna Musing Candles.

Shilpa’s Journey with arte

When I moved to Dubai in 2012, I had no idea about the great handmade art markets that Dubai had to offer. I have always loved to try my hand at new things from painting to paper quilling to baking. One fine day, I decided to explore the art of henna candles. The art of henna painting on hands is something that everyone links to Dubai and I found the thought of henna candles fascinating because it took the art to the next level i.e. taking something that is so delicate and transforming it to a permanent art work. 

It started off as a casual thing and then I decided to exhibit at ARTE in September 2013. I was delighted to find a platform to take my hobby to a commercial level. Nervous yet excited…..my first market didn’t go as well as I expected though the appreciation I received felt great. But my lovely neighbor at the market, Diana, who used to sell camel milk soaps encouraged me to not give up. I am glad she did and I am super thankful to her….as after the first market, there was no looking back! Such is our ARTE community….everyone is always happy to help each other.

Over the past 4 and a half years that I have been with ARTE, I met some very lovely people….fellow vendors and some super happy customers who I proudly call friends now. I have some customers from my very first few markets who still come to buy the candles for gifts and then there are others, who’ve never bought candles but have always stopped and appreciated my art over and over again. It feels great to know that my candles have reached various parts of the world as Dubai souvenirs.

Thank you ARTE for this wonderful opportunity! Miriam & Stephen, you are doing a great job giving people a platform to explore their talents & take their art to the people!  

I will miss being part of this lovely community but I will always treasure these beautiful memories.

Best Wishes to all at ARTE,

Shilpa

Henna Musings

Market Dates for 2018

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We are busy in the process of confirming all of the dates for our markets for 2018. A lot of these have been posted in the calendar already but in the next week or so we will get everything updated so that our visitors and vendors know when we are going to be where.

Thanks for your patience in the meantime and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the whole team.

Shireen McGurn – Truly a Rare Find

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The sign says: “No sales pitch, if you’re not crazy in love with it, please say no and walk away.’ and she means it. Shireen is hardworking, honest, straight to the point and very gifted. She is one of the quiet ones at ARTE but don’t let that fool you. She is super talented and highly supportive of hand created in the UAE and her fun loving attitude bubbles with energy.

We had a little chat with her and discover her passion for ART, why she loves ARTE, the Makers’ Market and why she creates.

Meet Shireen McGurn

Why do you love ARTE?
I can sell what I truly love making. It is the best platform for my creative ideas.

When did you discover your passion for your artisan’s work?
The minute I could doodle.

How did you get where you are now?
People asked to buy things that I made.

What or Who is your inspiration?
Inspiration is not a set thing. Everything, all around, people I meet, artists, children. Sources of inspiration are ever changing.

What is your favorite piece of work that you have created?
The Camel Dubai.

What is your trick to make the sale?
No tricks. I’m honest and open with customers. I’ve even told customers to return products if they change their mind. These are my creations, why would I want someone to keep something I’ve put my heart into, that they don’t really want it.

What is your best seller, what are you known for in the artisans’ community?
People know me for my artwork and signs. The artworks are unique Dubai pieces. The signs are fun and make people laugh and that’s why most people stop to look.

What does your artisan’s work really mean to you? Is it business, pleasure, passion?
It’s my business but it comes from passion and a need to create.

I always say: “I’m one big creative mess.”

What are you working on at the moment? Do you have any new projects coming up?
I’m working on new artworks to go with my Camel Dubai.

Who or what at ARTE do you like or admire?
I love true handmade products. ARTE is the one market that believes in true artisans. All the vendors with their original ideas inspire me. I love seeing their ideas come to life.

Do you use any unusual, or special materials in your product?
Not really, I make things from materials I have around me, I always have.

Which part of your work do you enjoy the most, the design part, the finding of materials, the combining of colours, the marketing, the packaging, the selling?
I love the undistracted moments of being creative. Getting engrossed in a project, painting, working on a piece of jewellery. I also enjoy meeting people at ARTE, seeing reactions and hearing people’s stories. Where else would you come across such a wide cross-section of people?

Shireen is truly a rare find and you should pop into the ARTE market and discover her amazing talent and friendly personality. Her signs will make you giggle, her work will take your breath away and you will be better for meeting this talented creative.

Meet Shireen at the ARTE Market:

Dubai British School on 13th December 2017
Mercato Mall on Friday 15th December 2017
Times Square Center on Friday 22nd December 2017

Find her on Social Media:

Facebook – @RareFinddxb
Instagram – @Rarefind99

ARTE, the Makers’ Market is the UAE’s largest, hand created market which also includes an exclusive vintage section. Make sure you follow our events page HERE for all our next markets.

Rehab Barrag – Candle Maker

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Rehab Barrag, an interior designer who rarely had the chance to practice in her field due to the frequent moves across the globe, found her passion for hollow candles 3 years ago when her children started to grow up allowing her more time for her hobby.
Rehab is ​a ​self taught​ artisan​ because only limited technique information is available and so she learned​ her hobby​ from ​many ​time​-consuming experiments at home that finally lead to her making beautiful hollow candles.

Rehab’s hollow candles are lit by a tea light​, rather than by the candle’s own wick, preserving the hollow candles forever.

The candle making has given Rehab a focus in her day ​for ​when the family is away at school or traveling the world for work.

Her candle making passion is growing every time with another candle made to gift to a special friend​. Rehab’s candles are available at the ARTE​, The Makers’ Market events.

Some candles take several days to accomplish, often up to a week. It begins planning the shape and then it is personalised for the occassion wether this is a family momento, or a seasonal inspiration.Rehab can spend 6 to 7 hours a day working on her creations.

Rehab loves the feedback from the beautiful people that ​she​ meet​s​ at the markets ​and engaging with them as ​they admire her unusual work.

The prices for hollow candles range from AED 150 to AED 500.

Please contact Rehab on rehabbarrag@icloud.com and find her at the ARTE events, check out our calendar www.arte.ae/calendar/.