A while ago I wrote about a competition to star in the UAEs first ever horror film. Well they've started filming in RAK and its very controversial - with Macbeth style superstition the name of the films isn't mentioned on set. 
As I understand, the theory of spirits and the afterlife go against the Islamic faith and so to explore these themes can be more than frowned upon. Nevertheless I think it shows the true spirit of the UAE to tackle these subjects with respect and it seems it's going to be rather good - "The man sitting in this chair, as it turns out, is Tobe Hooper, the somewhat legendary director of horror classics such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist. Tully says that Hooper is offered more than 30 scripts a week. "When he signed up to work with us, he said that he thought Djinn was the best script he'd seen in years." read the full article in the National

Staying on the theme of containers. This has been sat at the end of JBR Walk for a few months now. Its never open but has neon graffiti and fairy lights on the side  and I've always wondered what it was. So the other day it was open and its a temporary art gallery. Pretty cool. Its a shame it gets little passing traffic sat were it is, but group a few of these together and start moving them around every weekend and Dubai could be onto something. Also maybe get some cool art inside too...but yeah... potential.

The first ever pop-up mall happening in Shoreditch this summer. Recycled containers, fitted out off site and placed on a temporary site at the top of Bethnal Green Road. Fun and a great way to use land set aside for redevelopment.
I wonder if this would ever happen in Dubai? It certainly gives more freedom to smaller boutique sized set-ups who can take on the lease for a year and see how things go. Or collaborations. Although I'm sure they're not cheap to rent, its a interesting and in-vogue way of setting up shop. Maybe in Al Quoz this would be great! It would certainly look great as a contrast to all of our modern Arabic architecture if it were somewhere newer, we're definitely not short of land waiting for development.
Check the site out here http://www.boxpark.co.uk/

Forever searching for contrasts with Dubai and Dalston I stumbled across this beautiful short film about Arabic Calligraphy by Taha Al-Hiti, who lives and works as an architect in London. He explains that the forms of the letters are based on the human form. I've been learning Arabic recently and the written script has been difficult for me to grasp (but easier than the spoken word I have to admit) Now I see these letters all around me and its all starting to make a bit more sense and will be essential for my work as a designer here. I feel that perhaps the Dalston designer is starting to find her place in Dubai.

Wanting to learn more about this inspirational artist, I went through to his website to read more. Its just a shame that the people at Du think his portfolio of Arabic calligraphy should not be viewed in the UAE... and again I'm reminded of the contrast!

"I Don’t Need Your Money Honey All I Need is Love" is the title of the new selection of work from the Farook collection on display at Traffic. With a big Hirst heart on show, this show should get you in the mood for valentines day...in a month.
5 Jan, 2010 - 27 Jan, 2011Traffic, Gallery II

photo and details from http://www.viatraffic.org/

Get to JBR beach to watch the second round of the traditional Dhow boat race. Over 70 Dhows will look incredible along the Jumeirah coastline. One not to miss. 2.30pm at the Dubai International Marine Club.