This Ramadan, the popular fair Project Warehouse returns to Abu Dhabi for a vibrant celebration of contemporary culture, featuring a diverse array of art, cuisine, fashion and design.

Organised by Festember and hosted by Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s leisure and entertainment hub, the vibrant pop-up event will take place from May 15-18.

With a remarkable new location – the live entertainment venue, du Forum, located on the Yas Island - and a thrilling theme focused around lights, structures, art installations and games, Project Warehouse visitors will experience unique entertainment, retail and food and beverage offerings that highlight Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class destination with something for everyone.

“We see this pop-up event as a playground celebrating contemporary arts and culture during the evenings of Ramadan,” said Latifa Al Hamed, Festember owner. “For only four nights, Project Warehouse brings a carefully-curated selection of fashion retail, gourmet food and beverage, art installations and Majlis entertainment. This is an innovative expression that still ties back to our culture and heritage.”

“Yas Island is delighted to welcome Project Warehouse this year to honour the UAE’s timeless cultural scene,” said Leon Marsh, associate director of events, Yas Island. “The island’s yearly calendar of events continues to grow and diversify to include more of these experiences, which is testament to our commitment to providing a dynamic destination for our local community as well as international visitors.”

Art themes at the core of Project Warehouse will range from female empowerment to rural Emirati populations and historic mining communities from across the region. The event will feature the work of various local and international artists.

This year, Project Warehouse will welcome the amazing artist from Los Angeles, Oliver Coreaux, who will transform luxury handbags and accessories by “weaving stories to create distinct visual narratives.”

In commemoration of his first visit to the UAE, Coreaux will unveil an accessory capsule collection that will convey an inherent soulfulness that is evident through his engaging works.

Coreaux will be painting a series of tote bags and accessories by Goyard, Celine, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and the fashionable Rimowa, each of which showcases a visual collage comprised of text, symbols and other relatable forms.

Additionally, the event’s retail section will also capture the exclusive feel of a high-end fashion boutique, enabling various brands to showcase the eclecticism that informs the region’s designers. Project Warehouse gathers a diverse group of trendsetters catering to all tastes, from the budget conscious to the most fashion-forward. Amongst participating brands and designers include: Aisha’s Charms – Accessories; Fabula Jewels – Jewellery; Mo De Sel – Accessories; Shell – Abaya; Spindle – Clothing; The Library Fragrance – Perfumes; and many others.

Project Warehouse’s dedicated fashion hub, The Loft, will feature young, upcoming designers and virgin brands that will be launched during the festival and will have an exclusive and dedicated first viewing in front of our event visitors. An area specially built and tailored to accommodate unique fashion, lifestyle, beauty and home styling items.

Lastly, there is the food. “If art is the core, comfort food is the key ‘ingredient,’” added Al Hamed. “Think paratha and chips Oman, chai halib, karak, hotdogs in pastries, ever-so-sweet deserts... but gourmet versions. The results will definitely be something to crave.”

Participating comfort food purveyors will include JetLag – Coffee; Royce – Japanese Chocolates; House of Pops – popsicles; The Cousins – Desserts; Wake and Bake – doughnuts; and Moylos – Burgers, amongst others.

Tickets are priced at Dh65 ($17.6) for adults, Dh35 ($9.5) for children and Dh180 ($48.9) for family (two adults + two kids). - TradeArabia News Service