Fikra together with 1971 Design Space and Al Dakkah Podcast are launching The Cultural Salon, a new se-ries of informal conversations related to the local cultural scene taking place in Arabic and English.

The Cultural Salon engages the wider local community in cultural discussions and debates related to di-verse topics relevant to the UAE and the region. Additionally, the aim is to close the existing gap between various artistic activities, practices, and disciplines by bringing together people from various cultural circles.

Podcaster and visual artist May Rashed and guest speaker Dr. Majed Bu Shlaibi (Emirati writer, researcher and playwright) will kick off the first event by exploring the role of Scheherazade, a significant female figure in the One Thousand and One Nights. As a critical archetypal model of women, the character role will be discussed vis-a-vis the 3rd wave of the feminist movement, and in particular, those related to the recent trends in the Arab world.

Dr. Majed Bu Shlaibi is an Emirati writer, researcher, and playwright. He held several administrative positions in Sharjah, including the Director-General of the Department of Culture and Information, and currently works as the General Secretary of Al Muntada Al Islami.

May Rashed is an interdisciplinary artist based in Sharjah who is interested in exploring femininity and womanhood through performance. She also references Sufism, mysticism and spirituality as elements in her work. She recently started Al Dakkah podcast where she interviews, artists, poets and entrepreneurs about the artistic process.

1971 is a multi-functional design space dedicated to the display and discussion of all forms of contemporary design ranging from graphic, furniture to interior, interactive design and new technologies. With a variety of curated exhibitions and public programmes, 1971-Design Space aims to become a regional and international design hub in the U.A.E. working in close proximity with local designers, architects, schools and universities.  1971-Design Space also serves as an informal meeting point and includes a fully serviced cafe for the enjoyment of the public.