At the beginning of Ramadan, Prada unveiled an immersive cultural program at Gerbou & Tashkeel Gallery in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, bringing together leading voices from across the Arab creative landscape. Conceived as a space for reflection, listening, and shared presence, the initiative embraces the spirit of the holy month through a curated series of conversations and intimate performances that position culture as something lived rather than observed.
Rooted in local tradition yet shaped by contemporary expression, the program approaches Arab culture as a dynamic and evolving experience. Sound, voice, and rhythm are explored as carriers of memory and identity, revealing how music can function simultaneously as a deeply personal practice and a collective language. Each evening unfolds fluidly between dialogue and live performance, inviting audiences into close exchange with artists whose work bridges heritage and experimentation.
The opening night featured a performance by Emel Mathlouthi, whose voice has long been associated with poetic resistance and emotional depth. She later joined a conversation alongside multidisciplinary artist Remie Akl, actress and spoken word poet Saja Kilani, and cultural strategist Myrna Ayad, who curated the discussions program. The dialogue reflected on the role of music as testimony, memory, and transformation.
Subsequent evenings brought together an equally compelling roster of artists. Palestinian composer and pianist Faraj Suleiman engaged in conversation around composition, storytelling, and regional soundscapes. Syrian singer and actress Faia Younan explored the intersections of music and narrative performance, while Kuwaiti singer-songwriter Shargeeya reflected on identity and contemporary sonic expression. The program also featured Algerian artist and producer Babylone and Jordanian-Palestinian singer and producer Dana Salah, whose performances further underscored the diversity and richness of the region’s musical voices.
Developed in partnership with Anghami, the music program extends beyond the physical space of the gallery, with performances streamed on a dedicated Prada section of the platform. This digital dimension expands the reach of the initiative while preserving the intimacy of its live format.
Beyond music and conversation, guests are invited to engage with craft and design. Within Tashkeel Gallery, a limited-time exhibition showcases storied Prada bag designs from the brand’s archives, placing the house’s heritage in dialogue with the program’s broader exploration of tradition and reinterpretation. Complementing the exhibition, local artisan workshops highlight time-honoured techniques through a contemporary lens, underscoring the shared language between craftsmanship and artistic practice.
Each evening concludes with a communal culinary experience shaped by Gerbou in collaboration with Emirati Chef Khaled, reinforcing the importance of gathering and hospitality during Ramadan.
Through this initiative, Prada frames the holy month not only as a time of spiritual reflection but also as a cultural moment, where memory, creativity, and collective storytelling intersect, and where heritage continues to evolve through conversation and sound.
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