Category: International

International

Dubai Unveils DUMA: A Floating Museum of Art Rising Above Dubai Creek

Tanisha Cardozo

Dubai is preparing to add another extraordinary landmark to its skyline — the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a floating cultural destination that will quite literally rise above the waters of Dubai Creek. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the museum will stand as a global hub for modern art and creativity while reflecting Dubai’s growing stature as a capital of innovation and culture. Sheikh Mohammed described DUMA as “a museum that floats above the waters of Dubai Creek to enhance its brilliance and reflect Dubai’s civilisational spirit and artistic identity.”

The project, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is envisioned as a one-of-a-kind structure inspired by nature and heritage. Its form will symbolize a shell and pearl — a tribute to Dubai’s pearl-diving past — while its design will embody harmony between water, sky, wind, and light. The museum will feature five expansive floors showcasing global and regional artists, alongside creative learning spaces, a library, a café, and art-inspired viewpoints overlooking the creek.

Sheikh Mohammed credited businessman Abdullah Al Futtaim and his son Omar Al Futtaim for their contribution to the development, describing it as a model for how the private sector can meaningfully participate in cultural progress. He emphasized that “cities are completed by culture and art, and flourish through the economy when both public and private sectors work together.”

Beyond being a traditional museum, DUMA is envisioned as a living, breathing cultural hub — a place where “the world gathers for art and culture.” It will strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for creativity, joining the ranks of the city’s architectural icons such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Frame, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and the Museum of the Future. As construction begins, DUMA stands poised to become a floating masterpiece — a tribute to Dubai’s artistic spirit and its vision for the future.

International

Evergreen Cargo Ship Loses 50 Containers Off Peru — Over 500,000 iPhone 17 Units Reportedly Lost

allycaralgoa

Lima, Peru | October 2025: A major shipping incident has been reported off the coast of Peru, where a cargo ship operated by Evergreen Marine Corporation lost approximately 50 containers to rough seas. Early reports suggest that among the lost cargo were over 500,000 iPhone 17 units, destined for global distribution.

The vessel, en route from Shenzhen, China to Los Angeles, encountered extreme weather conditions in the Pacific Ocean during its mid-October transit. Several containers broke loose before rescue and retrieval operations could be conducted.

Maritime authorities are currently investigating the cause of the loss, citing possible factors such as high swells, structural imbalance, or container stack failure.

The potential loss of half a million iPhones has triggered discussions across global supply chain networks and could temporarily impact availability in some markets. Analysts predict possible price adjustments and delayed shipments during the upcoming holiday season.

Environmental groups have also raised concerns about marine pollution and the potential risks of electronic waste entering ocean ecosystems. The Peruvian coast guard and Evergreen’s recovery teams are working to track and retrieve any drifting containers.

Apple has not issued an official statement but is reportedly assessing the situation in coordination with its logistics partners.

🌊 Key Impacts:

  • Over 500,000 iPhone 17 units potentially lost
  • Possible disruption in global supply chains
  • Environmental and maritime safety concerns
  • Ongoing investigation by Peruvian and international authorities

This event underscores the fragility of global logistics and the increasing need for maritime safety innovation in high-value cargo transport.

📖 Read more updates and expert insights on allycaral.com
🔗 #Allycaral – Connecting Global

International

Goa’s Heritage Shines in Leicester as Historic Tiatr “Devachen Naun Jietam Hanv” Packs Braunstone Civic Hall

Tanisha Cardozo

A landmark cultural moment unfolded on 19 October 2025, when the historic Goan tiatr “Devachen Naun Jietam Hanv”, directed by acclaimed Goan theatre stalwart Mariano Fernandes, was staged at the Braunstone Civic Hall, Leicester, to a packed audience. The event marked one of the largest showcases of Goan performing arts in the United Kingdom in recent years.

The tiatr featured an ensemble of 22 Goan artists flown in from Goa, led by legendary performers Prince Jacob and Varsha Usgaokar. Their moving performances, infused with humor, emotion, and melody, earned standing ovations from the audience, many of whom represented generations of the Goan diaspora living in the UK.

This initiative received strong local support from Espirito Roy Sequeira and Steven Gonsalves, passionate promoters of Konkani theatre in Leicester. Through their dedication, audiences abroad were able to experience the richness of Goan tiatr in its authentic form — complete with live music, kantaram (songs), and social storytelling.

The event became more than just a stage performance; it was a heartfelt celebration of identity, language, and cultural pride. The audience echoed the phrase “Konkani ulloi, Leicester fuloi” (When Konkani flourishes, Leicester blossoms), a fitting tribute to the enduring connection between Goa and its global community.

Festacar Marius Fernandes, who spent many years in Leicester before returning to Goa, described the moment as deeply moving. “It was emotional to hear our mother tongue Konkani fill the hall in this city that has become a second home to so many Goans,” he said. “This tiatr is more than a performance—it’s a living bridge of memory, identity, and belonging. When we keep Konkani alive, we keep our heritage alive.”

The success of “Devachen Naun Jietam Hanv” highlights the growing effort to preserve and promote Konkani theatre traditions beyond Goa, strengthening cultural ties through the universal language of art. As lights dimmed on the final act, one truth resonated deeply — the Goan spirit continues to shine brightly, no matter where in the world it finds a stage.

International

Kuwait Unites in Well-Wishes for Ahmed Al-Jarallah’s Recovery After Successful Surgery in France

Tanisha Cardozo

Kuwait’s spirit of unity and compassion was on full display as messages of love, respect, and prayers poured in for Ahmed Al-Jarallah, the Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers, following his successful surgery in France.

The country’s leadership, ambassadors, writers, and citizens expressed heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery. His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad sent a message of congratulations, expressing sincere wishes for Al-Jarallah’s health and wellbeing, while praising his lifelong contribution to Kuwaiti media and culture. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf also conveyed his blessings and prayers, wishing the veteran journalist continued strength, good health, and success in his work.

Renowned poet and writer Sheikha Dr. Suad Al-Sabah expressed deep gratitude for Al-Jarallah’s recovery, thanking Allah for his safety and commending his decades-long role in shaping Kuwaiti media. Similar messages came from prominent figures including Amir Al-Fahad Al-Malik, Sheikh Khalifa Abdullah Al-Jaber, and journalist Asaad Abdullah Al-Jarallah, who referred to him as “a man of wisdom and insight.”

International well-wishes also arrived, with the Ambassadors of Morocco and Oman to Kuwait sending congratulatory messages, praying for his speedy return to good health.

In his reply, Ahmed Al-Jarallah extended his gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, his family, and well-wishers across the Arab world. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf for their kind gestures, as well as ambassadors, friends, and readers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE who reached out to him.

He also expressed appreciation for Ambassador Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Shaheen and Dr. Ali Al-Mousawi for their dedicated support during his treatment in France, and extended special thanks to Dr. Suad Al-Sabah, businessman Ahmed Al-Hamad, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hanouf Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz.

Ahmed Al-Jarallah’s recovery brought together the leadership and people of Kuwait in an inspiring display of national solidarity — a reflection of the country’s heart and the immense respect the veteran journalist continues to command.

International

Belfast Street Artists Bring Murals and Messages of Unity to Thailand

Tanisha Cardozo

Belfast’s vibrant street art scene is taking its talent global. Three artists from the Northern Irish capital—Zippy, Emic (Eoin McGinn), and Rob Hilken—are currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand, creating murals as part of an international sister event to the Hit the North Street Art Festival, one of the largest graffiti festivals in Ireland.

The new festival in Chiang Mai features live painting, workshops, and musical performances, all designed to celebrate creativity, foster cultural exchange, and explore themes like climate change, cultural identity, and connection through public art.

Zippy, who also serves as co-organiser of Hit the North, painted a mural of a swan in Bangkok before heading to Chiang Mai. The swan, inspired by the Hongsa Swan from Thai folklore, symbolises peace and purity. In Chiang Mai, her mural features centipedes—symbols of unity and protection in northern Thai mythology—alongside native flowers and human hands, reinforcing themes of resilience and connection.

Emic’s mural delves into identity and strength, developed in collaboration with Thai artists. Rob Hilken continues his “Spaghetti” series—looping abstract visuals inspired by motion and human interaction—on the walls of Chiang Mai.

The collaboration is part of a pilot exchange supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant. Adam Turkington, founder of Hit the North, is also in Thailand to give talks on the impact of street art festivals and their role in building creative communities.

Zippy said reconnecting with Thai artist Sanchi, who previously painted in Belfast, helped bring the initiative to life. “He’s really brought people together and made the whole exchange possible,” she said.

Since its founding in 2013, Hit the North has transformed Belfast with over 750 murals, shifting public perception of the city’s mural tradition from political to artistic. The evolution of the city’s street art culture now serves as inspiration for Chiang Mai, which is already rich in history, art, and folklore.

Zippy hopes the murals in Chiang Mai ignite long-term growth in the local street art movement. “What I love about street art is that it’s accessible—it belongs to everyone,” she said. “It’s amazing to think we might help spark something similar here in Chiang Mai.”