The artist will perform to the sound of guitarists, and ‘cajon’ box player…reports Asian Lite News
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is delighted to announce the next event in its rich cultural programme, which will feature a performance by double Latin Grammy nominee, Spanish composer, musician, singer and producer, Rosario La Tremendita, at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre next Sunday, 24th October at 20:00.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness a unique flamenco fusion performance ‘La Tremenda’, Rosario’s latest and most intimate concert that delves into the most absolute sound experimentation without losing sight of the traditional flamenco essence.
Spain Pavilion brings medieval music to Expo
The artist will perform to the sound of guitarists, and ‘cajon’ box players; surrounded by the exquisite moves of flamenco dancers flying in from Spain to participate in this enchanted spectacle.
As part of the cultural agenda at The Spain Pavilion, this October will also see prominence flamenco and contemporary dancer and choreographer, Olga Pericet with her show ‘La espina que quiso ser flor’, on 28th and 29th October.
With four albums and two Latin Grammy Awards nominations for the “Best Flamenco Album”, La Tremendita has become, according to critics, one of the great innovators of current flamenco and an icon of the new times of the “jondo” deepest vocal form of flamenco music.
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai presents a cultural programme with the presence of 32 Spanish companies, more than 200 artists and close to 100 performances, which will take place both in the Spain Pavilion and on the main stages of the Expo site (Jubilee Stage, Terra Auditorium, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Earth Stage).
Last week, the Spanish National Day celebration was held at the Spain pavilion. More than 350 people attended the event, which was hosted by Spanish Ambassador Iñigo de Palacio España, Carmen Bueno, Deputy Commissioner General of the Spain Pavilion, and Guillermo Cobelo Fernández, President of the Spanish Business Council (SBC).
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner General of the Spain Pavilion invited the Spanish community and all the guests to visit the Pavilion and enjoy more than 100 performances organised during the next six months.
“During the Expo, the Spain Pavilion has organised a very rich cultural and specialized programme of activities and events. This programme opened with the flamenco singer Miguel Poveda, and currently the musical group Artefactum is playing in different venues of the Expo,” said Bueno.
Priyanka is busy shooting for her thriller web show ‘Citadel’, which is being created by Russo Brothers…reports Asian Lite News.
Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas had a great weekend amidst the marine life as she went scuba diving into the azure blue waters of Spain. Taking to Instagram, Priyanka posted a string of images and videos from her scuba diving session. She also shared that she was able to relieve her stress by exploring the “glorious underwater creations of God.”
“There are days when the stress just needs to be silenced! What better way to do that than to explore the glorious underwater creations of God? I was very honoured that the camera crew from Citadel let me crash their party! Big shoutout to the @alisubbuceo team. Penelope, Victor, Alejandro and everyone else, thank you for such a magical experience.
I really needed it!! Thank you @tsigel for taking us out! So fun hanging with Sam, Paul, Josh, Tobias, Andy, Christina and Victor.Sunday well done! PS: @franklinjonas so happy you’re here,” she captioned the post. Priyanka also posted a few more pictures and videos of her scuba-diving experience on her Instagram stories. In one of the images, she can be seen laughing wholeheartedly.
“A much needed day in the ocean,” she wrote alongside the picture. Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyanka is busy shooting for her thriller web show ‘Citadel‘, which is being created by Russo Brothers. (ANI)
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is bringing the unique and distinctive sounds of the country’s medieval music to the event…reports Asian Lite News
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is bringing the unique and distinctive sounds of the country’s medieval music to the event, performed by Artefactum, one of the most distinguished ensembles of early Spanish music.
Expo 2020 Dubai
There will be two performances open to the public: one on Wednesday, 13th October, at the Sun Stage at 18:00, and the other on Thursday, 14th October, at the Terra Auditorium at 18:30.
Through a dramatic stage concept, and using ancient instruments that help portray the intrinsic beauty of original compositions, Artefactum takes audiences on a journey through the medieval age: we pass noisy taverns, feel the reclusion of the monasteries, walk country roads and market streets – all courtesy of the musical exploration that unfolds.
The medieval music performances are among the many events lined up by the Spain Pavilion, which celebrates smart creativity – uniting people around sustainable projects in the fields of science, technology, production, education and art.
The popular theatrical works of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, have received a grand reception in Madrid and Cordoba…reports Asian Lite News
The popular theatrical works of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, have received a grand reception in Madrid and Cordoba, the historic capital of Andalusia.
Madrid session
Elite intellectuals and academics have discussed and celebrated the rich legacy of Sharjah Ruler’s theatrical works, including those translated into Spanish, as part of the ‘Sharjah Literary Days’ event organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in cooperation with Cása Árabe, which is operated as the strategic centre for Spain’s relations with the Arab world. The event follows a 2019 agreement between SBA and Cása Árabe, which was signed in the presence of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to strengthen bilateral collaboration.
The event was held in the presence of HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, SBA Chairman; HE Majid Hassan Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Spain; HE Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Bachar Yaghi, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the Kingdom of Spain; diplomats, media persons, and officials representing the UAE and Spain.
Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi’s theatrical works are true hallmarks of his great intellect
Moderated by Muhammad Majid Al Suwaidi, two sessions to discuss a selection of the most notable works of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi were organised in Cása Árabe in Madrid and in Cordoba.
Emirati actor and producer, Ahmed Al Jasmi; actor and theatre researcher Lola Botello; and Spanish writer and playwright Julieta Soria, led the discussions, which began with a video presentation of His Highness’ works including Nimrod, Holaku’s Return, Reality .. A True Copy, The Case, Alexander the Great, Mighty Samson, Da’esh (ISIS) and Al Ghabra’a, and The Book of Allah: A Play on The Conflict between Light and Darkness.
Cordoba session
Speaking about the plays, Al Jasmi said: “The theatrical works of the Ruler of Sharjah are based on historical events, not just as a narration of the past, but also to provide context to the incidents. History gives us the opportunity to learn from past mistakes, and helps us understand the many reasons why people may behave the way they do. Most importantly, His Highness very subtly urges us to heed the lessons that history teaches us so as not to repeat past mistakes which can lead to chaos, confusion and even disintegration of nations.”
He added: “His Highness’ theatrical works highlight his great command over the language and precise use of words to convey a point. They are great examples of the Sharjah Ruler’s facility with words and demonstrate his love for the art form.”
For her part, Botello said: “I was very impressed with the Spanish translations of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s theatrical works which are true hallmarks of his great intellect. They convey a wealth of knowledge and address many issues related to the human experience and existence. I am truly honoured to participate in this event.”
She added: “The Sharjah Ruler’s concerns regarding history, its influence on the present and holding a key to the future finds resonance in many Spanish plays which focus on individuals and humanity, and reject violence, racism and injustice. What is striking about His Highness’ plays is the focus on the tragic consequences of wars. I recommend everyone to read His Highness’ plays to appreciate the delicate manner in which topics of war and terrorism have been handled.”
She concluded by urging Spanish and Arab playwrights to explore each other’s literature and collaborate on projects that can advance their craft.
Julieta Soria presented a comparative study of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s plays and the works of Spanish playwrights. She emphasised the Sharjah Ruler’s precise use of words to convey philosophical ideas and the skillful use of history to voice his concerns about freedom and justice. She specifically referred to the theme of Nimrod and the Black Stone, which echoed in several Spanish plays.
She also noted that HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s works reference cultures, history and mythology while highlighting the injustices caused by wars – a common theme in Spanish theatre. The playwright concluded with the observation that the Sharjah Ruler’s plays offered valuable reflections on political crises and social conflicts.
Nimrod
Sharjah Ruler’s efforts in supporting the Emirati and Arab theatre
The Sharjah Ruler’s love and support has hugely elevated Emirati and Arab theatre, said Al Jasmi, adding that the Arab Theatre Institute, established under the directives of His Highness, has grown the art form through several theatre festivals.
The Emirati author noted that the idea for the Arab Theatre Institute was born when HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi attended World Theatre Day celebrations in Paris in 2007 in the presence of playwrights from several Arab countries.
The discussion’s attendees noted that His Highness’ works had been staged in Sweden, Madrid, Romania, France, Italy, Moscow and several other countries. They called for translating more of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s plays into Spanish to enrich Spain’s literary scene and boost cultural exchange with Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish is the official language of 22 countries and is spoken by 567 million people.
Speaking about Sharjah Literary Days, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said: “Nations and people share histories. Only books can bring out cultural commonalities and present them as a platform for building relationships and cooperation. In alignment with the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah, SBA continues to partner with the world’s leading cultural organisations based on the core belief that culture unites nations and people and lays the foundation for a bright future.”
He added: “The Sharjah Ruler’s theatrical works are celebrated globally with renewed enthusiasm every year. Today, Madrid and Cordoba’s appreciation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s contributions to the Arab and international theatre reveal the depth of historical and cultural bonds between Arabs and Spaniards. It is also a tribute to Sharjah Ruler’s humanitarian values and positive messages that are embedded in his works.”
For his part, HE Majid Al Suwaidi said SBA’s continuous efforts to make Arabic literature globally accessible by sponsoring international translation projects is commendable. This included the Spanish translations of the Sharjah Ruler’s literary works, which had been gifted to the Islamic Library of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development, which operates under the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The black stone
He added: “Sharjah’s leading efforts have led to a strengthening of cultural relations between Spain and the UAE, increasing cooperation between their cultural institutions.”
For his part, Bachar Yaghi said: “I am honoured to be in Cása Árabe and privileged to learn about Sharjah’s leading cultural efforts under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi. The emirate has taken an effective lead in the Arab world to promoting cultural dialogue internationally. Today’s gathering – this great cultural exchange that has showcased Arabic and Emirati literature to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries of the world – is a fruit of these efforts.”
He praised the consistent and far-sighted efforts of His Highness in promoting multifaceted cultural dialogues between Arabs and the rest of the world, which has resulted in the birth of an important body of creative and artistic works.
Yaghi also said that the UAE’s leadership was successfully upholding the friendship initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The late UAE President had believed that culture was the foundation for development and a bright future, and the UAE had proved the farsightedness of his vision by developing it into a successful model of progress, love and advancement.
Miguel Poveda to launch the cultural programme for Spain Pavilion…reports Asian Lite News
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will start its cultural programme on Friday with a performance by the flamenco singer Miguel Poveda, who will perform on the Jubilee Stage.
Poveda, with more than 14 albums and many awards, will sing a song with Yemeni artist Arwa Online.
EXPO 2020
The Spanish star has been awarded the ‘National Music Prize’ (2007); the ‘Music Culture Prize in Catalonia’ (2011); the ‘Medal of Andalucia’ and the ‘Chair of Flamencology prize’.
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai presents a cultural program with 32 Spanish companies, more than 200 artists and close to 100 performances, which will take place both in the Spain Pavilion and on the main stages of the Expo site (Jubilee Stage, Terra Auditorium, Dubai Millenium Amphitheater, Earth Stage) as well as two performances in the framework of the Sharjah Book Fair, in which Spain is the Guest Country of Honor.
MoS Lekhi also delivered a talk on India’s overseas Development Assistance programme, during this interaction…reports Asian Lite News.
India and Spain undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, especially after the Covid-19 hiatus, during Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi’s visit to the country.
During her visit to Spain from September 14-17, MoS Lekhi called on Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares; met her counterpart, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Ángeles Moreno Bau; and had consultations with Secretary of State for International Affairs Pilar Cancela Rodriguez.
The Spanish Foreign Minister Albares and Secretary of State Moreno thanked MoS Lekhi for India’s approval to source 56 Airbus C295 military transport aircrafts from Spain and said that this agreement qualitatively enhanced relations between the two countries, said a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release.
According to the release, the situation in Afghanistan was discussed.
Both sides agreed to hasten negotiations towards an early conclusion of the Civil Nuclear Agreement, it stated.
They also acknowledged support to each other during the worst phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, the statement added. The increasing mutual support in election to international bodies was also noted with satisfaction, it informed.
Lekhi conveyed that India looked forward to the visit of the Spanish FM to India at a mutually convenient time to prepare for a subsequent visit by the Spanish President to India, the statement mentioned.
MoS Lekhi met members of the Spain-India Council Foundation to further economic relations between the two countries.
MoS Lekhi also delivered a talk on India’s overseas Development Assistance programme, during this interaction.
In her talk the MoS shared India’s philosophy of international development cooperation and the extent of assistance extended to different parts of the world, it added.
She visited Casa de la India in Valladolid, a PPP model supported by ICCR, the statement informed.
MoS Lekhi inaugurated the Beatles and India exhibition at Casa de la India.
She also met the Board Members of the Casa de la India over a working lunch hosted by the Mayor of Valladolid.
Cooperation with the Cervantes Institute of Spain was discussed with Secretary for International Cooperation along with cooperation in Film making, Sports and Science and Technology, it highlighted.
Both sides also congratulated each other for the recent inscription of Kakatiya Temples, as well as Paseo Del Prado and Buen Retiró In the UNESCO Word Heritage List, the statement continued.
Addressed Spain India Council Foundation members on India’s Developmental Cooperation. Interacted with important stakeholders from India and Spain during the hybrid event & highlighted India’s human-centric development assistance, focusing on local capacity building.@Spain_Indiapic.twitter.com/FKpYKw4jCI
MoS Lekhi also briefed the Spanish side on India’s ongoing celebrations to mark 75 Years of its Independence, it added. During her visit, she also engaged with the Indian Diaspora at a Community Reception hosted in her honour.
She had a focussed interaction with Indologists, ICCR Alumni, practitioners of Indian performing arts and dances and Indo-philes, it said.
MoS also participated in a Yoga Master class at the Indian Embassy along with Spanish Yoga teachers and practitioners, the statement said. (India News Network)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) conducted a farewell ceremony for the Ambassador of Mali to the UAE and Ambassador of Spain to the UAE…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) today held a farewell ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel for Boukary Sidibe, Ambassador of Mali to the UAE, and Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, to commemorate the end of their terms as ambassadors of their countries.
At the start of the ceremony, Aliaa Al Mehrezi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Protocol Affairs, made a speech commending the distinguished efforts of both ambassadors to enhance relations between their countries and the UAE while wishing them luck and success in their future endeavours.
Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys
She conveyed the appreciation of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for them and his best wishes in their future assignments.
The two ambassadors thanked the Emirati officials and hailed the wise policy of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The two diplomats highlighted the most important achievements accomplished between their respective countries and the UAE in all domains.
Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys
They also praised the developing bilateral ties between the UAE and their respective countries and thanked Emirati officials for their cooperation and support, which contributed positively to their assignment of enhancing the distinguished ties between their countries and the UAE.
The event was attended by Arab and foreign diplomats and officials from the ministry.
The campaigns come with lively promotional videos running in Spanish and English that highlight some of the unique attractions of each city…reports Asian Lite News.
Madrid and Barcelona, the two largest cities in Spain, have launched promotion campaigns to lure back international tourists as the Covid-19 restrictions in the country were now being relaxed.
“If life were a city, it’d be Madrid” and “Barcelona like never before” are the slogans of the two campaigns aimed at reactivating tourism after over a year of mobility restrictions due to the pandemic.
The campaigns come with lively promotional videos running in Spanish and English that highlight some of the unique attractions of each city.
The Barcelona video is a montage showing visitors enjoying different aspects of the city, while the Madrid video proposes 10 activities to do in the capital city.
“We are making an effort to communicate all of the advantages offered by Madrid, which is one of the best cities to enjoy in the world and which has an incredible quality of life,” Ana Alemany, head of the Madrid Promotion and Brand Service, told Xinhua on Sunday.
With restrictions on international visitors coming to Spain removed on June 7 and the face mask mandate in outdoor spaces scrapped on June 26, the campaigns focus on some of the cities’ strongest selling points for international visitors.
“Barcelona is one of the most important and relevant destinations in the world,” Marian Muro, director of the Barcelona Tourism Consortium, told Xinhua.
“Barcelona is a ‘cool’ city and so people want to visit it. It is also a clear exponent of a Mediterranean city with a rich culture and gastronomy.”
Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for 7 per cent of Madrid’s annual gross domestic product (GDP), according to the regional authority, while the Barcelona City Council estimated that tourism made up 12 per cent of the city’s GDP.
Exceltur, the Alliance for Excellency in Tourism which represents many of Spain’s largest tourism companies, had recently forecast that this summer the country will recover over 70 per cent of the activity registered in 2019, which was a record year for the sector.
Starting from June 7, international travellers who have undergone the vaccination process using one of the jabs approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or those with a negative certificate of a Diagnostic Test of Active Infection or a certificate of Recovery after having passed this disease, are allowed entry to Spain. (Xinhua/IANS)
Spain’s Minister of Health Carolina Darias tweeted on Saturday that “Spain is a safe destination and we are in a position to soon regain our world tourism leadership, something that is endorsed by the excellent vaccination data that places us closer to normality every day.”…reporrts Asian Lite News.
Spain on Monday ended restrictions on travellers from outside of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen travel area who have a certificate to prove they have fully completed their vaccination procedure 14 days before travel.
This follows the country’s earlier decision to lift restrictions on travellers from the UK from May 24 in an attempt to boost Spain’s tourism sector, the Xinhua news agency reported.
Spain’s Minister of Health Carolina Darias tweeted on Saturday that “Spain is a safe destination and we are in a position to soon regain our world tourism leadership, something that is endorsed by the excellent vaccination data that places us closer to normality every day.”
Hoy, en la #COVAX AMC, he anunciado que España va a enviar 15 millones más de vacunas, elevando el total a 22,5 millones a finales de 2021. Además, vamos a proporcionar 50 millones de euros adicionales a @gavi.
Under the new rules, those who come from countries or areas not included in the list of risk countries will have access to a quick control with the QR code obtained through SpTH (Spain Travel Health). Also, once the EU Covid Digital Certificate comes into force on July 1, holders of this document will also have access to this quick control.
Those who come from areas that are included in the list of countries at risk will have to undergo a random control, which will take into account their place of origin and the level of incidence, according to the government’s decision.
In the validation of the vaccination certificate, Spain will only accept the vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as those recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO).
EMA covers Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson, and the World Health Organization adds China’s Sinopharm and Sinovac to the list. Unvaccinated minors aged 6 or under who are traveling with adults will also be allowed entry.
As of Monday, non-vaccinated visitors from the EU will be able to enter Spain with a negative antigen test instead of the previously requested negative PCR test, while cruise ships will once again be allowed to dock at Spanish ports.
According to the latest Ministry of Health data published on Friday, 19,038,135 Spaniards (40.1 per cent of the population) have received at least one dose of a vaccine, while 10,257,209 (21.6 per cent of the population) have received both doses or being given the single-shot Janssen vaccine.
The Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS) is the innovative core of the Future Combat Air System, which will replace the French Rafale and the German-Spanish Eurofighter jets…reports Asian Lite News.
France, Germany and Spain have reached a deal over the next phases of the development of a new fighter jet project known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which the countries consider Europe’s “most important tool” to preserve its sovereignty and security amid “fast growing threats”.
“A demonstrator of the future fighter aircraft will fly in 2027, paving the way for an operational aircraft in 2040,” Xinhua news agency quoted French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly as saying here on Monday.
The Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS) is the innovative core of the Future Combat Air System, which will replace the French Rafale and the German-Spanish Eurofighter jets.
The FCAS system will be composed of the new generation fighter jet, remote carriers, unmanned aerial platforms and a communication network called “combat cloud” designed to achieve information dominance.
“The NGWS will be able to achieve operational superiority in highly contested environments,” Parly and her German and Spanish counterparts said in a joint statement.
“The industrial organisation of the program has been set up appropriately to ensure the consistency and efficiency of the project, leveraging the best skills of each nation’s industries within a balanced, broad and deep partnership,” the statement said.
France, Ukraine sign $1.5bn deal
The governments of Ukraine and France have signed four framework agreements worth over 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion), the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kiev reported.
The signing took place on Thursday during the official visit of French Minister of the Economy, Finance and the Recovery Bruno Le Maire to Kiev, Xinhua news agency reported
The agreements provide for the supply of 130 Alstom electric locomotives to Ukraine worth up to 900 million euros with a production localization level of 35 per cent, and the supply of specialized rescue equipment worth up to 300 million euros.
In addition, the two countries intend to implement a project to improve water supply in more than 20 settlements of the Luhansk region and a project to improve water quality in certain districts of Kiev.
The cost of each project is estimated at 70 million euros.
