Mubadala Foundation and Dolphin Energy back Intimaa exhibition at Cultural Foundation
Intimaa: Sacred Threads brings works by 10 UAE-based artists, crafted with Afghan master weavers, to the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi, from 15 October; proceeds will support FBMI’s child health and education programmes.
Intimaa: Sacred Threads opens in Abu Dhabi
The Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), Mubadala Foundation and Dolphin Energy have announced a strategic partnership to present Intimaa: Sacred Threads, an exhibition showcasing the 2026 Zuleya Artists Program. The show, which opens at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi on 15 October 2026, features ten UAE-based artists whose designs have been realised in traditional handwoven carpets by female Afghan master artisans.
The selected artists are Zuhoor Al Sayegh, Reem AlHashimi, Fatima Al Mazroui, Shamsa Al Omeira, Dhabia Al Qubaisi, Noura Al Serkal, Samar Hijazi, Azza Al Sherif, Khawla Darwish and Asma Al Ahmed. Curator Aysha Al Hemeiri, an independent curator and cultural practitioner with more than 14 years’ experience in the UAE cultural sector, has overseen the programme’s artistic direction for this edition.
Framed by the Year of Family, Intimaa invites participating artists to explore notions of family unity and cultural continuity through material practice. Each design is interpreted and brought to life by Afghan female master weavers, producing pieces that reflect both contemporary Emirati creativity and centuries-old craft techniques.
Mubadala Foundation describes its support as part of a broader commitment to community development, cultural connection and skills development. Alya Al Hosani, Vice Chair at Mubadala Foundation, said the partnership underlines the organisation’s focus on initiatives that preserve heritage and expand access to opportunity, strengthening long-term social impact.
Obaid Abdulla Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Dolphin Energy Limited, remarked that the company is proud to support the Zuleya Artists Program as a means of empowering communities and sustaining traditional craftsmanship. Maywand Jabarkhyl, Chief Executive Officer of FBMI, noted the edition’s emphasis on collaboration and the value of artistic expression in advancing opportunity and cultural continuity.
The Zuleya social enterprise has been highlighted for its role in nurturing local and regional artisanal production, with partnerships central to expanding reach and impact. An auction of the final carpet pieces will be held, with all proceeds directed to FBMI’s ongoing work supporting the health and education of children in disadvantaged communities.
Intimaa: Sacred Threads is presented by the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative in partnership with Mubadala Foundation and Dolphin Energy, with the Cultural Foundation serving as venue partner for the Abu Dhabi presentation.
Source: WAM