Lillo Dell’Utri is an internationally renowned
Italian artist specialised is portrait photography, based is Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Born and raised in Sicily, he started his professional career in London cultivating
his natural talent and refining his skills in various photography disciplines.

It is so that Lillo Dell’Utri develops a remarkable ability to splendidly combine the
great Italian tradition of portraits with the most sophisticated photographic techniques.
This translates in Dell’Utri’s rare capability to reproduce suggestions and atmospheres,
capturing with his visionary sensitivity the “beauty” of the personalities portrayed.

The oil colour hand finishing on the printed canvas confers the portrait the look of a real
painting thanks also to the fantastic use of contrast and depth as well as the masterfully chosen
combinations of light and shadows.

Lillo Dell’Utri’s love for Arabian horses and for the desert has brought him to Dubai,
the pearl of the Gulf, where he now resides and from where, with his mobile studio,
he can reach clients in the comfort of their homes anywhere in the world.

Lillo Dell’Utri’s paintings may be categorized in: Royal, Equestrian, Family, Weddings, Sport, Religious,..

Here you some paintings by Lillo Dell’Utri:

H.H. Sheikh Makhtoum Bin Rashid Makhtoum

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Makhtoum

Self-portrait

H.H. Sheikh Al Qasimi

Contact Information
P.O.Box 52647, Dubai, U.A.E
Fax: 00971 4 3629119
Mobile: 00971 50 6228089

English Version ……………………………………..Italian Version

Lillo Dell’utri è un artista italiano di origine siciliana, specializzato nella ritrattistica.
Si forma professionalmente in inghilterra dove coltiva il
suo Talento naturale ed arricchisce la sua esperienza nelle varie discipline fotografiche.

Operando nelle maggiori città e capitali estere, acquisendo a mano a mano fama internazionale; ha ritratto gruppi di famiglie, lords, personalità del mondo politico, religioso, militare, culturale e membri di famiglie
Reali arabe. Ogni ritratto mostra quella ricercatezza dell’ossessione espressiva,
quella bellezza e forza che rispecchia sia l’integrita’caratteriale del soggetto sia la
straordinaria Creatività artistica di lillo Dell’utri.
Il ritratto finito è una vocazione della passione, una sensitivita’ quasi surreale dell’arte fotografica.

L’amore per i cavalli arabi ed il fascino del deserto hanno attirato
Lillo Dell’utri a Dubai, sua attuale residenza e da dove si muove
con il suo studio mobile per raggiungere i clienti in ogni parte del mondo.

I ritratti di Lillo possono essere riassunti nelle seguenti categorie: Royal (ritratti di famiglie reali), Equestri, Famiglie, Religione, Matrimoni, Sport,..

Ecco alcuni quadri dell’artista:

H.H. Sheikh Makhtoum Bin Rashid Makhtoum

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Makhtoum

Autoritratto

H.H. Sheikh Al Qasimi

Contact Information
P.O.Box 52647, Dubai, U.A.E
Fax: 00971 4 3629119
Mobile: 00971 50 6228089

English Version ……………………………………..Italian Version

How Dubai’s dream sank in a sea of debt

(come il sogno di Dubai annega in un mare di debiti)

Così titolava il Sunday Times nell’ultimo numero, simulando in un fotomontaggio lo Sceicco Al Maktoum che affoga. Le autorità dell’emirato hanno vietato la vendita dell’ultimo numero del giornale britannico Sunday Times, spiegando che l’immagine è ritenuta offensiva e non consona alla tradizione e alla cultura locale, che non accetta pubbliche offese ad una figura di spicco, quale Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum. La vignetta fa riferimento alla crisi scoppiata dopo la richiesta della Dubai World – fondo sovrano dell’emirato di Dubai – di congelare il pagamento di 26 miliardi di dollari. La notizia è stata confermata da una fonte del Consiglio dell’Informazione degli Emirati Arabi Uniti, secondo la quale «non potevamo consentire la diffusione di un giornale che conteneva un’offesa personale perché va contro la nostra tradizione». Il funzionario ha però assicurato che «non si tratta di un bando che riguarda questo o altro giornali internazionali che continueranno a essere distribuiti, come è stato in questi giorni quando ci sono state forti critiche all’emirato di Dubai per la crisi finanziaria che sta attraversando.

Visualizza l’articolo originale

Fonte dell’immagine: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article6936260.ece

Proprietà dell’immagine: Sunday Times

How Dubai’s dream sank in a sea of debt

So is the title of the Sunday Times edition available in the Dubai U.A.E. on Nov. 29, removed by authorities from shelves: the National Media Council of the United Arab Emirates ordered the paper blocked by distributors.

A government official in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E., said that the picture of Sheik Mohammed was “offensive” and not in line with the culture and tradition of U.A.E.Under the U.A.E.’s media code, publications are prohibited from criticizing the sheikdom’s rulers. Local media and government officials have criticized international press coverage of Dubai’s debt crisis.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article6936260.ece

Dubai World is struggling to deal with it debts estimated to exceed $80 billion; actually the request for freezee the debts of the Sovreign fund, involves “only” $26 billion.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, has desc.ribed the global financial crisis as a “passing cloud,” reports the UAE’s official news agency WAM

Read the article on Sunday Times

The Sunday Times is part of News International, a unit of News Corp., owner of Dow Jones & Co. The Times and The Sunday Times are published in the U.A.E. through a local partner SAB Media.

Nabati poetry shows the natural creativity of the Gulf’s inhabitants and represents their roots in this land. It is their everyday dialect. A strong dialect, slightly removed from classical Arabic. It should be studied so that it may be preserved.

Definition

Nabati poetry is also known as “the people’s poetry” and “Bedouin poetry”. It is considered the richest form of popular literature, and seen to reflect the reality of everyday life.

Nabati poetry is a great literary treasure, and a phenomenon unique to the Arabian Peninsula. Its form and content, literary significance, social function and historical value also make it a unique style of poetry. It is the document on which one can catch a glimpse of the past, or even get a more precise idea of historical customs. It depicts the situations faced by the countries of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula before their modern-day renaissance.

Why is it called ‘Nabati’ poetry?

There are several theories about where the name ‘Nabati poetry’ came from.

One suggestion is that this style of poetry originated in a place near Medina, called Nabat.

Another reason that has been put forward is that when the Arabs first began to interact with other cultures and nationalities, certain words and linguistic traits were assimilated into classical Arabic to create a new form of Arabic. The people who spoke this style of Arabic, embellished with foreign vocabulary, were said to be speaking ‘Nabati’, which, in this sense, meant ‘foreign’.

A more popular theory is that Nabati poetry came from an ancient Arabic tribe called the Nabateans, who, between 200 BCE and 600 CE, established a considerable empire in the Fertile Crescent, with Petra, in Jordan, as its capital. They spoke a dialect of Arabic, and later adopted Aramaic.

This theory does not, however, stand up to closer scrutiny. Nabati poetry is known to be the unique style of poets from the Arabian Peninsula, who are descended from known Arabic tribes. There is no known link between the Nabateans and any of these tribes. Besides this, no history book about the Nabateans, no matter how comprehensively it covers their culture and heritage, ever mentioned Nabati poetry.

The most likely theory is that the term ‘Nabati’ comes from the Arabic word ‘nabat’, meaning ‘to derive from’ or ‘to obtain the sense of one word from another word’. Also, in classical Arabic, one says, for example, ‘to derive water’, to mean extracting water from the ground. When the nomadic tribes of Arabia began to emigrate from their native lands, their language also changed. It shifted slightly away from classical Arabic to become a tribal dialect. Naturally, their poetry adopted this derived dialect, hence it became known as Nabati poetry.

Style

The most notable characteristic of Nabati poetry is its spontaneity. Its composition is usually direct and unfaltering. This is not to say that it is of a poorer quality than classical Arabic poetry, or that the verses are composed in a rush, without consideration. It simply means that Nabati poets sought to create a simple style, combining artistic flair with clear, direct expression. The characteristics of the verse reflect those of the Bedouins of long ago. The poetry has been passed down through the generations in the same manner as in ancient times. Its success and survival is assured because of the simplicity and spontaneity of its style.

Subject matter

Nabati poetry deals with all the subjects addressed by classical Arabic poetry. They include the following:

Chivalry – Chivalry is very important in Nabati poetry. The poems on chivalry comprise its largest body of work dedicated to a particular subject. Most Nabati poets begin their poetic experience by composing a poem on chivalry.

Eulogy – In Nabati poetry, the eulogy is characterised by praise and exaggeration, that is to say the poet exaggerates his narration of a person’s actions. This has acted as an inspiration for many Bedouin chiefs and princes, pushing them to achieve great things in the hope that they will be immortalised in verse and in the memory of their people.

Satire – The alter ego of the eulogy. One can find examples of satire in Nabati poetry, but they are very rare.

Pride and exaltation – After chivalry, this is the next subject most commonly tackled in Nabati poetry. Bedouin life is centred on the work of the tribe. A true Bedouin cannot travel, live, or defend himself alone, and would not wish to. Loyalty and devotion to his tribe and the desire for unity are vital attributes for a Bedouin. When the poets address pride and exaltation, it is to express their pride in, and exalt, their people, not themselves. The poets call for harmony amongst people.

Advice and wisdom – Consultation and advice is an important facet of Bedouin life. It is said that, in the past, Bedouins would happily exchange a camel for a piece of good advice. The Nabati poet gives advice to society as a whole through his personal experience.

Society – Naturally, the poet suffers the same everyday problems as the rest of the society. Through his verse, he can outline the rights and wrongs and discourage greed, cowardice and other faults.

Description – The passion of Nabati poets for nature, and particularly the sands and dunes of the desert, stimulates their fertile imaginations. Thanks to the richness of their vocabulary, they are capable of portraying a tableau in precise detail. Those who hear a recital of descriptive Nabati verse can imagine themselves transported to the very place depicted by the poet.

Proverbs – Proverbs are contained in most Nabati poems, especially those of the greatest poets, who wish to reinforce the meaning of their words with the colourful imagery of popular wisdom.

Narrative – The narrative poem has always been part of Nabati poetry. The inherent style of Nabati lends itself perfectly to storytelling, with the poet as narrator. Much of what historians know of past events in the Arabian Peninsula has been learned through narrative Nabati poems.

Riddles – Riddles have been regarded as a separate genre of Nabati poetry since its origin. Almost all Nabati poets have composed this form of verse at some time. Sheikh Mohammed is a renowned riddle writer, whose riddles attract responses from throughout the world.

Pastiche – A pastiche imitates the style of another poet, by echoing the theme, structure and vocabulary of the original. It is usually created to show the composer’s admiration for the poet being imitated, and to showcase his technical ability.

Epic – The epic is a contemporary Nabati subject, introduced recently by Sheikh Mohammed in his famous poem ‘The Epic of the Emirates’.

Conclusion

Nabati poetry is a central part of the rich heritage of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. The recitation of Nabati verse is a mark of people’s respect for this heritage. Reading and understanding Nabati poems will also afford a greater understanding of the present.

Source: www.sheikmohammed.ae

Eid Father

I present Eid greetings when Eid comes
With sweetest feelings and fine descriptions

For the one who is for us an Eid, bountiful river and shade
The one whose shade will never vanish even if all others vanish

The one who is for us a fortress against time, the one
Who is ever steadfast as mountains in his promises

I see in him Eid made manifest
Still he is greater, the example

With Eid he shares many features
Proving them alike in rank and glory

In Zayed and in Eid that which banishes boredom
Generosity, pleasure and celebration

Eid is but joy, pleasure and amusement
And Zayed for us the greatest joy, the master of men

Zayed’s right hand gives generously
Generosity is Eid’s nature, and honourable deeds

Zayed brings great joy to any land he visits
Just as Eid brings great joy

Zayed the path of nobility guides
And Eid the time of noble deeds and great gains

Zayed adds to the record of honour
Countless morals and great piety

Eid is incomplete when it comes
Only Zayed fills Eid’s hollow crescent*

Zayed for us is Eid at all times
Whilst Eid lasts but three days and nights

The joy of Eid lasts but an hour
But Zayed is ever a joy, first and last

So congratulate Eid for the honour
It has from Zayed gained

* – Eid marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is declared when the crescent moon is sighted

Terzo figlio di Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 – 1990) (in arabo: راشد بن سعيد آل مكتوم‎) primo ministro, vice presidente degli Emirati Arabi Uniti, reggente di Dubai per 32 anni (fino alla Sua morte).

I quattro figli di Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum sono:

1. Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum (1943-2006)
2. Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (b. 1945)
3. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (b. 1949)
4. Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (b. 1950)

Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, fu Primo ministro degli Emirati Arabi Uniti dal 1971 al 1979 e reggente di Dubai dal 7 Ottobre 1990 (data della morte di Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum).

Alla morte di Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum avvenuta il 4 Gennaio, 2006, suo fratello Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gli succede nella carica, divenendo anche Primo ministro e vice presidente degli Emirati Arabi Uniti, nominato da Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler di Abu Dhabi e Presidente degli Emirati Arabi Uniti.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ha due mogli: la prima, sposata nel 1979 è la Shaykha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum; la seconda, sposata nel 2004 è la principessa di Giordania Haya bint al-Husayn, figlia del re Hussein di Giordania. Dalle due mogli ha avuto 19 figli, 8 maschi e 11 femmine.

Una delle passioni dello sceicco è la poesia: fin da bambino, nei momenti di riservatezza, scrive poemi dedicati alla sua patria e alla sua famiglia che sono raccolti nel sito ufficiale: www.sheikhmohammed.ae Non è raro trovare in luoghi pubblici e in hotel a Dubai, iscrizioni con frasi o poemi dello sceicco.

Riportiamo alcuni versi del poema: Eid Father

…I see in him Eid made manifest
Still he is greater, the example

With Eid he shares many features
Proving them alike in rank and glory

In Zayed and in Eid that which banishes boredom
Generosity, pleasure and celebration

Eid is but joy, pleasure and amusement
And Zayed for us the greatest joy, the master of men

Zayed’s right hand gives generously
Generosity is Eid’s nature, and honourable deeds

Zayed brings great joy to any land he visits
Just as Eid brings great joy

Zayed the path of nobility guides
And Eid the time of noble deeds and great gains

Zayed adds to the record of honour
Countless morals and great piety

Eid is incomplete when it comes
Only Zayed fills Eid’s hollow crescent…

Altra grande passione di Sheikh Mohammed sono le corse e gli allevamenti di cavalla: tra le sue proprietà si annoverano: Gainsborough Stud a Woolton Hill, vicino Newbury nel Berkshire, Inghilterra, Ballysheehan Stud in County Tipperary, Irlanda, Gainsborough Farms Inc. & Shadwell Farms a Versailles, Kentucky, il Darley Stables e il Godolphin Stables.

I suoi cavalli hanno vinto numerose e prestigiose gare, incluse le British Classic Races,  l’Irish Derby Stakes, il Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Francia) e il Preakness Stakes negli Stati Uniti.

Sheikh Al Maktoum non di rado partecipa in prima persona alle competizioni, in particolare le Endurance.

A Sheikh Mohammed si deve lo sviluppo di numerosi progetti a Dubai: dalle Palme, al Burj al Arab, al Burj Dubai. A Lui si deve la costituzione della Dubai Holding, una holding company con investimenti in numerosi campi e di cui detiene il 99.67% delle quote.

A Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum si devono anche numerosi atti di carità: il 19 Maggio 2007 ha donato 10 miliardi di US$ per la costituzione della Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, una fondazione con scopi educativi e atta a colmare il gap culturale della Regione, migliorare gli standard educativi e creare una connessione tra formazione e mondo del lavoro. L’annuncio della donazione (una delle più grandi donazioni della storia) fu fatto al World Economic Forum in Giordania.