Art Exchange
Samira Sheth talks to HCT teacher cum photographer Alan Nambiar who will shoot the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 while he also completes work on a comprehensive photo-essay on Fujairah. Meanwhile, the Madinat puts on a good show...
Alan Nambiar has been in these pages before, featured for his technically and creatively crafted visuals. The photo-journalist has moved on since we last met, enhancing his photographic skills and undertaking new projects. The latest feather in Alan’s multi-feathered cap has been his gaining accreditation by football’s highest body, FIFA to shoot the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In June 2009, Alan covered the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa and he clearly enjoyed every moment. He recounts, “I can only describe the atmosphere on the ground as electrifying. To meet the players during the finals and to meet the fans who have come from all over the world to support their teams was just unreal. I was transported into another world that was pulsating and full of euphoria. What I remember most is that that there was an overwhelming feeling of togetherness despite all the competition on the field. That is the true spirit of football.”
Alan is a photographer on the books of Africa Media Online and recently received an award for completing the prestigious African Photo Entrepreneur Programme in Pietermaritzburg. Only four photographers were chosen from among more than 150 entrants drawn from as far afield as Kenya, Nigeria and Liberia
. The programme was intended to help African photographers establish themselves in the picture industry, both in Africa and internationally and to prepare them for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Alan teaches maths in the Fujairah Men’s College and is a registered professional media photographer. He has shot the football players at the college often and frequently shoots weddings as well – both here and in South Africa.
Among other events in the UAE, he has covered the International Bodybuilding Championships; International Power boating Championships and the Asiana Parachuting Championships in Fujairah as well as the IRB Rugby Sevens World Cup Dubai and South African Freedom Day Celebration in Dubai.
Alan lists social and corporate portraiture, weddings, events, street photography and photojournalism reflecting the human condition as his pursuits. Currently, Alan is also working on what he names the Fujairah 100 Project. Over the next few months, Alan hopes to shoot 100 Fujairah residents, drawn from all walks of life, from the “board room to the street” engaged in their work, hobby or leisure pursuits. He hopes these photographs, taken with the subject’s permission, will help tell the story of our Emirate in a visually compelling way, revealing interesting insights into Fujairah.
If you are interested in participating and being one of Alan’s photographic subjects as you go about your daily life in Fujairah, you can contact him directly. You will be contributing to the growing photographic heritage of Fujairah and you will receive a portfolio of five photographs.
Alan Nambiar can be reached on: Mob- 050-3911627
E-mail: cksr@eim.ae or alannambiar@mac.com
At The First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah:
The Rat Pack: In the 1960s, The Rat Pack took Las Vegas by storm, and this October they will be coming to Dubai to take The First Group Theatre audiences back to that super cool era. Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and Frank Sinatra, or The Rat Pack as they were known, would entertain audiences with songs like Fly Me To The Moon, That Old Black Magic, Amore, New York New York, Everybody Loves Somebody, and Mr Bojangles at the Las Vegas Sands.
‘These were magical times in Vegas and everyone wanted to know The Rat Pack and party with them,’ said award-winning actress Shirley McClaine. Here’s your chance to do just that at the First Group Theatre stage, from 1st to 10th October 2009.
Audiences are invited to once again join three of the most incredible entertainers and singing talents the world has ever seen.
For more information please log on to 
UK based pantomime production company H2 are thrilled to be bringing their spectacular production of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty to The First Group Theatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah to delight adults and children of all ages from 20th December 2009 to 2nd January 2010. The company will be auditioning interested kids on October 9th for various roles including those of panto babes/villagers/general ensemble. At the audition children will be required to learn and dance a simple routine set by choreographer, Louisa Allen, and may also be asked to perform a short acting piece.