Diana Farah

DUBAI: An Ikebana exhibition in Dubai was held on Nov. 22 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library as a Japanese tribute to the poetry of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

All the flower arrangements on display at the event were inspired by the literary works of the Dubai ruler from the illustrated book ‘40 Poems from the Desert, Calmed and Brightened,’ which was published on the 40^th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

The event was organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai, represented by Consul General IMANISHI Jun, in collaboration with the Ikebana International Dubai Chapter, under the leadership of Samia Jaber and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

The aim of the event was to foster cultural exchange and artistic expression, bridging Japanese and Emirati traditions through “the timeless art of Ikebana.”

In a speech given by Consul Imanishi at the event, he shared his history as a certified Ikebana instructor and said that he had never imagined his years in Ikebana would be “useful in Dubai.”

“This project started when I was posted here last year and I met Samia Jaber, President of Ikebana International. Her passion as an ikebana artist has made today’s event possible,” he said.

He added that the Japanese culture and its promotion has contributed to the “mutual understanding between Japan and the UAE and Dubai.”

Jaber also gave a speech at the event, in which she expressed her joy and excitement at sharing the Japanese tradition of Ikebana.

“Ikebana transforms branches, petals and flowers to lively arrangements,” she explained. “This event is a tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.”

She explained that through the Ikebana works, the event celebrates both Japanese and Emirati cultures.

Ali Altamimi, Director of Libraries at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library told Arab News Japan that the UAE and Japan have a “friendly relationship based on mutual respect.”

“Ikebana is an ancient art that is tied to culture, discipline and education. It is amazing to see those interested in Ikebana tie the flower arrangements to the poetry of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid,” he added.

Altamimi said that the collaboration with the Japanese Consulate-General in Dubai is consistent and expressed his hopes for more events tying the two nations together in the future.

Many of the arrangements on display were done by the Ohara Ikebana School and the Sogetsu Ikebana School.

The exhibition also featured Koto player Mai Taniguchi, who played Arab inspired music on the Japanese traditional musical zither instrument.