The 7th MOCAfest (Marketplace of Creative Arts) will witness the participation of some of the worlds established artistic and cultural talents, as the event takes place on the sidelines of the 10th World Islamic Economic Forum, organised by the WIEF Foundation and Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in Dubai from October 28 to 30, 2014.

MOCAfest has been designed as an exciting festival featuring dialogue and networking sessions, masterclasses, leadership workshops, art residencies, film screenings, visual art exhibitions, vibrant performances and artistic collaborations. As a unique platform for all kinds of arts, MOCAfest is a vital element of the World Islamic Economic Forum and its efforts to bring together the creative and business world. We are delighted to have the presence of a number of artists, business leaders and experts from the Middle East as well as other regions in Asia, Africa, America and Europe for the 7th MOCAfest in Dubai, said Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman, WIEF Foundation.

H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber, said: The line-up of artists and performers for the 7th MOCAfest will help Dubai position itself as a leading international Islamic art and design hub, drawing on one of the key pillars of the Dubai Capital of Islamic Economy initiative. As well as all the international talent, we are looking forward to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the UAE during MOCAfest, and exploring the benefits the creative world can bring to the business world.
The grand opening of the MOCAfest visual art exhibition will have the presence of visual artists Mohammed Langston Hues, renowned photographer from the US; graphic artist Peter Gould from Australia and visual artist Ruh Al Alam from the UK, both co-founders of Peter&Ruh; Iona-Fournier-Tombs, muralist from Canada; and Beatiz Martinez Gomes, leather artisan from Spain.
A panel discussion on the contribution of culture and creativity to distinct works of art will have the participation of Peter Gould, and a number of other artists, including Saif Aldamen, founder and choreographer, SS Curls, UAE; Peter Sanders, international award-winning photographer from the UK; and Kamal Abbas, arts and cultures activist from Lebanon.

Another panel discussion with fashion industry leaders and designers will look at fashion trends within the Muslim communities. The session, moderated by Alia Khan, founder of Islamic Fashion Design Council, will put the spotlight on the key influences on change and culture and how appearances reflect ones ambitions and values. Apart from Mohammed Langston Hues, the participants include global fashion industry expert Asil Attar; cross-cultural consultant and activist Tasneem Chopra from Australia; and US-based psychologist & TV host, Haleh Benani.

The festival also features masterclasses under the direction of expert trainers. A masterclass exploring the workings of freelancing and running a business in arts will be conducted by Peter Gould and Ruh Al Alam as well as Hassan Mahamdalie, co-director of the Muslim Institute, a Muslim organisation based in London. Looking at arts as a reflection of the ideas about the society, the masterclass will try to answer questions such as how can one reconcile personal opinions and collective ideas, and whether arts should shape ideas or ideas should shape art. It will also investigate if the market has a vital role in shaping art.

In partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, MOCAfest is being held as part of the 10th World Islamic Economic Forum, organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the WIEF Foundation for the first time in Dubai under the theme Innovative Partnerships for Economic Growth from October 28 to 30, as part of Dubais efforts to support the vision of the emirate to become the global capital of Islamic economy.

The World Islamic Economic Forum is the largest international gathering of heads of government, economic experts and stakeholders to share experiences and knowledge about Islamic economy since its launch in 2004.

For more information, visit the 10th WIEF website: www.10thwief.org