This Ramadan, the popular fair Project Warehouse will return to Abu Dhabi for a vibrant celebration of contemporary culture, featuring a diverse array of art, cuisine, fashion and design. Organised by Festember and hosted by Yas Island, the vibrant pop-up event will take place from May 15-18.
Project Warehouse will pop-up at the du Forum, located on the Yas Island with a thrilling theme focused around lights, structures, art installations and games. Visitors will experience unique entertainment, retail and food and beverage offerings that highlight Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class destination with something for everyone.
“We see this pop-up event as a playground celebrating contemporary arts and culture during the evenings of Ramadan,” says Latifa Al Hamed, owner of Festember. “For only four nights, Project Warehouse brings a carefully-curated selection of fashion retail, gourmet food & beverage, art installations and majlis entertainment. This is innovative expression that still ties back to our culture and heritage.”
“Yas Island is delighted to welcome Project Warehouse this year to honour the UAE’s timeless cultural scene,” adds Leon Marsh, associate director of events, Yas Island. “The island’s yearly calendar of events continues to grow and diversify to include more of these experiences, which is testament to our commitment to providing a dynamic destination for our local community as well as international visitors.”
Art themes at the core of Project Warehouse will range from female empowerment to rural Emirati populations and historic mining communities from across the region. The event will feature the work of various local and international artists.
This year, Project Warehouse will welcome the amazing artist from Los Angeles, Oliver Coreaux, who will transform luxury handbags and accessories by “weaving stories to create distinct visual narratives.” In commemoration of his first visit to the UAE, Coreaux will unveil an accessory capsule collection that will convey an inherent soulfulness that is evident through his engaging works. Coreaux will be painting a series of tote bags and accessories by Goyard, Celine, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Rimowa.
Additionally, the event’s retail section will also capture the exclusive feel of a high-end fashion boutique, enabling various brands to showcase the eclecticism that informs the region’s designers. Project Warehouse gathers a diverse group of trendsetters catering to all tastes, from the budget conscious to the most fashion-forward.
Amongst participating brands and designers include Aisha’s Charms; Fabula Jewels; Mo De Sel; Shell; Spindle; The Library Fragrance; Gasah; Elbotik; and MKS.
Project Warehouse’s dedicated fashion hub, THE LOFT, will feature young, upcoming designers and virgin brands that will be launched during the festival. An area will be specially built and tailored to accommodate unique fashion, lifestyle, beauty and home styling items.
Participating F&B concepts will include JetLag; Royce; House of Pops; The Cousins; Wake and Bake; The Yoghurt Lab; Mango Mania; and Moylos, among others.