23rd June 2025

Good morning Ranches Ladies!

A Visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre in Abu Dhabi located on Saadiyat Island has become the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula. Its aim is to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western traditions and it has attracted millions of visitors since its inauguration in November 2017.

For the Ranches Ladies who have many circles underpinned with art and design elements, having such a world class entity so close to Dubai makes it an attractive place to visit.

This month the members were treated to a special presentation at their coffee morning of Hayet Zerelli’s insights into North African Tribal Jewellery which coincidentally was of a similar theme to the June exhibition at the Louvre entitled Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Symbols of Rule.

Their exhibition showcased the legacy of the continent through contemporary art and cultural artifacts.

It has to be said that the Louvre is a treasure trove of permanent collections and galleries with a specific exhibition programme which has already been arranged for the 2025-2026 season.

Starting in September the itinerary begins with Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire. Followed by Art Here 2025 and the Richard Mille Art Prize. With Picasso, the Figure concluding the exhibition programme next year.

It has places to eat and some fun activities advertised like an electric catamaran tour or for the more adventurous there’s kayaking around the museum!

So, for those Ranches Ladies staying in Dubai through the summer months the Louvre will continue to be open and would provide an enjoyable place to explore as well as taking time to view the contents of this remarkable building. A cool place in every sense of the word to inspire your artistic talents.

Written by Beverly Sanders.

The Beauty of Historic North African Jewellery – Ranches Ladies Presentation on Tuesday, 17th June 2025

At a recent Ranches Ladies presentation, jewellery designer Hayet Zerelli shared a beautiful talk on the history and meaning behind North African tribal jewellery. Inspired by her own roots, Hayet showed us how traditional jewellery from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Libya is more than decoration; it tells stories, shows identity, and offers protection.

She explained how materials like silver, coral, amber, and old coins are shaped using detailed, traditional techniques. She also introduced powerful symbols like the triangle (femininity), the eye (protection), and the famous Khamsa or Hand of Fatima, used to keep away bad luck.

We also learned about different tribal styles, such as the bold silver of the Tuareg, the colourful enamel of Kabyle jewellery, and the dramatic coin necklaces worn by Berber women. Hayet showed how these designs continue to inspire modern jewellery makers around the world.

To end, she shared some of her own creations, which blend old symbols with modern design.
Her work reminded us that jewellery can connect the past with the present and express who we are.

It was a wonderful and inspiring session that left us all with a deeper appreciation for the culture and beauty behind traditional jewellery.

Interested members of Ranches Ladies for Hello Chef Workshop on Wednesday, July 2nd 2025 at Hello Chef Head Office location in Mina, Jebel Ali. Please WhatsApp your interest to Josephine.

Note: There are limited places.

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Tuesday Coffee Morning

Ranches Ladies Tuesday coffee mornings takes place at Larte, Studio One Hotel, from 10:30am to 12pm. Ladies of all ages, wherever you live, are welcome to join us.

The Walking Circle

The Book Circle

The Book Circle ladies got together for their last meeting before the summer break to discuss A Song for the Dark Times by Ian Rankin. This was a very different book to last month’s and a good illustration of the variety of genres we get to read in the Book Circle.
Over the summer, we will be reading a classic, The Master and Margarita by Mikhal Bulgakov, ready for our September meeting.

The Quilting Circle

The Quilting Circle had their last meeting of the season and it was a blast. A lot of members showed off their finished work and also a lot finished their BOM.

The Art Circle

The ladies in the Art Circle are using different techniques to make some beautiful paintings.

RL Circles Calendar

For more activities, see our website for the Circles Calendar: https://arabianranchesladies.com/circles-calendar/

Email circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com if you would like to join any circle. If you are a member but not yet on the members only Ranches Ladies Whatsapp group please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com

Our website is http://www.arabianranchesladies.com and you can find us on FB and Instagram as Ranches Ladies

Your Suggestions Matter

Do you have any ideas for Ranches Ladies activities and are you willing to get involved?
Would you like you start a new circle? Or would you just like to give some feedback?
We would love to hear from you!

Discounts

For a 15% discount on tickets check this link https://kanvas-dubai.zbni.co/u/aEpXN

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Tuesday