Rami Al Ali has launched an initiative titled Ard Dyar, which is a series of intimate dinners designed to celebrate and highlight Syrian talent in the region. This concept is to encourage open conversations with well-established Syrian figures about their career success. Ard Dyar is derived from the Arabic word that refers to the private courtyard inside a Syrian house; taking a space usually reserved for close friends and family and reimagining it in a figurative sense in order to open it up to the rest of the world.
Each Ard Dyar theme is centered on a particular industry, with the first two sittings being centered on art and fashion. These initial dinners launch the concept, share experiences, and to build a network that can support rising talent. “Many people are familiar with old Syria and what it offers from its rich history and culture, however, few people know about modern Syria. Ard Dyar aims to spotlight the region’s talent and to create a community that helps these budding entrepreneurs succeed,” says designer Rami Al Ali.
The vision for this initiative is to continue to host Ard Dyar’s and grow the community in order to build a foundation of industry professionals who can assist with the development, success and opportunities needed to cultivate emerging Syrian talent.
The first Ard Dyar hosted guests including Shireen Atassi, Director of Atassi Foundation, Safwan Dahoul, a Syrian artist, Hala Khayat, Director of Art Dubai, Jouhayna Samawi, Founder of Ayyam Gallery, Sima Brazil Haroun, Founder of Bloom & Mellow, Bassem Terkawi, a Life Coach, and Rafia Kudmani, an art curator.
The second edition of Ard Dyar included guests Bana Hammami, co-founder of Free Being, Lana Qatramiz, private client stylist at Farfetch, Lara Farah, general manager of Fendi Middle East and India, Louai Mardam Beik, event designer and experience creator, Michel Farah, general manager at Apparel Group, Sandra Hakim, founder of Urbanist and fashion merchandiser and Zina Khair, founder of Le Marais 101.
Rami Al Ali’s commitment to the next generation has long been ingrained in his eponymous label’s DNA. Since 2017, Rami honors his commitment to rising couturiers with his mentoring program at the prestigious ESMOD Fashion Institute in Dubai. In 2019, the designer took part of the non-profit organization Atassi Foundation exhibition in Dubai that aimed to shed light on the early beginning of the women’s art movement in Syria. He is also working with Dubai Design & Fashion Council (DDFC) as a mentor to help regional talent.
The next Ard Dyar is scheduled for this month, January 2021, and will host guests from industries relating to architecture and interior design.
