This year’s edition was especially powerful. With 112 women artists representing 112 countries—the largest in its history—it was a vibrant, global celebration of creativity and identity. The variety of media and techniques was breathtaking, and yet every piece shared something in common: you could feel the story behind it. Whether it was painting, sculpture, or mixed media, each work revealed the perspective, strength, and truth of its creator.

What I admired most was how harmoniously the entire experience was curated. More than a display, it was a narrative—a living conversation between artists and visitors, between heritage and future. As someone who lives by visual storytelling in my work, I could recognise the depth of this dialogue. Every element, every colour, every form carried meaning and message.

At Claire Dominics Buro, sustainability is not just a value—it’s a design principle. That’s why it was deeply meaningful to see this philosophy reflected so powerfully at Art Connects Women. The intricate work of Palestinian artist Neveen Abu Samra, crafted entirely from used teabags, stood as a poetic symbol of reuse and transformation. Nearby, Reunion-based artist CanB (Béatrice Neirinckx) reinterpreted Girl with a Pearl Earring using metal cans—blending classic imagery with conscious creativity.

These pieces remind us that sustainable art not only honors materials but carries deeper cultural stories—something we also strive to do in our interior design practice.

This year’s theme, Leave a Legacy, resonated deeply with me. It’s not only about what we create, but what we pass on—what lives beyond us. I felt especially proud that Tatiana Latynina de Ordovsky-Tanaevsky, my mother-in-law was among the exhibiting artists, with her sculpture In Search of Yourself capturing the generational dream of becoming a ballerina, handed down from mother to daughter. Quiet, graceful, and profound, her work perfectly embodied the spirit of this year’s exhibition.

And beyond the exhibition walls, the experience continued.
We began with an inspiring cultural tour to Abu Dhabi, visiting the Biennale — a powerful start that set the tone of creativity and dialogue for the days to come. The visit to the Abrahamic Family House deeply touched me, as it reflected so beautifully the values at the heart of Art Connects Women: understanding, mutual respect, and universal love. To complete this day of cultural immersion, we explored the Louvre Abu Dhabi — a true gem of our journey, and a shining reminder of how art unites humanity across time and space.

We were also deeply honoured by the visit of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose presence added a sense of prestige and recognition to this extraordinary initiative.

We were especially touched by her genuine interest in our family legacy sculpture, “In Search of Yourself”, and the story it represents. Her Highness’s attention and support towards events like Art Connects Women, which aim to build bridges between cultures and foster genuine global unity, serve as a powerful reminder of how art can inspire connection, empathy, and cultural dialogue at the highest level.

The closing Gala Night was the perfect finale.
112 remarkable women from 112 countries, gathered in the magnificent Royal Ballroom of the One&Only Royal Mirage. Dressed in their beautiful national attire, they received awards with pride, while the evening unfolded with music, dance, laughter, and shared stories. It was a night of unity, friendship, and unforgettable moments. The atmosphere was so warm and full of life, it was genuinely hard to say goodbye to those flying home.