Beyond Business: Shafeena Ali on Life, Purpose & Power | Lulu Mall Story | Duologue NXT
Shafeena Yusuff Ali, known for her background with the LuLu Group, has transitioned from traditional business ventures to establishing the RIZQ Art Initiative in Abu Dhabi. Having previously been involved in Tablez Food and real estate, Ali pursued education in art, leading her to found RIZQ.
She describes her work in the arts and culture sector as both a profession and a passion. The RIZQ Art Initiative operates from a 700-square-metre space in Abu Dhabi, serving as a melting pot for diverse cultures. Its core mission is to unify people through art, fostering dialogue between artists from various backgrounds, including Indonesian, Indian, and Iraqi practitioners. RIZQ functions as a social enterprise, a model Ali studied at the University of Cambridge, aiming to create significant impact in the arts sector.
The initiative supports artists through exhibitions, fellowships, art residencies – offering housing, visas, and tickets for three-month stays – and mentorship programmes. Revenue generated from selling artworks at curated shows directly funds these artist support programmes. This model ensures that while artists express themselves, they also receive crucial means of livelihood and development