This December, the iconic hotel, famed for its striking architecture by the legendary Dame Zaha Hadid, is set to captivate guests once more with a powerful cultural experience.
The latest installment in its Cultural Connections exhibition series brings the work of renowned portrait photographer Slava Novikov to the forefront, a stunning showcase of his Inner Power collection, capturing the dynamic Russian-speaking entrepreneurial community in the UAE.
Inner Power, which debuted in November to widespread acclaim, is now being displayed in the hotel’s second-level atrium, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Novikov’s evocative portraits throughout December. With a lens that beautifully balances raw emotion and refined artistry, Novikov has spent months documenting the lives of some of the UAE’s most trailblazing business leaders.
His subjects, many of whom have found success in Dubai’s diverse and rapidly evolving landscape, are captured in intimate, thought-provoking moments that reveal their inner strength, confidence, and unwavering dedication to their craft.
Each portrait tells a story, not just of the individual, but of Dubai itself—a city that thrives on diversity, opportunity, and the ever-present spirit of transformation. Novikov’s work is a testament to the transformative power of human connection, capturing not just faces, but the philosophies and passions that drive those shaping the future of the region. It’s this essence of change and growth that makes Inner Power an exhibition that resonates deeply with art lovers and business professionals alike.
Slava Novikov’s lens is a masterful tool for storytelling, capturing the depth of his subjects’ inner worlds with both tenderness and strength. His portraits don’t merely show people—they bring them to life. Through his artistry, he invites viewers to reflect on themes of identity, emotion, and personal transformation, inviting them into the complexities of the human experience.
Novikov’s Inner Power exhibition highlights the vibrant community of Russian-speaking entrepreneurs who have become integral to Dubai’s thriving business ecosystem. The visionary leadership of Lara Palmer and Alexey Kiselev at World Arabia Magazine has brought these inspiring figures to the forefront, offering a platform to share their stories of ambition and success in a city that is as much about possibilities as it is about progress.
The exhibition at ME by Meliá Dubai, with its bold and contemporary design, provides the perfect backdrop for this collection of work. Set within the hotel’s awe-inspiring atrium, the space invites visitors to engage with each image, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of those who are forging new paths in a city that thrives on possibility and reinvention. It’s a space where art and business meet, intertwining in a way that reflects Dubai’s status as a global capital of innovation, culture, and creativity.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform where creativity and culture can flourish side by side,” says Elsa Lahoude, General Manager of ME by Meliá Dubai. “This exhibition is a celebration of the extraordinary talent of Slava Novikov, as well as the incredible stories of the Russian-speaking entrepreneurs who are shaping Dubai’s future. It’s a reflection of the city’s unique spirit—diverse, ambitious, and always evolving.”
The Inner Power exhibition at ME by Meliá Dubai is more than just an art show; it’s an invitation to explore the profound connections between identity, art, and human ambition. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or someone simply looking to experience the emotional depth of Novikov’s work, this exhibition promises to inspire, provoke, and move you.
As the year draws to a close, Inner Power offers a powerful reminder of the strength, beauty, and transformative potential within each of us. It’s a fitting tribute to a city that continues to redefine what is possible—through its people, its culture, and its art.
For those seeking an experience that blends creativity with luxury, ME by Meliá Dubai is the ultimate destination. Guests can explore the Inner Power exhibition throughout December and engage with the creative spirit that makes Dubai one of the world’s most exciting cultural epicenters.
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