In a captivating international debut, Oaga Art Resort transported audiences into a mesmerizing world of cultural storytelling during the closing night of Karim Jabbari’s acclaimed “Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees” exhibition at Dubai’s Inloco Gallery. The event featured a groundbreaking performance by Raai Badeeu that introduced Samaasaa, the resort’s revolutionary theatrical dining concept that transforms cuisine into a narrative experience.
More than just a meal, Samaasaa represents a transformative approach to dining where each course becomes an edible chapter of a living story. Deeply rooted in Maldivian heritage, the concept bridges traditional folklore with innovative culinary artistry, inviting guests to experience culture through a multisensory journey.
The performance unfolded at Inlco Gallery, a cutting-edge art space dedicated to exploring urban landscapes and cultural memory. During its third season focused on ‘vanishing urban landscapes,’ the gallery showcased light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s extraordinary work. His “Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees” exhibition delved into the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ collaborating with artist Khalil Abdulwahid to document the disappearing historic fabric of Al Satwa.
Oaga Art Resort’s collaboration with Inlco Gallery culminated in a breathtaking finissage performance that seamlessly merged calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. Raai Badeeu’s performance transformed the gallery space into a living canvas of ancestral memories and mythical narratives, embodying the resort’s artistic philosophy of preserving and reimagining cultural experiences.
As a special highlight, the event offered an exclusive preview of “Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts,” providing audiences a tantalizing glimpse into Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. Through expressive movement and narrative, performers unveiled mythical origins of island life, demonstrating the resort’s commitment to immersive storytelling.
Expanding beyond traditional hospitality boundaries, Oaga Art Resort’s Dubai performance signals the beginning of a global artistic journey. With a philosophy that is simultaneously playful, poetic, and deeply connected to island culture, the resort is positioning itself as a pioneer in experiential travel and cultural storytelling.
This innovative approach not only showcases the Maldives’ rich cultural landscape but also redefines the intersection of culinary arts, performance, and storytelling. By transforming dining into a narrative experience, Oaga Art Resort invites travelers to engage with destination culture in an unprecedented, immersive manner.