A celebration of art, heritage, and sustainability unfolded on the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 this weekend as the floating landmark hosted the opening preview of the highly anticipated art exhibition, ‘Echoes from the Past’. Led by General Manager Ferghal Purcell, the event brought together art enthusiasts, history buffs, and sustainability advocates for an evening of captivating artistry and homage to the storied legacy of the QE2.

The highlight of the evening was the extraordinary work of internationally acclaimed French artist Fernando Costa, who delivered a powerful tribute to the QE2’s heritage. Fernando, known for his unique talent of transforming discarded materials into breathtaking art, crafted three masterpieces from repurposed items from the QE2’s sailing days. Using old spoons, pots, pans, and various kitchen utensils, Costa breathed new life into these objects, turning them into magnificient compositions that embody resilience, transformation, and sustainability. Each piece tells a story of the QE2’s journey, adding a layer of depth and nostalgia to this iconic vessel’s heritage.

Opening the exhibtion, Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2, said, “We are immensely proud to host this unique exhibition by artist Fernando Costa who once worked at the Queen Elizabeth 2. Now a world-famous artist, Fernando has been elevating sustainable art to new heights. His ability to breathe life into discarded items – transforming the humble pieces from QE2’s sailing days into powerful works of art – is nothing short of heroic. Through his masterpieces, Fernando has immortalised the QE2’s legacy in a way that is both deeply moving and profoundly impactful. His creations are not only a tribute to the ship but a global message about the beauty and potential of sustainable artistry. We are also grateful to the talented artists from the Dubai International Art Centre, whose works have added depth and diversity to this unforgettable exhibition.”

With a personal connection to the QE2 as a former steward on the ship, Costa’s return to this historic setting as an artist was both emotional and symbolic. His journey has come full circle, and his artwork – created specifically for the Queen Elizabeth 2 – will feature in a documentary on French television, capturing the artist’s personal tribute to the ship that once shaped his life.

In addition to Fernando Costa’s pieces, the exhibition showcased stunning contributions from talented artists of the Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC). Through a blend of styles, colors, and mediums, each artist contributed to an immersive experience, collectively creating a narrative that bridges the past and the present. This fusion of local and international talent lent a truly unique character to the exhibition, offering guests a multi-dimensional view of the QE2’s legacy.

Guests were treated to a memorable evening within the elegant Queen’s Grill Lounge, where curated mocktails and the backdrop of the ship’s historic ambiance enriched the experience. The event was a testament to the ship’s lasting impact and its ability to inspire across generations, setting the stage for a new era of appreciation for maritime heritage and sustainable artistry.

Ajman Bank, a leading Islamic financial institution in the United Arab Emirates, has partnered with the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) to strengthen its Shari’ah compliance by enrolling its employees in the Certificate of Proficiency in AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards (CPSS) program. The formal signing of this strategic capacity-building initiative was held during the 19th AAOIFI-IsDB Islamic Banking and Finance Conference on November 3-4, 2024, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Through this collaboration, Ajman Bank employees, will engage in the CPSS certification program via AAOIFI’s advanced e-learning portal, culminating in a professional qualification that emphasizes the technical and practical application of Shari’ah standards. This move reflects Ajman Bank’s commitment to upholding the highest Shari’ah compliance standards across its operations and services.

Mr. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, commented on the significance of this partnership, stating, “At Ajman Bank, we understand the critical importance of adhering to the rigorous AAOIFI standards. Since the Central Bank of the UAE adopted these standards in 2018, they have become the benchmark for best practices in Islamic finance. By enrolling our employees in the CPSS program, we aim to empower our team to interpret and implement these standards effectively, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in Shari’ah compliance. Moreover, we are setting a new standard by mandating the CPSS qualification for current and future employees.”

In response, Mr. Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of AAOIFI, expressed his appreciation for Ajman Bank’s proactive stance, stating, “We are delighted to support Ajman Bank’s efforts to strengthen Shari’ah compliance by enrolling its workforce in our CPSS program. This initiative is designed to equip Islamic finance professionals with the necessary skills to interpret and apply AAOIFI Shari’ah Standards in real-world scenarios. By advancing technical knowledge and practical competencies within the Islamic finance sector, our shared mission is to enhance compliance standards and contribute to the industry’s overall growth.”

As part of the CPSS program, Ajman Bank employees will gain access to a wide range of resources, including comprehensive study materials, mock exams, practice questions, e-learning videos, and live Q&A sessions with AAOIFI experts. The program offers flexibility, allowing staff to study at their own pace and providing a pathway to the final qualification.

AAOIFI’s offerings extend beyond the CPSS program, with certifications such as the Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA), Certified Shari’ah Auditor (CSA), Certified Shari’ah Expert (CSE), and Certificate of Proficiency in Financial Accounting Standards (CPFAS). These credentials are available in English, Arabic, and Russian, and are backed by the guidance of the AAOIFI Education Board (AEB), which includes prominent educators, professionals, and scholars worldwide.

This partnership between Ajman Bank and AAOIFI reinforces Ajman Bank’s commitment to Shari’ah compliance excellence and underscores the importance of continuous professional development in Islamic finance.