Tea Ceremonies and Verses

Tea rituals and ceremonies have thrived in human culture for centuries. 'Chai' or 'Shay' has travelled around the world, and every geography and culture it has touched has adapted it in its own way. Tea is the remedy to life; and we are activating its properties and bringing the warmth and safety of a hot cup of tea to our session. Tea and storytelling are travellers of the same path in the same cabin, so come and join us. For serial conversationalists! Crack open your mind; let's see what stories you have in there?

Tea is diverse. It is a social bond, but it is also personal. Poetry is the same. Join Gaia and Namal in exploring the culture and intricacies of Tea and Poetry - the ultimate panacea.

Moderator/Speaker - Gaia

Gaia (Zainub Jenna Bata) is the founder of Inspired Being Co Holdings, companies that uplift humanity. She is a TEDx speaker and Host, and expresses herself through poetry and has self published 5 poetry books, including 'Divine Downloads' and 'Ruminations of an Inspired Being'. Gaia has run various workshops and held circles, including the 'Authenticity Circle' - a safe space for women. Gaia is also a yoga teacher and dances zouk & hip hop. She is the ultimate Hype Girl!

Moderator/Speaker - Namal Siddiqui

Namal Siddiqui is a spoken word poetess, creative writer, and mountaineer. After working in advertising and tech start-ups for over a decade in the UAE, she went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Birmingham City University. She has performed at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and the Global Citizen Festiva whilst also creating poetry projects for brands like McKinsey & Co and Ojar. A third-culture kid, born and raised in the UAE with roots in Pakistan, Siddiqui has written poetry since childhood. Her writings delve on the subjects of identity, migration, and nature. She currently curates special events for Emirates Literature Foundation and serves as Adjunct Lecturer of Creative Writing at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Host or Publisher Alserkal Avenue