Nike releases shoes during Ramadan in collaboration with Arab artist

From its ever-vibrant streets to its diverse community, Beirut has long served as a muse for artists, inspiring numerous works of art. 

So much so, that sett el-donya has even inspired one Lebanese artist to collaborate with Nike to design a pair of Ramadan shoes as part of a challenge.

Visionary artist Ali Chaaban recently unveiled his collaboration with the sportswear giant on a project titled "Dusk to Dawn," which was influenced by the streets of Hamra.

The white Nike Epic Reacts shoe - with a metallic midsole - features the phrase "ممنوع الوقوف," which is Arabic for "No Parking."

According to the 28-year-old artist, the phrase symbolizes "the aesthetics of the streets and the meaning of never slowing down." 

Here's the catch though: There are only thirty pairs of the shoe available, and people in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have the chance to win a pair by completing a running challenge.

Speaking to Mille, Chaaban said Nike approached him with the idea of "creating a new essence to running in the Arab world."

"The busy streets of Hamra - a neighbourhood of Beirut - and more particularly, its tight alleyways inspired my concept. The emblematic 'No Parking' road signs are embroidered on the shoe," he explained.

He added that the shoe was released during the month of Ramadan to encourage Muslims to exercise during the holy month.

"Capitalizing on exercising in Ramadan is a big step towards educating the culture to be more active," he said.

Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Chaaban combines "traditional Arabic art and culture with a visionary, contemporary flair."

After Lebanon's 2006 war, Chaaban began using his passion for art to tackle social and political issues. "It progressively evolved into wanting to become a story-teller," he told Mille.

He has since showcased his work in several art galleries and exhibitions, including Beirut Art Fair 2017 and Galleries Week in Abu Dhabi.

Here's a glimpse at his work: