Creativity and talent did not suddenly erupt in me like a volcano. They developed slowly from a very young age, when I loved picking up anything I could use to draw lines wherever I could. I drew on the walls of our home with pens I found among my father’s things or used chalk to draw on the concrete floors of the courtyard of my old home.
As I grew a little older, my passion became stronger. I learned by observing others, watching cartoons, and trying to recreate what I saw. I was fascinated by colours and shapes, as well as the way expressions and small details were drawn. But I did not stop at drawing. Sometimes, I would create stories in my mind that I hoped to write one day. I drew every day in my notebooks and even in my schoolbooks, creating stories from the ideas I imagined.
I continued doing this throughout my school years. The people sitting around me in class would often watch me draw and encourage me. I still remember a friend who used to call me “Da Vinci.” That encouragement motivated me to continue, even when I received criticism from others, because drawing was something I genuinely enjoyed and felt passionate about.
As I progressed, I discovered the world of graphic design, a field I had never known about before. Someone I knew introduced me to Photoshop, and from that point on, it became an essential part of my creative journey. I taught myself how to use it. I dreamed of designing my own characters, using the programme for drawing and even experimenting with photo manipulation. I searched online forums for tutorials and learned slowly and patiently until I became proficient with the programme.
Later, as I continued my academic studies, I was surprised to discover that creative specializations were becoming available in the UAE and receiving greater attention. I had never expected this, because unfortunately, some people in society viewed artistic talent and drawing as a waste of time rather than something that could lead to a future career. At the same time, however, many of my classmates and some of my teachers admired my work and encouraged my talent.
During college, I participated in a design competition to create a poster for UAE National Day and won first place. I cannot describe how happy I was. It was valuable opportunities like these that allowed me to showcase my talent and passion.
The people around me also began to notice this change as more doors opened for creativity. Gradually, they became more accepting of what I was doing and began to see that creativity could give me an opportunity to build my own path and create a future for myself.
Over the years, I also began to see more Emirati women artists and creatives working in art and design, as well as photography. Today, I see female artists collaborating with well-known names and brands, participating in creative projects, and creating murals that decorate streets across the country. Seeing this is something that makes me proud.
Creative fields have gradually become a natural and visible part of the UAE, with female artists participating in activities and exhibitions, alongside small businesses that support artistic projects. To me, this represents significant progress in the country and something I am proud to witness.
I believe that continuing to expand initiatives such as creative collaborations, exhibitions, support for artists, and competitions can provide valuable opportunities to discover talents that might otherwise remain hidden.
When I…