When I told my grandmother I was studying film at NYU Abu Dhabi, she immediately asked, “Oh, so you’re going to Hollywood?!” I knew, even then, that the answer was no. The beauty of a liberal arts education, especially at NYUAD, is that it encourages you to think beyond the obvious. My degree wasn’t just about making films — it was about understanding the world, crafting stories that matter, and exploring how art intersects with impact.
Some of my most transformative moments didn’t even happen in the classroom. Studying away and participating in trips abroad exposed me to communities of people who, like me, see impact as the core of their work. It was a humbling and enriching experience to connect with others who think globally but act locally, inspiring me to bring those lessons back to Abu Dhabi.
Home Region: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Current: Department of Culture and Tourism, House of Artisans
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Major: Film and New Media; Visual Arts and Art History
After graduation, I leaned heavily on networking and cold emailing to carve my path. It’s a numbers game — one connection out of a hundred can change everything. I’ve learned that being present in your industry matters: attend events, gallery openings, and film screenings; talk to everyone, and, most importantly, know your niche and what makes you essential to your field.
Today, I’m fortunate to work in a role that uplifts local talent and narratives within the arts, putting Abu Dhabi on the map in a way that feels authentic and culturally rich. My work allows me to explore the socio-political significance of culture while celebrating the voices that make our region so unique.
As an artist, the word “career” can feel intimidating, but I’ve learned to embrace its unpredictability. During my senior year and post-graduation, I developed an NGO that launched at COP28, bringing arts to the forefront of climate action. Next, I joined Manarat Al Saadiyat, focusing on youth initiatives like film festivals and photography residencies. Now, at the House of Artisans, I work on strategies that preserve Emirati indigenous crafts, bringing intergenerational representation into the fine arts world. For me, it’s exciting to know that I won’t be sitting at the same desk for ten years. As artists, we’re free-spirited creatives, and leaning into that mindset has been liberating.
As someone from Abu Dhabi, there’s always been this pressure to leave, to venture far and wide as so many of my peers have done. And while I’ve embraced the stereotype of a global citizen through my studies and travels, I’ve also grown to love Abu Dhabi even more.
There are moments when I think about packing my suitcase and chasing opportunities abroad, but most days, I know where I belong: here, building our museums, curating our galleries, supporting our artists, and shaping the future of culture in this city.
Home isn’t a limitation; it’s a foundation. And while I live just 40 kilometers from where I grew up, I know I’ve come so much farther.