Creative Leadership and Cultural Vision: Interview with Aisha Fadah, Emerging Emirati Artist and Community Voice
| Article | Leadership
In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, Hays Middle East is proud to spotlight the voices shaping the UAE’s future—not only in boardrooms and policy circles, but in studios, classrooms, and digital landscapes. This special feature in our Leadership Series introduces a rising Emirati artist whose creative journey reflects the power of inspiration, community, and cultural pride. From her sister’s influence to her dreams of transforming the video game industry, her story is a testament to the bold vision and leadership emerging from the next generation of Emirati women.
As the UAE continues to champion innovation and inclusivity, her voice reminds us that leadership comes in many forms—and that creativity is a force for unity, progress, and national pride.
Hays Middle East: As a young artist and student, who or what inspires you most in your creative journey? How do you hope your art will inspire other young Emirati women to pursue their passions?
Aisha: My inspiration would have to be the person that ignited the flame of creativity in me, my sister Alia. She makes beautiful artworks and runs her own small business. She taught me what it means to be an Emirati woman and gave me the hunger for creation I have today. I hope my art inspires a new generation of artists like my sister's art inspired me. I want to showcase that art can be a hobby, a career, a language, and what changes the world!
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Hays Middle East: How do you see the role of art in bringing people together and strengthening the community?
Aisha: Art in all of its forms is integral to creating community. It’s one of the first forms of communication humans used, through visuals and sound. That love for art is something that still permeates in us to this day. It creates culture by making the intangible feelings of a people visible, audible and realer than ever before. Through this, art transforms into a symbol of unity for the people.
Hays Middle East: What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you and the young women of your generation? How do you see your peers shaping the future of the UAE through their creativity and unique voices?
Aisha: Emirati women's day is incredibly special to me, as it’s more than just a date and title. It’s the embodiment of decades of support, education, and equality opportunity for women. The nurturing of Emirati women’s talents guarantees a future where the UAE stands proud as the best country in the world.
Hays Middle East: Where do you hope to see yourself in five years? What is the biggest goal you hope to achieve in your career as a creative professional?
Aisha: Of course I intend to graduate from UAEU with a Bachelor’s in Arts, but I also aspire to have a career amongst fellow artists. I’ve always loved video games, so it's my dream to be a concept artist and asset designer for video games. The UAE has been pushing for more innovation in video game development by Emiratis. I’ll show the world what the UAE has to offer in the game development sector and hopefully inspire a surge of Emirati game devs.
Hays Middle East: As a young creative voice in the UAE, what do you hope leadership will look like when you're in that seat?
Aisha: I believe that a leader is the community’s best servant. As a leader, I’d like to take a community-based approach, as I hope for that to be the norm. Whatever my goal is, I have to take into account my community. One of the best recent examples of this is how H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid handled COVID-19. He listened to the community and created a plan that would ease our worry and put us back on our feet.
Hays Middle East: What are important qualities of leaders for you, in which you’ve experienced or seen?
Aisha: Something I’ve seen in media and reality that's common amongst all leaders, and what I believe to be the most important trait of a leader, is understanding and faith in one’s self. It's crucial for a leader to be confident as if you cannot believe in yourself you can’t expect anyone to believe in you. A leader without this trait struggles to take criticism, be decisive, and win the trust of their people.
Her journey is still unfolding, but her message is clear: leadership is not just about titles—it’s about service, courage, and the ability to inspire. As we celebrate Emirati Women’s Day, we honour the women who lead with empathy, imagination, and purpose. Whether through brushstrokes or pixels, this young artist is painting a future where Emirati voices are heard, seen, and celebrated across every sector.
At Hays Middle East, we remain committed to amplifying these voices and supporting the next generation of leaders—creative, visionary, and proudly Emirati.
Aisha’s journey reflects the power of purpose-driven leadership and the promise of Emirati excellence.
Learn more about how Hays Middle East supports Emiratisation and empowers national talent across every sector.
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You can also explore more inspiring stories and leadership insights here or dive deeper into the voices shaping the region’s future. From innovation and inclusion to creative leadership and workforce trends, discover more insights from inspiring changemakers and industry leaders:
