My UAE: Fatima Farah, a designer of note

A profile of the multi-talented Fatima Farah.

Fatima Farah pictured with some of her artwork at her home in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National
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Fatima Farah was awestruck when her professor announced that her team of students had won a competition to come up with designs for UAE banknotes, varying from Dh5 to Dh500. The theme of the project was to portray the country and its culture through the new notes – for residents and visitors alike.
"Our victory was a surprise. I never thought that our currency design would be taken to a higher level, considering we're still students," she admits.
In collaboration with the Central Bank and the Swiss Embassy, Farah and her teammates will head to Switzerland in January to learn more about the printing and designing of banknotes with the printing company KBA-NotaSys.
Since she was 5, Farah has enjoyed art. Growing up in a family filled with artists, she was mainly inspired by her elder sister's art.
"My sister drew unique characters with intricate designs and details," says the graphic design student. "I have heard her explaining the deep meaning behind her drawings to others."
Over the years, Farah, who's now 23, began to explore different types of art, such as sculpture and colouring. "I have been inspired by the Korean artist Minjae Lee, also known as ­Greno."
One of her drawings, in black and white, shows Jumeirah in Dubai. To Farah, art is not merely drawing; it's about telling a story and making life richer. Most of her drawings carry hidden meaning
Apart from immersing herself in art, Farah also loves volunteering. A recent trip to Jordan to help Syrian refugees was an eye-opener.
"Hearing stories of ousted people made me appreciate the blessings I enjoy on a daily basis," she says.
My inspiration for my art
Our culture, jazz music and stories of people.
My favourite scent
My mum. I had a blanket that was with me when I was 6 until the age of 16. I would rub the blanket on her until it extracted her beautiful scent.
My vision for my future
Continue doing social work and helping others.
My favourite read
Poetry by the famous Syrian Nizar Qabbani. I love his poem on Granada, Spain.
My favourite movie
A Beautiful Mind, [directed] by Ron Howard. While watching the movie, my sister and I were analysing the characters and events.
Are you a morning or evening person?
I like getting up early to do my university assignments. When it comes to art, I like to do it late at night.
My favourite subject
Psychology all the way.
Favourite place that I've visited
Amman, Jordan. It was a beautiful place and the trip had an immense impact on me.
How many languages do you speak?
After the trip to Korea, I was inspired to learn the language. I am also learning American sign language.
aalhameli@thenational.ae
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