In today’s fast-moving world, creativity offers a chance to slow down, to connect with what matters, and to express who we are. Across the UAE, a growing number of Emirati women are doing just that, using their work to explore identity, heritage and the stories that shape them.
We spoke with four such creatives: Dana Hisham Aljneibi, Maitha Abdullah Al Remeithi, Elham Khairalla and Ebtisam Al Beiti. Through embroidery, photography, weaving and storytelling, each of them brings a different perspective to what it means to create with purpose. Here, they share what inspires them, how culture informs their work, and the pieces that continue to shape their journeys.
Dana Hisham Aljneibi
Dana’s journey into art began with a fascination for detail and texture, which she expresses through embroidery. What started as a hobby grew into a passion and a unique storytelling medium. Her first exhibition was at Emirati Art by Me’s inaugural Medad edition, marking the start of her public artistic journey.
“As Emiratis, we naturally carry our heritage into everything we create. Women here have always been connected to sewing and handcrafts, from talli embroidery to sadu weaving, and I feel that legacy within me. I choose to express it through embroidery as an international art form, but always with an Emirati voice. Being from Sharjah, I’ve always been fascinated with Islamic architecture - the arches, tiles, and geometric harmony - which I translated into stitched patterns in my piece Tales and Tiles. For me, it’s a way of connecting embroidery to both my culture and a timeless artistic language,” Dana explained.
When asked about her favourite pieces, Dana reflected, “I love all of my pieces and feel proud of each because of the sentimental meaning they hold, so it’s hard to choose just one. Whispers will always stand out as my masterpiece, having taken years to complete and reflecting my deepest connection to the art form. Tales and Tiles is special as it ties me back to my roots in Sharjah and my fascination with Islamic architecture. Medad also carries meaning, inspired by the exhibition’s name, allowing me to explore a more abstract style. Together, they each represent a different part of my journey as an artist.”
Ebtisam Al Beiti
Children’s author Ebtisam Al Beiti finds inspiration in the everyday, drawing from real-life moments, travels and conversations to shape her imaginative stories. With a notebook always close at hand, she captures the spark of an idea wherever it appears, nurturing it into a story rooted in meaning and heart.
“Everyday experiences often find their way into my writing,” said Btisam. “A place I’ve visited, or a simple moment can blossom into a story. That’s why I always carry a pen and notebook, as I never know when inspiration might strike.”
Reflecting on her cultural influence, she added, “Our heritage is rich with tradition and storytelling has always been how we pass it on. I’ve long dreamed of writing books that bring Emirati culture to life in a fun, colourful way - offering children a glimpse into the values we hold dear.”
Maitha Abdullah Al Remeithi
Maitha’s journey into photography began in 2006, driven by a natural curiosity and an eye for detail. What started as a hobby evolved into a professional pursuit by 2013, supported by her academic background in Media, specialising in directing and film production at Zayed University. Her work is known for its cinematic style and emotional depth.
“I believe visual nourishment is essential for creativity,” said Maitha. “I’m constantly inspired by the world around me, and I try to translate those moments into photography that reflects how I feel or what I see through my own lens.”
Speaking on the influence of culture in her art, she shared, “My Emirati identity lives at the heart of my work. From the beauty of our landscapes to the richness of our heritage, I aim to weave authenticity into every piece-reimagining it in a modern way that connects with both my generation and the wider world.”
Elham Khairalla
Elham’s artistic journey began with weaving - a practice that, for her, was less a craft and more a quiet form of storytelling. What started as a fascination with texture and rhythm soon evolved into a deeper, reflective process rooted in presence, patience, and cultural memory.
“Art, for me, is a language beyond words,” Elham explained. “It began with weaving - each strand holding memory and rhythm - and became a way of being present, of expressing stories that are felt more than spoken.”
Deeply influenced by the world around her, she added, “The desert, the horizon, the textures of our landscape - they always find a way into my pieces. I see weaving as a metaphor for Emirati heritage, holding stories of resilience, community, and belonging."
Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
