• ArtLords' first mural, 'I see you', in Kabul. The initiative hopes to shine a spotlight on corruption issues that blight Afghanistan. Courtesy ArtLords
    ArtLords' first mural, 'I see you', in Kabul. The initiative hopes to shine a spotlight on corruption issues that blight Afghanistan. Courtesy ArtLords
  • An artist paints at ArtLords headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. ArtLords is a grassroots movement that aims to create a visual dialogue, promote tolerance and hold officials to account through public art murals throughout Afghanistan. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    An artist paints at ArtLords headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. ArtLords is a grassroots movement that aims to create a visual dialogue, promote tolerance and hold officials to account through public art murals throughout Afghanistan. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • ArtLords began as an art movement in 2014, but its artists face more threats today since peace negotiations began in Afghanistan in September. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    ArtLords began as an art movement in 2014, but its artists face more threats today since peace negotiations began in Afghanistan in September. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • ArtLords' most recent mural in Kabul asking the question 'Why do the women of Afghanistan who suffered the most in the wars have the least representation in the Afghan Peace Process?'. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    ArtLords' most recent mural in Kabul asking the question 'Why do the women of Afghanistan who suffered the most in the wars have the least representation in the Afghan Peace Process?'. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • An ArtLords mural in Kabul depicting the famous handshake between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February last year. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    An ArtLords mural in Kabul depicting the famous handshake between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February last year. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • ArtLords has a team of more than 50 employees and 100 volunteers. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    ArtLords has a team of more than 50 employees and 100 volunteers. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • The paint-covered hands of an artist who talks about her involvement with ArtLords at the Kabul headquarters. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    The paint-covered hands of an artist who talks about her involvement with ArtLords at the Kabul headquarters. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • Artists sit and paint at the ArtLords Kabul headquarters where they are able to receive training and mentoring. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    Artists sit and paint at the ArtLords Kabul headquarters where they are able to receive training and mentoring. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • ArtLords' artists have painted 2,000 murals across 22 of the country's 34 provinces. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    ArtLords' artists have painted 2,000 murals across 22 of the country's 34 provinces. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • Artists work together on a painting at the ArtLords headquarters in Kabul. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    Artists work together on a painting at the ArtLords headquarters in Kabul. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • Omaid Sharifi co-founded the ArtLords grassroots art movement in Afghanistan. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    Omaid Sharifi co-founded the ArtLords grassroots art movement in Afghanistan. Charlie Faulkner for The National
  • An ArtLords mural in Kabul depicting the famous handshake between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February last year. Charlie Faulkner for The National
    An ArtLords mural in Kabul depicting the famous handshake between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February last year. Charlie Faulkner for The National

ArtLords of Afghanistan: how artists are using murals to fight for peace despite threats


  • English
  • Arabic

Squeezed together in front of a projector in a small room, a group of artists and volunteers are undergoing safety and security training. The assembly of young Afghans are part of ArtLords, a grassroots movement that aims to create a visual dialogue, promote tolerance and hold officials to account through public art murals throughout Afghanistan.

"It started in 2014 as a result of being sick of the sight of blast walls throughout the city," co-founder Omaid Sharifi, 34, tells The National. "I always thought of Kabul as a beautiful city, but these blast walls block roads and views – it is suffocating. I felt like I couldn't breathe."

So he and co-founder Kabir Mokamel, alongside four friends, secured permission from the government to begin painting the grey concrete structures with striking images, in an attempt to make them disappear while also delivering important political messages to spur social change.

An ArtLords mural in Kabul depicting the famous handshake between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February last year. Charlie Faulkner for The National
An ArtLords mural in Kabul depicting the famous handshake between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February last year. Charlie Faulkner for The National

ArtLords – the name deliberately chosen as a positive spin on the well-known terms "warlords" and "drug lords" – now has a team of more than 50 employees and 100 volunteers who have painted about 2,000 murals across 22 of the country's 34 provinces.

But, because the security situation has deteriorated in recent months amid attempts to broker a power-sharing deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban, the threat level faced by those who are part of such an organisation has risen significantly. Between January 2018 and January 2021, 65 human rights defenders and media professionals were killed in Afghanistan, according to the UN. And that number continues to increase.

The artists behind ArtLords do not shy away from incorporating taboo topics in their works.

In one mural, a huge pair of eyes stare out at onlookers, symbolising the message "I see you", aimed at corrupt officials. Elsewhere, the famous handshake between Zalmay Khalilzad, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, following the signing of the US-Taliban agreement in February 2020, is depicted.

There's a tribute to George Floyd, and the most recent mural asks the question: "Why do the women of Afghanistan who suffered the most in the wars have the least representation in the Afghan peace process?"

We definitely get our fair share of security threats. Whenever I leave my house in Kabul I'm never sure if I'm coming back alive

“When we first started painting, the whole road would be blocked off because people would be stopping to look at us. For them, it was a very strange sight. A lot of people would stop to ask us what we were doing,” says Sharifi.

“We would explain we are painting against corruption and that triggered a conversation. We have created a platform to talk to people, to help them ask questions and promote critical thinking.”

Since the start of negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban in September, however, artists are more vulnerable.

“We definitely get our fair share of security threats,” Sharifi admits. “Whenever I leave my house in Kabul I’m never sure if I’m coming back alive.

“The priority has always been the safety of the staff. I’m more fearful now because my sister-in-law, who was 23, was murdered in June last year. The whole family was devastated. My wife has been in ruins since then, she has nightmares most nights. Natasha was a person who grew up with me. After her death I’m really fearful.”

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack in which his relative was killed. “The government says it was the Taliban, the Taliban says government, someone else says Daesh. Right now, I’m so confused, I don’t know who is killing us, who is my enemy. It’s a crazy way to live.”

ArtLords' most recent mural in Kabul asking the question "Why do the women of Afghanistan who suffered the most in the wars have the least representation in the Afghan Peace Process?". Charlie Faulkner for The National
ArtLords' most recent mural in Kabul asking the question "Why do the women of Afghanistan who suffered the most in the wars have the least representation in the Afghan Peace Process?". Charlie Faulkner for The National

At the beginning of the year, Sharifi was told his name was on a hit list of journalists and civil society activists. He can’t say for sure whether or not the claim is legitimate, but he is certain he is a target.

“When I was growing up, there was no one from the previous generation to ask questions to. Those who were educated either left or were killed. I thought if I don’t do something today, who will do it? My son and daughter will grow up in the same situation as I did, with the same level of violence. I knew all the risks involved from day one, but if I don’t take responsibility, who will?”

After learning about the hit list, Sharifi organised safety and security training for his staff, to minimise the risk in any way possible. The training includes advice on not having a set routine in terms of times and route to the office; learning how to administer first aid; what to do in a hostage situation; and how to keep digital devices safe.

Being on the street for prolonged periods also puts the artists at risk of being caught up in an explosion or attack that is not aimed at them, especially if they are near security forces.

At least 259 Afghan security force members and 124 civilians were killed throughout the country in March, according to a report in The New York Times in April. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan also, in April, reported a 29 per cent spike in civilian casualties – totalling almost 1,800, including 573 deaths – in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period in 2020.

Artist Yama, 28, who gives only his first name to protect his identity, says he and his peers view their  paintbrushes as non-violent weapons. "There is a lot of violence here. I myself have seen the aftermath of an explosion – bloody body parts strewn about the street. Now if I see blood, I can't sleep for days. It is the reality of every Afghan who lives here."

ArtLords has offered an inspiring and supportive space for Yama, though, filled with like-minded pepople who want to contribute to creating change, he says.

“For me, art is the only way we can come to an understanding. We have tried every other way and nothing has worked. And if we want change, we have to take action ourselves.

“The danger we face is very real and the only thing we can do is keep a low profile. Every day I change my route to the office, I don’t travel by car, I no longer post on social media."

An artist paints at ArtLords headquarters in Kabul, where they are currently receiving security training. Charlie Faulkner for The National
An artist paints at ArtLords headquarters in Kabul, where they are currently receiving security training. Charlie Faulkner for The National

Another artist, Mansoora (name changed), has also witnessed the devastating fallout of a bomb explosion; after leaving her art class one afternoon, she came face to face with the horrific sight of body parts scattered across the road.

“I don’t even remember how I got home that day,” she says. “Most Afghans have witnessed war from their childhood. That’s had a hugely negative effect.”

She feels art is the only way she can contribute to a call for change, which is why she has worked with ArtLords for three years. “It’s about giving a voice to the voiceless people in Afghanistan. Ordinary people are not able to communicate directly with the government.

“There is risk all over the city, but if we allow our fear to dominate our lives we would never leave the house.”

Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

What is a Ponzi scheme?

A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3ECompany%20name%3A%20EduPloyment%3Cbr%3EDate%20started%3A%20March%202020%3Cbr%3ECo-Founders%3A%20Mazen%20Omair%20and%20Rana%20Batterjee%3Cbr%3EBase%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Recruitment%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2030%20employees%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20Pre-Seed%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Angel%20investors%20(investment%20amount%20undisclosed)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Rating: 2/5
Essentials

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours. 

The package

Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.

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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Napoleon
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Ridley%20Scott%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Joaquin%20Phoenix%2C%20Vanessa%20Kirby%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

SPIDER-MAN%3A%20ACROSS%20THE%20SPIDER-VERSE
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SUNDAY'S ABU DHABI T10 MATCHES

Northern Warriors v Team Abu Dhabi, 3.30pm
Bangla Tigers v Karnataka Tuskers, 5.45pm
Qalandars v Maratha Arabians, 8pm

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat