My UAE: Ateeq Alhameli’s creative streak

Ateeq Alhameli, who has 2,500 Instagram followers, with some of his art work. Courtesy Ateeq Alhameli

Ateeq Alhameli’s creative streak has earned him about 2,500 followers on Instagram, all with an eye for artistic expression.

Aside from art, the Emirati visual-journalism graduate has a keen interest in creative writing and cooking. And while he has spent the past four years at Pennsylvania State University in the United States, the UAE has always been on his mind.

“My favourite place in the UAE is all of Abu Dhabi,” he says. “I have fond memories driving around with my friends, we always find something fun to do there.”

He hopes to forge a career in the media, using his creative skills. “I first discovered my passion for art when I was in middle school thanks to the art classes provided, but at that point I didn’t recognise how much it would influence my life,” he says. “I didn’t in a million years think I would identify myself as an artist, as it carried negative connotations in the town where I grew up.”

The 22-year-old spent his childhood in the small town of Madinat Zayed in the Western Region, and returns home whenever he can. Alhameli says he couldn’t have succeeded without the support of his family and credits his mum as being his biggest motivator.

“Art for me is a way of expressing myself, emotions that I don’t understand end up as abstract paintings,” he says. “I ended up in visual journalism because it allowed me to be as creative as I hoped to be.”

Alhameli says he has always been interested in arts, but has only recently acknowledged his talent. “I’ve only just come to terms with my distinctive style. I love all kinds of visual art – I draw, paint, take photographs and sometimes create digital art. .

Alhameli has also developed a talent in the kitchen, and after about three years of fine-tuning his skills, he became something of a novelty at university, offering tasting plates to his fellow students on campus.

“I was very excited to share a piece of my culture with my classmates through baking,” he says.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

To be able to manipulate time.

What's your favourite place to travel?

I don’t think I have a favourite, because I haven’t been to many places – six. However, so far I have enjoyed being in New York very much.

I enjoy many solitary activities, such as watching anime, playing video games, drawing and painting.

What’s your favourite thing to cook?

I enjoy experimenting with cooking, so I wouldn’t say I have a favourite. I love mixing influences from different cultures to create fusion cuisine and I always make something new.

I am continually inspired by the people around me, but most recently I have been inspired by my film professor. He has an appreciation of art that I respect and hope one day to acquire. He also introduced me to independent movies, and for that I am grateful.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

“Don’t be your worst critic” was the best advice I’ve received. I have always been putting myself down because I thought what I produce could not compete with what others produce. Before that advice, making art was not as enjoyable.

Favourite book?

A graphic novel called Watchmen.

What's your advice to young Emiratis?

We are lucky to live in a country that supports its citizens; if you have a dream you have the opportunity to make it come true. Take advantage of the assistance and the encouragement.

What's your favourite movie and why?

My favourite movie is Cloud Atlas, because of the multiple plot lines that follow the incarnations of the same characters across generations. The performances of the actors are captivating.