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Reflecting on my time in Ras Al Khaimah, I found myself captivated not only by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and its team, but also by the surroundings that sparked my creativity. The emirate’s vibrant culture and rich history seamlessly wove themselves into the fabric of my artistic exploration. Whether driving through the streets or leisurely strolling along the serene beachside – particularly in the old district – I found myself immersed in a tapestry of experiences that fueled my imagination.

My journey began with research, drawing from the resources available at the local museum and library. The RAK Museum quickly became a cherished destination, a treasure trove of artifacts and stories that deepened my understanding of the emirate’s cultural heritage. A spontaneous tour with Mr. Nouffal was especially memorable, as his warm welcome set the tone for the hospitality I experienced throughout my stay in Ras Al Khaimah.

Alongside my research, I busied myself with preparing my painting surfaces in an unconventional way – transforming ordinary paper bags into canvases. This hands-on approach not only prepared me for my next artistic endeavor but also forged a deeper connection with the materials I used. The transformation of these humble items into art reflected my philosophy of finding beauty in the everyday.

With this spirit of transformation in mind, I wanted to use this residency to create something new and significant that would otherwise be difficult to realize. That’s why I chose the large-scale installation using plastic water bottles. Sustainability is a core value in my artistic practice, and this residency provided the perfect platform to push that principle further.

Water also became a central theme in my work. The ancient Falaj irrigation system immediately caught my interest, leading me to a local farm near the Oman border in Shams. This place felt like a small paradise, full of fruit and palm trees, creating a lush oasis worlds away from the urban landscape. I spent time photographing the intricate irrigation systems, fascinated by their structure and function. On my second visit, I met the owner, who generously shared insights about his farm and encouraged me to return after a rainfall to witness the transformation of the landscape – and so I did. The photos I captured became the foundation for my “Falaj series”, which I developed using acrylic paints and markers to breathe life into the still images.

The Foundation was supportive in helping me bring my ideas to life. They provided me with used aluminum composite panels. I used four of those panels, 86x146cm in size, and adhered the bottoms of my paper bags, forming the groundwork for the “Tracing liquid memories” paintings. The Foundation also facilitated my contact with RAK Waste Management, making it possible to collect 2,000 plastic bottles for my installation in just two months. Through this process, I met so many people, with each interaction making my creative process smoother and more enjoyable.

I was also fortunate to have a studio at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. After exploring a few options, we settled on the Thermal Science Lab, located in the older section of the university, which was no longer in use. This spacious room provided ample space for my various workstations, allowing me to keep everything organized without the need to constantly pack things away.

My interactions with the Architecture department proved particularly rewarding. I was invited to give a presentation to the students, which led to a fascinating exchange about my art and their creative projects. Over time, students visited my studio, curious about my daily practices, particularly cutting bottles into rings and putting them together with a rivet and eyelets pliers. This collaborative environment fostered a wonderful dialogue about creativity and artistic expression.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this residency. Working intensively on my project was a joy, and the unwavering support from the Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research ensured that I always had someone to turn to with questions or concerns.