UAE: Meet these trailblazing Emirati women who push the boundaries of arts

Salama Alfalacy is into realistic art featuring landscapes and wildlife, while Meera Jamal Al Midfa is setting new grounds in performance art and filmmaking

By Nada Askander

Artistic style and medium

Salama’s works often feature animals of profound significance in Emirati culture, such as falcons and Arabian horses, depicted with remarkable precision and emotion.

Her choice of tools — Prismacolor pencils, watercolours, pastel pencils, and charcoal — allows her to evoke specific emotions and atmospheres. “The precision offered by Prismacolor pencils enables (me) to render intricate details, while the fluidity of watercolours imparts a calming quality to (my) work,” she noted.

The falcon — a symbol of power and tradition in the UAE – is a recurring motif in her work. In her series Ishra, for instance, Salama pays homage to the enduring partnership between Emiratis and these majestic birds, reflecting her personal experiences and the ancestral memory of falconry—a tradition passed down through generations.

Childhood rooted in storytelling

Meera, meanwhile, is pushing boundaries in the world of performance art and filmmaking. Born and raised in Dubai, Meera was surrounded by a rich tapestry of stories and traditions from an early age. Her father, a man deeply rooted in Emirati culture, would captivate Meera with tales of heritage, identity, and the land’s history. These stories ignited a spark in her, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.

Meera studied at the American University of Sharjah, where she pursued a double minor in Theatre and Film. During her time at the university, Meera’s talent quickly became evident. She wrote, directed, and edited three short films.

Meera’s performances in seven theatrical productions, including Neveshaya and Macbeth Arabia, demonstrated her versatility and commitment to her craft. These productions were not just local successes; they were also selected by the university to be showcased on international stages.

Showcasing versatility in cinema and theatre

Meera’s career continued to soar after graduating from the university. In 2016, she voiced the lead character in ‘The Heart of Them’, the first Emirati animated feature film. This role marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to bring characters to life through voice acting. Her versatility was further highlighted when she took on challenging roles in stage productions such as the musical ‘Sweeney Todd’ at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre; as well as the psychological thriller Exam, produced by Backstage.

One of the most defining moments in Meera’s early career came in 2015 when she was selected from among 34 actors across the Middle East to participate in the Kevin Spacey Foundation’s Middle East Theatre Academy production of ‘Dhow Under the Sun’.

Meera Jamal Al Midfa.

She said “the experience was transformative”, cementing her reputation as a rising star in the Emirati theatre scene.

Meera then made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue a Master of Fine Arts at the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI). Her acceptance into the AFI’s directing programme was a historic achievement, as she became the first Emirati ever to be selected for this highly competitive course.

During her time at AFI, Meera received mentorship from some of the most respected filmmakers in the industry, including Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi, Peter Markham, Neema Barnette, Billy Ray, and Bruce Block.

Celebrated return to the UAE

Meera’s contributions to the arts were recognised when she was selected to participate in the 48th and 49th National Day theatrical presentations – a testament to her status as a leading figure in the Emirati arts scene. Her acting prowess was further highlighted when she starred in the official theme song and music video for Expo 2020, a role that brought her talents to a global audience.

Her lead role in The Monster, a short film directed by Abdulrahman Al Madani, was another significant achievement. The film was featured in 12 film festivals across Dubai, Los Angeles, and Saudi Arabia, earning accolades such as the Special Jury Prize at the Al Ain Film Festival and Best Drama Short Film at the World of Women Film Fair Middle East.

Despite her extensive work behind the scenes, Meera has never strayed far from her first love—acting. She recently starred in two short films produced by Arab Film Studio, under the mentorship of the renowned Jordanian director, actor, and producer Zaid Abu Hamdan.

These films have already been featured at prestigious film festivals in Riyadh, Cannes, Morocco, and Abu Dhabi, further showcasing Meera’s ability to captivate audiences with her performances. Meera’s latest project is a lead role in the feature film Al Eid Eiden (2024), a collaborative effort between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

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