UAE: These women make up to Dh20,000 monthly, get global brand deals by turning art into businesses

Three talented women are redefining success in the art world in the UAE, transforming modest beginnings of just Dh200 into thriving businesses.

From captivating international brands with unique designs to establishing careers, each highlight how artistic passion can lead to financial success.

Maryam Hamad, a 34-year-old Emirati from Dubai, shared her journey as an artist. "My beginnings in drawing started from a young age. I would draw whenever I had free time. Later, I participated in drawing competitions during elementary and middle school and always won. I saw myself as an artist and tried to emulate what I admired. It might even be hereditary in our family," she said.

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After getting married and having children, Maryam began to develop her skills by enrolling in the Sharjah Institute of Arts. "My teacher was an amazing artist who saw potential in me and worked with me. After that, I became independent and started my own business, initially drawing on gift bags. I used to sell them for Dh10 to Dh20, and then my business took off completely," she added.

As her skills developed, Maryam hoped to create something with her hands that would be found in every home. "From there, I began to draw on literally everything," she said.

Maryam started to expand slowly, with initial support from her family. "I participated in exhibitions where I sold my products, such as the Al-Freej Market and other Dubai exhibitions. After that, I promoted my business through Instagram advertisements and TikTok promotions."

Explaining her current work, she said, "I am an artist who draws on everything that I see people taking a lot of. In the winter season, I draw on hoodies for the desert, like the 'LIWA festival'."

Sharing insights into her monthly profits: "It depends on the seasons. I can earn Dh20,000 or more in some months, while profits can be quite low during simpler seasons like summer."

From passion to purpose

Maimouna, a 22-year-old Iraqi artist known as Artey, has spent her entire life in the UAE, where she has cultivated her artistic talents. A graduate in physical therapy from the University of Sharjah, her journey into the art world blossomed at the age of 15.

Drawing has always been her passion, serving as her private sanctuary where imagination knows no bounds. "I always felt it was my own circle, and I constantly seek unique and non-traditional images," said Maimouna.

She began developing her skills and soon discovered the potential for creating art on products, which opened new avenues for her creativity. Through social media, Maimouna has worked tirelessly to establish her artistic brand, Artey, which embodies independence and self-reliance. "Art became my way to achieve financial and creative independence," she explained.

Maimouna’s work has garnered attention from international companies, leading to collaborations with brands like MCM and Memo Paris, where she showcased her designs on perfume bottles.

Her daily routine includes creating custom pieces and engaging with her followers through social media, where she shares her artistic journey. "Art is both an outlet and a lifeline for me," added the young artist.

• This artist moved to Dubai from UK to promote African art