Najat Makki, born in 1956 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a trailblazing Emirati artist renowned for her vibrant and abstract interpretations of the UAE’s natural landscape. Her journey into the art world began with a fascination for colour and form, leading her to Cairo’s Helwan University. There, she honed her skills, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Relief Carving & Medals (1982) and a Master’s in Ancient Egyptian Civilization (1998), followed by a Doctorate in Philosophy of Art (2001), making her the first Emirati woman to specialise in this field. Makki’s return to the UAE marked a new chapter in her career, where she began exploring fluorescent paints in scenography for children. Her groundbreaking work in abstract painting, characterised by large fields of solid color and a unique use of UV-A lights, creates an immersive viewing experience. This distinctive style first garnered attention with her solo exhibition at Al Wasl Club in Dubai in 1987, and her subsequent works have continued to captivate audiences both regionally and internationally.

Makki’s art has not only been exhibited extensively within the UAE but also across the globe, including in Egypt, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Her works are held in prestigious collections such as the Sharjah Art Museum, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, and the Women’s Museum in Dubai. Notably, she was the sole female artist among the 15 featured at the 56th Venice Biennale’s National Pavilion UAE in 2015. Her numerous accolades, including the Order of Arts and Letters (2023) and the Emirates Appreciation Award (2015), attest to her significant impact on the art world. As a member of the Dubai Cultural Council and the Emirates Plastic Arts Society, Makki continues to inspire and influence the artistic landscape, embodying a blend of theoretical depth and visual innovation in her captivating works.

I came to you from the shores of the Emirates… I carry with me the journey of my life and my stories. I began on the banks of Dubai Creek, where I painted my first paintings on the walls of houses and the sands of beaches… From there my boat sailed, captivating me, sailing with its renewed blue, I saw a mesmerizing light, hidden in all One day… when I go to a Wadi shop, I see paintings that I painted with the colors of urs, hannah and saffron… there it was yellow, then it turned red… this is how my stories began… from where the colors blend on the cheek of my mother, who has just removed the burqa, the imprint of violet mingles with gold, creating the canvas of my life. This marks the beginning of my stories. I was born in my grandfather’s house in Bur Dubai, within the Grand Souk area near Dubai Creek. Nestled between the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood and the Shindagha neighbourhood, which, in my childhood and even now, remains bustling with commercial activity. Often, I would find myself standing by the sea near the abra, especially during the winter when seagulls gathered. The enchanting sight of the seagulls gracefully swaying on the water, creating a beautiful rhythm with their movements, always captivated me. The bright white hue of their feathers, adorned with black spots on the wings, drew my attention, leaving an indelible mark on my memory.

These details weren’t just fleeting moments passing before my eyes; they were imprinted in my mind. The captivating views of Dubai Creek, accompanied by the rhythmic movements of people and small boats ferrying passengers from Bur Dubai to Deira, are etched in my memory. Beyond that, my visual experiences were enriched by the architectural decorations, inscriptions, flat blocks, and the winding and widening roads. These sights offered a long-range visual vision, creating a vivid tapestry of memories.

My childhood companions and I would engage in races through the buildings that housed us, navigating the roads that occasionally constricted and expanded. Our joyful races left behind shadows that stretched ahead of us as the noon sun ascended, creating enduring imprints in our memories.

Occasionally, we would wander through the Grand Market in Bur (Old Dubai), marveling at its aesthetic architectural creativity. The market, with its diverse exhibits, featured the craftsmanship of goldsmiths showcasing intricate silver and gold jewellery. Alongside, a variety of shops offered an array of food products, adding to the market’s vibrant atmosphere. These experiences linger as vivid spectres in the corridors of recollection.”