I recently resigned from Dirwaza to focus on some new projects, such as my upcoming art exhibition at NYUAD. I think being a creative is a constant balance between listening and creating, and I hope that through 1833 I can meet cool smart kind people with big ideas. I am open to learning from different experiences, and most of the workshops and talks I have seen from 1833 so far seem crafted to inspire people and present them with a new point of view. I like my views to be challenged.

I would like to become a member because the people I know who are part of it already are people I admire and respect, and to spend time with them as well as others similar to them-that’s the kind of community I look for. I am quite invested in the arts in the UAE, as this is my home, and I think I could bring my ideas and experiences from my cultural background, career as an art curator and my desire to start things & help good ideas grow in a sustainable way.

I have a podcast called Khosh Bosh where I interview creatives based in the UAE. I am currently working on a show I will curate solo with artworks from many artists about diasporic imagination and landlessness. I am originally Chechen by way of Jordan, and I care a lot about supporting artists and archivists from the North Caucasus. I was born and raised in Abu Dhabi and I am invested wholeheartedly in seeing the arts grow here, and for our arts community to uplift one another. I am also a big foodie and love trying different restaurants. I am an artist, recently completed SEAF and I love to paint portraits.