Fatima Farah, ZU BA Alumni of 2015 from College of Arts and Creative Enterprise (CACE), majored in Graphic Design and Alumni Association Board (AAB) member #Proud_ZUAlumni
Fatima A. Farah, a remarkable alumna of Zayed University (ZU) from the class of 2015, majored in Graphic Design and embarked on a journey fueled by her deep passion for the arts. Despite initial apprehensions due to the uncertain job market in the arts industry, Fatima's unwavering passion and the support of her family led her to pursue her dreams. With an introverted and shy nature, coupled with a unique learning style, Fatima's transformation began when she joined ZU, where she found the support and encouragement she needed to come out of her shell
During her time at ZU, Fatima discovered the power of freelancing as a student. Working with various businesses, she created compelling visuals and branding materials. Seeing her work come to life in the real world confirmed her calling as an artist and fueled her passion even further
Apart from her artistic pursuits, Fatima also found fulfillment in volunteering. Through her involvement with ZU, she joined the Emirati Red Crescent and had the opportunity to travel to Jordan to visit Syrian refugees. This experience not only deepened her understanding of global challenges but also resulted in lifelong friendships with her fellow volunteers. The exposure to humanitarian work and the profound impact it had on people's lives left an indelible mark on Fatima
Years later, with the support of ZU, Fatima exhibited and presented her artwork at Al Sadiyaat Island in Abu Dhabi. This platform provided her with the opportunity to showcase her talent and creativity to a wider audience. To this day, Fatima continues to attend the exhibitions organized by ZU's College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE), as they hold a special place in her heart and offer inspiration for her own artistic journey
Another significant experience that shaped Fatima's worldview was a trip to the Philippines with ZU. As part of a TV documentary called "Beyond Borders," she joined a team of three female and three male students. The journey exposed her to the realities faced by people outside the UAE and offered valuable insights into Filipino culture and the challenges faced by those less fortunate. During this trip, Fatima worked on a package design explaining child sponsorship and how to support children from a distance without uprooting them from their homes. This became her graduation project, showcasing her commitment to using art for social impact
Fatima's professional journey began at Etihad Airways in the intensive training program and then as a Cabin Interior Design Manager, where she designed the interior of cabins for both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Another project she is particularly proud of involved upcycling retired aircraft pieces, such as curtains, to support arts, the environment, and the community simultaneously. This project was a testament to her passion for sustainable practices and her dedication to supporting others
Currently, Fatima's role at Sea World, Abu Dhabi involves training others to educate visitors about sea animals. This unexpected career path showcases her growth from a shy and introverted girl to a confident professional who embraces new challenges. She not only teaches herself about unfamiliar animals but also trains new team members to spark a love for nature in visitors
Recently, Fatima had the honor of giving a tour to a VIP visitor, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In the past, such a situation would have caused panic and self-doubt, but Fatima's graduation from ZU instilled a newfound confidence in her abilities. She handled the tour with grace and professionalism, leaving a positive impression on the esteemed guest
One of Fatima's proudest achievements is her successful collaboration between Zayed University and Etihad Airways. By bringing together two interior design faculty members and their students, she facilitated the creation of pieces inspired by the aviation industry. The project was launched and showcased, solidifying the ongoing partnership between ZU and Etihad Airways. This collaboration exemplifies the impact that academic-industry collaborations can have in fostering innovation and providing students with real-world experiences
Drawing from her experiences at ZU and witnessing the caliber of fresh graduates joining her teams, Fatima firmly believes in the unique identity and exceptional skills ZU instills in its students. She advises current students to seize every opportunity ZU offers, seek guidance from passionate faculty members, and question their abilities to grow personally and professionally. Surrounded by like-minded individuals in their field, students have a valuable support system to help them excel
Fatima A. Farah's journey from a hesitant and introverted student to a confident and accomplished professional exemplifies the transformative power of education, passion, and seizing opportunities. Her unwavering commitment to the arts, her dedication to volunteering, and her impressive career trajectory serve as an inspiration for aspiring artists and creative professionals. As Fatima continues to make a positive impact in her field and beyond, she exemplifies the values and teachings of Zayed University and serves as a shining example for future generations of students
