AI not a threat to art, say Emirati artists at SEF panel

While art is evolving with technology, it remains deeply rooted in the human spirit, young and successful Emirati artists affirmed on the 2nd day of the 8th annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2025).

During a panel titled ‘Expressions of Emirati Art: A Fusion of Traditions and Innovation’, they shared with aspiring artists and entrepreneurs that exciting innovations in Emirati art, boosting its global outreach and preserving cultural identity are possible today, thanks to rapid technological developments. 

Hisham Al Madhloum, Founder of Diwani Villa Sharjah; photographer and calligrapher Abdallah Al Astad; artist Juma Alhaj, and content creator Mthayel Al Ali led the talk, which was moderated by media personality and novelist Abdulaziz Albugaish. 

Al Madhloum addressed the impact of external cultural influences, asserting that the key lies in striking a balance between benefiting from diverse global cultures and preserving local identity. He explained that he has drawn inspiration from renowned Arab artists such as Hassan Fathy, but stressed the importance of looking to the local environment as a primary source of ideas.

Al Madhloum also discussed his cultural project ‘Diwani’, which has won three international awards, demonstrating his vision of melding modernity with tradition. 

Mythayel Al Ali, a content creator with over 800,000 Instagram followers, highlighted the significance of personal development in fostering an artist’s authenticity. She remarked that the deeper an artist delves into self-knowledge, the more their work authentically reflects their creative essence, thereby enhancing genuine communication with the audience.

Addressing the rise of artificial intelligence, Abdallah Al Astad noted that AI is not a threat to art but rather a natural extension of human progress. He emphasised that the true artist is one who can analyse sensory experiences and engage with subtle details – qualities that artificial intelligence cannot fully replicate. In his view, technology provides valuable tools to facilitate the creative process without ever replacing the artist’s role. 

Meanwhile, Juma Alhaj pointed out that AI presents an opportunity to correct global stereotypes about Arab societies online. He emphasised that controlling one’s visual narrative can significantly influence how the world perceives Arab culture. Alhaj concluded that every artist carries the responsibility of conveying their society’s message and identity through their work. 

Connecting the global ecosystem under the theme of “Where We Belong,” SEF 2025 champions the impact of community and the spirit of innovation. SEF 2025 is the largest event of its kind in the region. The eighth edition of the festival commanded a truly global stage and featured more than 300 speakers from 45 countries.