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    Fatima Alhashmi

    Musician, Ministry of Culture UAE

    Fatima was raised in an artistic family who are mostly musicians and singers. She started taking piano classes at a young age and was always interested in Western classical music. As a pianist, she got a licentiate degree in piano performance from Trinity College of London and taught the piano for more than 4 years. 

    She started to self-learn opera singing and have private classes for 4 years, and had the chance to take master classes with: Kristine Opolais, Dunja Vejzovic, Deborah Voigt and Simon O’neil. In 2019, she got 2nd prize in the 1st Barouch concerto competition and jurors special prize. Fatima has performed with several orchestras including the G. Enescu Philharmonic conducted by Horia Andreescu, the Belarusian State Chamber Orchestra conducted by Evgeny Bushkov and the Mahler Youth Orchestra.

    Fatima was awarded the Bravo Awards in Russia in 2024 and performed at the Bolshoi with the Russian Philharmonie. She has represented the UAE in diplomatic and cultural events around the world and has sang in 15 different languages.

    Q&A

    Q: When did you know that working in the creative sector was going to be the right fit for you?

    I have been raised in an artistic family and have been into art since my childhood. I knew since I joined the Ministry of Culture that working in the creative sector was home and my fate.

    Q: Did you go to university, and if so what did you study?

    I got my masters in Performing Arts Management from Sorbonne – Abu Dhabi and a licentiate degree in piano performance from Trinity College of London.

    Q: What was your first ever job?

    Piano teacher and administrator at the music section in Ministry of Culture.

    Q: Do you have any quirky habits that have proved relevant to your work?

    I keep humming 24/7 and sing the words that I hear in the songs I know in my head.

    Q: Most inspiring moment in your career, or person you have worked with?

    When I wear two hats at the same time (management and performance) to manage a certain event and at the same time am performing in it.

    Q: Essential book to read / movie to watch / artist to follow today.

    Ikigai / The Soloist / Lang lang

    Q: Why is the creative field in the UAE exciting at the moment?

    The field is blooming and has massive opportunities to represent in addition to the AI involvement and enhancing the scene.

    Q: Any tips for submitting an application or succeeding in an interview?

    Craft authentic storytelling and get a personal branding.

    Q: Most underappreciated role in the creative sector?

    The hidden armies behind any artwork in general such as sound designers and editors frequently don’t receive the recognition they deserve, even though their contributions significantly enhance the overall impact of films, music, and other media.

    Q: Is there one thing you would do differently if you could start your professional career again?

    Start at a younger age with academic studies.

    Q: What other place in the world should the UAE be looking to for inspiration?

    Latin America is renowned for its rich musical heritage and fusion of genres, the importance of cultural roots and community in music. This can inspire the UAE to embrace and promote its own diverse musical traditions.

    Q: What is the most important next step for the UAE creative industry as a whole?

    Supporting local artists and investing in education and training.