Shahad AlsaqqafShahad Alsaqqaf is an Emirati writer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist working across poetry, music, acting, and spoken word. She holds a BA in Literature and Creative Writing with a minor in Anthropology from NYU Abu Dhabi. Her bilingual Arabic–English work explores identity, performance, and language. She has performed at Hekayah and Rooftop Rhythms, published with Al Diwan’s Archival Poetry Collection, co-wrote and starred in The Real AD, trained at London’s BRIT School, and made her acting debut in Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle. She has served as an MC at international events, including the Sharjah International Film Festival.
Adel AwadAdel Awad is an Abu Dhabi–born spoken word poet who began his journey in 2013. He was named “Best Spoken Word Performer – 2023” by Rooftop Rhythms and was a member of Sandstorm, the UAE’s first international poetry slam team. His performances include Expo 2020, Sikka Arts Fair, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and international appearances across the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, and Sri Lanka. He has supported spoken word initiatives through roles with Dubai Culture and the Emirates Literature Foundation, exploring themes of identity, home, mental health, resilience, and belonging.
Kenan AdnawiKenan Adnawi is a Syrian-born oudist and composer who began playing at age seven. He won first prize at the 2022 International Oud Competition in Lebanon and second prize at the 2023 competition in Saudi Arabia. He has performed at venues including the Kennedy Center, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, La Scala, and the Bolshoi Theater, where he premiered Love Dance for Oud and Orchestra in 2023. His collaborations include the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra under Lorin Maazel. His albums Aura (2014) and Watar (2023) reflect his innovative style. He holds a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Maha AlkindiMaha Alkindi is an Emirati writer and poet who began writing in middle school. She won first place in a children’s literature competition and a school talent show for her original work. During the pandemic, she joined online writing workshops and later founded Writers Unblocked, a community supporting writers. In 2022, she published her debut poetry collection Poetry Socks. Active in the UAE’s open mic scene, she earned a “Most Improved Performer” award and performed at an Emirates Literature Foundation event in 2024. In 2025, she served as a peer reviewer for 421’s Pencil in Writers’ Workshop.
Maisoon MubarakMaisoon Mubarak is an Egyptian singer born and raised in the UAE. While studying at the American University of Sharjah, she performed with the university choir at Carnegie Hall and participated in festivals in Lebanon, Jordan, and the UAE. She completed two semesters in Berklee Abu Dhabi’s Vocal Program and is enrolled in the PEARL Program, working on original music. Her solo performances include The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi’s End of Year Recitals, and Saadiyat Sounds. Her musical style blends classical Arabic traditions with contemporary Egyptian pop.
Malavika SureshMalavika Suresh is a Dubai-born spoken word artist, writer, and academic. She performs, hosts, and curates literary events, with features at the Emirates Literature Festival, Sikka Art Festival, and Sharjah Art Festival. She regularly hosts open mics and curates literary gatherings across the UAE. Academically, she has presented research in politics and philosophy at conferences in Australia, India, the Netherlands, and Canada. Her written work includes publications in Women Writing Co and Sunday Mornings at the River, and she authored the play Eat Your Feelings. She is a member of +63Kolektib and performed in Metro Diaries.
Nathalia KhawandNathalia Khawand is a Lebanese spoken word artist whose work explores culture and identity within the Arab diaspora. She has performed in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, and was a finalist in the Roundhouse Poetry Slam 2025. Her work has been commissioned by Meraas as part of its Home to Seeing Differently initiative and displayed at Bluewaters and Dubai Design District. She is known for a powerful performance style that emphasizes emotional expression.
Nima ElnourNima Elnour is a Sudanese-American partnerships consultant, poet, and content creator with over five years of experience in the creative arts. She began writing poetry in 2017 and started performing publicly in 2022. She has more than two years of experience in UGC and social media content creation, producing video and photo content. Active in public speaking and theatre since age sixteen, she holds a Bachelor of Law and a Master’s in Legal Practice. Her work focuses on identity, love, and culture.
NurzyNurzy is a 27-year-old Lebanese singer-songwriter in Arabic pop music. She began her career in 2017 as a member of Carizma, the first Arab teenage girl group, and went solo in 2022, releasing her debut EP Safrit Beirut. Since moving to the UAE, she has performed at events including Music at the Boardwalk, Tunes DXB, Sofar DXB, Karak Nights, Win the Crowd, The Fridge Concert Series, Music of the Nation, and Saadiyat Nights. Her recognitions include Time Out Dubai’s “Best Original Act,” Musivv’s “Female Pop Artist of the Year,” and Mentor Arabia’s “Best Performance Award.” She is part of the 2024 Numoo Artist Development Program.
Omar AwbuOmar Awbu is a Palestinian-American multidisciplinary artist who works across hip-hop, poetry, and storytelling. His work emphasizes themes of faith, spirituality, identity, justice, and truth through music, spoken word, and film. His artistic approach focuses on authentic expression and connection.
Rei CoRei Co is a 19-year-old professional dancer and member of Sima Dance Company. She began dancing at age six, trained with Sima from age eight, and started performing professionally at twelve. At thirteen, she began teaching contemporary and hip-hop at Sima Performing Arts, where she continues to teach. Her performance credits include the Dubai Opera, Expo 2020, NYU Abu Dhabi, and international tours with Sima. She has created original works including INA and LAYAG, and choreographed the full-length performance Metro Diaries with +63Kolektib.
Rosan ReodicaRosan Reodica is a Filipina creative writer, published author, and spoken word artist based in Dubai. She was named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf and is the author of The Practicing Misis Cookbook. She founded the Fridge Art Initiative. Her work explores themes of food, motherhood, memory, and identity, informed by her background in clothing technology.
Sandra Ivette Berriel JaquinetSandra Ivette Berriel Jaquinet is a Cuban musician who began her musical journey at age six. She is proficient in viola, bass, piano, and double bass, and majored in viola. She is also a singer-songwriter whose compositions draw from diverse musical influences. She works as a music teacher. In 2019, she recorded her debut album Comienzo, which was released in 2023.
