Just like any city, it has its ups and downs. I found a common ground with the complexities and contradictions within the city. I realized I had embodied Beirut’s energy all along, its pain and culture, even though I lived far from it. I was able to reconnect with my roots which gave me a greater perspective of myself and my work. Being based in Beirut for two years was one of the best decisions I ever made. Over the years, I began to understand the disparities within my country, and it made me want to learn more about it. I was so accustomed to Dubai, I would become nervous and somehow reject it. The chaos of Lebanon wasn’t something I enjoyed early on - there was something uncomfortable about it. I wanted to implement what I had learnt from London.ĭubai is a new city, and growing up there as a kid, everything that surrounded me was polished, not rough around the edges. I was curious about the creative industry there and what I could do within it. During the summer of 2015, I had this sudden urge to stay in Beirut and explore my country. I'm Lebanese, but I grew up in Dubai and would visit a couple times a year. I moved to Beirut after graduating with my BA in Fashion Styling & Photography from London College of Fashion. When and why did you move to the Middle East?
