Abdulla Lutfi

Abdulla Lutfi is a young, dynamic, established Emirati artist based in Dubai. He currently creates art at his studio Next Chapter at Tashkeel, Al Fahidi.

Abdulla’s passion for art stems from his amazing attention to detail, his black and white view of the world, and his sharp sense of humor. His distinct black and white drawings of the U.A.E’s skylines and landscape usually feature an exaggerated humorous glimpse of everyday Emirati life. Abdulla’s artistic signature is A.L.

Abdulla has a special fascination for Japanese culture and everything Japanese and has visited Japan several times; he’s presently working towards and exhibition in Japan. You can detect this influence and love in his drawings. He has dedicated many drawings, paintings and sculptures to various aspects of Japanese life; from pop culture and anime, to icons and landscapes.

As an artist and autistic savant, Abdulla, sees and interprets the world in a unique nonconventional way. He uses his condition as an advantage because his artwork communicates a powerful message and view of his world that is frequently not represented. He is proud of his amazing memory, attention to detail, and spontaneity of his work. He has given several speed drawing workshops and demonstrations at schools and corporate events.

Abdulla regards art as his connection to the world. He believes art is a powerful medium that conveys an individual’s innermost world, a window to the soul. He considers himself as an ambassador for the “The People of Determination” with a mission to enable special needs artists to find and share their unique style.

Despite his young age, Abdulla is an accomplished artist having already had a couple of sold out solo exhibitions. He has fulfilled several commissions from hotels, banks, and Dubai International Airport. Abdulla has illustrated a children’s coloring book commissioned by the Embassy of the U.A.E in Washington D.C.

Abdulla continues to grow as a person and as a gifted artist. He continues to peer tutor his fellow artists, exhibit in various media styles and expand his repertoire of talent. He aspires to raise awareness and promote inclusion of the special needs community through his artwork.

Life History

1996 – At the age of 3, I started expressing myself through art

 

1997 – My mom was informed in the UK that I was on the Autism spectrum

1999 – I started schooling at Uptown International School, Mirdif

2011 – I graduated from Green Field Community High School at the age of 18

2011 – Fascinated by the wonderful world of Manga and Anime

2011 – I met my mentor Gulshan Kavarana

 

2012 – First time I created something with a black marker on canvas

 

2013 – I collaborated with Ruben Sanchez for an artwork for The Art Bus at Art Dubai

 

2014 – I was featured on The Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition

 

2015 – I did my 1st live drawing at Art Nights, Gate Village DIFC

 

 

2016 – My art was displayed on the windows of Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall

 

2016 – My first solo Black & White Exhibition at Cuadro Gallery, DIFC

2017 – Participated in World Art Dubai

 

2017 – Illustrated a children’s coloring book commissioned by the Embassy of the U.A.E in Washington D.C.

2018 – My artwork was advertised on credit, debit cards and packaging products by Noor Bank

2018 – Every year 90 million people see my 46m long artwork at DXB airport Terminal 3 between Concourse B&C

2019 – I worked on 2 large canvases “Dubai Past & Present” for a roaming exhibition in all the prominent schools of Dubai

2019 – I won the Bronze at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi for Bowling

2019 – Created an artwork for the ICE inflight entertainment guide on Emirates airlines

2020 – All 116 canvases at my 2nd solo exhibition were sold out at Cuadro Gallery, DIFC

2021 – My 1st artwork on a hood of a Ford 150 Lightening Truck

2021 – My art displayed at Al Seef promenade

 

 

 

2021 – Inauguration of my new studio under H. E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and H. E. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, UAE Minister of Community Development

2021 – First place winner in the Institut Français des Emirats arabes unis and JCDecaux #ArtportChallenge think!

 

 

2021 – Celebrated 50 years of UAE with Etihad Airways by working on five canvases for each decade exhibiting the most significant events of the U.A.E.

2021 – I was featured in the Magazoid Magazine

 

 

2021 – My artworks were put on the ALLSAINTS clothing collection

 

2021 – My art adorned the Christmas Tree Ornaments at Crate&Barrel

2021 – Featured in the Expo 2020 Theme Song with my characters coming to life

2021 – Live art at GITEX Global on a 2x2m canvas

 

2021 – My artwork was admired by H. H. Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman at the Al Murabba Arts Festival

2021 – My 1st radio interview with HIT 96.7FM in Dubai

 

 

2021 – Did a workshop at Kings’ School

 

 

2021 – Every supermarket in UAE had bottles of Barakat juice with my designs

 

2021 – Sephora celebrated the voices of the UAE with my inspiring story for the 50th UAE National Day celebration

 

2021 – Presented my artwork to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Hana Al Rostamani of FAB Bank on the occasion of UAE 50th Anniversary celebration

 

2022 – I did a live artwork at RTA – Dubai International Project Management Forum – Expo 2020 where I presented H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai with his portrait

2022 – My designs were put on the staff t-shirt and delivery box for Harrie’s Pancakes café Dubai, Dubai Marina outlet

 

 

2022 – Converse displayed my art mural which I created with Maddy Butcher. It was a proud moment to see my designs on the Converse shoes. This limited edition was a sellout

 

2022 – HSBC celebrated 75 years of doing business in the UAE. To mark their anniversary, HSBC curated a gallery of 75 outstanding individuals, who have contributed to the UAE’s rise. I was one of the 75 Faces of UAE

2022 – I was invited by the Japanese Consul General Sekiguchi Noboru on the occasion of Emperor Naruhitos birthday at a National Day Reception at Raffles Hotel

2022 – To mark the World Autism month – April, Al Jalila Children’s Speciality commissioned me to create an artwork for the curtains in the children’s ward

 

2022 – To celebrate Eid, I teamed up with Amazon to create electronic Eid Gift Cards

2022 – Participated in the #SikkaArtAndDesignFestival 10th edition

2022 – My first ever Podcast with Green Pill Matrix

 

2022 – Commissioned by the 19th edition of Abu Dhabi Art Festival to create a 1.5mx3m canvas for the public to paint on

 

 

2022 – Represented U.A.E. at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington D.C., conducting workshops on making art, giving talks on disability inclusion and life as an artist, doing live art and displaying my artworks.

2022 – Conducting my Art Workshop at Google Arabia, Dubai

 

 

 

2022 – My artwork displayed at the INPEX/JODCO Japanese Stand participation in ADIHEX 2022 celebrating 50 years of flourishing diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE

2022 – My art and the best pizza in town, Bada Bing

 

 

2022 – Launched my artwork on Grandiose Supermarket’s sustainable initiative of new line of canvas bags and also honoured to inaugurate the Grandiose store, Dubai

2022 – My 1st NFT collection “Khalli Walli” launch at Timeout Market Dubai

2022 – Marking 150 years of Zurich International Life Ltd. at InterContinental Hotel, Dubai with a live Art session

2022 – My journey featured in the Khaleej Times, Wknd Magazine with a cover piece

2022 – Live Art depicting at Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC’s Paddock Suite during Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022

2022 – In celebration of the UAE’s 51st National Day, Home Bakery collaborated with me to come up with a beautiful piece of art to celebrate this occasion 🇦🇪

2022 – Rotana Hotel celebrates UAE’s 51st National Day with a stunning video of me and my artwork

 

2022 – Visit to my all-time favourite destination Tokyo on the occasion of the UAE’s 51st National Day celebrations. I was invited by the UAE Embassy in Tokyo to do Live art depicting the close ties between UAE and Japan through my artwork, which focused on the cultural aspects of both nations.

2022 – I had the honour of showcasing my work at Japan Festival celebrating 50 years of UAE & JAPAN at Manarat Al Saadiyat Auditorium Abu Dhabi

 

 

2023 – Start to a wonderful New Year 

 

 

 

 

2023 – Another successful season of SIKKA 2023. I had the pleasure to have H.E. Hala Badri Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts authority, Saeed Mubarak Bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture and Artist & Manager at Dubai Culture Khalil Abdul Wahid visit my studio along with Consul Generals of various countries. Apart from visitors loving my art, conducting workshops, I launched my merchandise which received much acclaim too.

2023 – I did a podcast with Autism bil عربي with Rania & Mina where I spoke about my journey as an artist on the Autism spectrum. Another podcast I did with Dubai British School Jumeirah Park that was a Student-led Podcast where I shared my thoughts about Autism and how the world accepts us.

 

 

 

2023 – TWIGS showcased my artwork at WorldArtDubai 9-12 March on their floral tote bags. My illustrations captured the beauty and importance of flowers in our daily lives.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 – Conducted art workshops at various organisations including schools, universities and Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

 

2023 – Glad to collaborate with Emarat, my artwork inspired by Emarat station’s look and feel on their new canvas tote bag collection.

 

2023 – Collaborated with renowned brands including Margaux – Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, HERE-O Donuts + Coffee, Rotana Hotels, SHEBurger and Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation for Ramadan 2023.

2023 – Featured in the Al Bayan news.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 – The Alliance Française, Abu Dhabi inaugurated my exhibition “The World In My Head” with the presence of H.E. Faisal Lutfi, and H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Abdelaziz Al Mualla. H.E. Salem Al Neyadi, Ambassador of the UAE to the International Organization of La Francophonie, symbolizing a strong bond between UAE and France.

 

2023 – Proud to be a part on a panel discussion celebrating Autism Awareness Month.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 – Collaborated with Colgate where I created a special packaging, The ‘Pack of Hope’ with my artworks that showcased messages of inclusion and hope.

 

 

 

 

2023 – Did a live art session at Dubai customs with my artwork printed on tote bags. It was a pleasure to meet H.E. Dhirar Belhoul Alfalasi, Member of the Federal National Council, Executive director of Watani and His Excellency Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

 

2023 – I was invited to Los Angeles, USA by the Embassy of UAE, Washington D.C. for the Autism Speaks event. It was an honour to have met and engaged with an incredible group of leaders, celebrities, the Head of Department of Cultural Diplomacy Embassy of the UAE and the President & CEO of Autism Speaks. I gave art workshops at the East LA Rising school and did live art at the Light Up the Blues Concert.

2023 – I collaborated with SHEIN Arabia celebrating the Autism Awareness Month with the regional launch of the SHEIN x Autism Heroes collection. My artwork depicting Power of Love were sold on various SHEIN merchandise.

 

 

2023 – I drew my signature black and white artwork on a foosball table for The Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood, UAE.

 

 

 

2023 – I was awarded with 2 prestigious awards. “Pride of UAE” at the Global Business Symposium 2023 held at the Sheraton, Abu Dhabi and winner of the Best Artist of Determination Award by Magzoid’s Emerging Art Icons 2023 held at the Theatre of Digital Art, Dubai.

 

2023 – Moderated by my mentor, Gulshan Kavarana, I was a part of a panel discussion with my cousin Asma sharing my journey with art and how it has empowered me by giving me the means to express myself and celebrate my Autism. The event was held at the Weslodge Saloon for Coffee with An Expat POD moms.

Videos Portfolio

Khaleej Times

The UAE’s first art studio founded by Emirati artists of determination in Al Bastakiya will feature works that celebrate hope.

Celebrating UAE50 with Abdulla Lutfi | Etihad

As part of Etihad’s year-long celebration, Abdulla has created a remarkable art project exhibiting the most significant events from the five decades of the UAE.

Expo 2020

Featured as UAE’s Emirati artist in “This is Our Time” – the Official Theme Song of Expo 2020 Dubai. The song and music video captured the spirit of an entire nation, its people, and offered hope for uniting the world.