Dalal: The Story Behind the Art
Art was never a choice... it was always the first companion.
Since childhood, amidst sketchbooks and family conversations, a deep inclination toward visual expression began to take shape — as if I wasn’t created to speak alone, but to draw what words fail to convey. Colors became my secret language, and lines an extension of my emotions, always a place of refuge.
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My path was anything but conventional. Life took me through diverse phases that enriched my understanding of people and purpose. Yet, throughout every stage, art remained a quiet constant — observing, waiting — until it stepped forward once more, not merely as a pastime, but as a message and a mission.
Each artwork I create tells a story, and every exhibition becomes an open invitation to connect with the world. I’ve had the honor of participating in exhibitions in Abu Dhabi and Morocco, particularly in Rabat, where my work served as a cultural bridge between communities and traditions.
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In 2023, I launched Hzaya, a cultural-educational initiative that revives values in children through storytelling and illustration. Rooted in local heritage and everyday Emirati life, Hazaya was supported by the Mustaqbali program from the National Fund — marking a true beginning for me as both an artist and a founder.
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As the creator of Hazaya Publishing House, I view books as parallel canvases — vessels of imagination that nurture awareness from an early age. My aim is not merely to publish stories, but to redefine the reading experience through immersive, interactive books that transform children into heroes of tales rooted in Emirati values and culture. With the support of the Sharjah Book Authority, I had the privilege of representing Hzaya Personalized Books at major international events such as the London Book Fair and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair — experiences that expanded my vision for culturally driven, creative, and sustainable publishing.
To explore my artistic journey, I invite you to discover a selection of exhibitions that highlight the evolution of my work — each one telling a deeper story through visual expression and documented in various media features.
Selected Art Exhibitions:
• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 – Illustrated a children's booklet titled "Frozen Desert".
• Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition 2024 – Presented two digital canvases titled "Zayed’s Ambition".
• Rabat International Book Fair 2025 – Created a poster for the "Khurarif" project with a new visual perspective.
• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 – Displayed an interactive artwork titled "Al-Mujtama‘ (The Community)".
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Hzaya in International Book Fairs:
• Sharjah International Book Fair 2024
• London Book Fair 2025
• Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025
• Shanghai International Book Fair
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Each participation isn’t just a showcase — it’s a step toward embedding art into meaningful cultural dialogue, both locally and globally.
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Dalal Al Jaberi​​​​​​
CEO of Hzaya Personalized Books
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