Cultural Salon features theatre pioneer Samira Ahmed

The session highlighted Emirati women's pioneering roles in theatre and their efforts to improve the artistic scene in the UAE and the wider Arab world.

Samira Ahmed reminisced on her artistic journey, revealing that she experienced various hurdles in her early career owing to societal expectations. She asserted that she consistently counsels the upcoming generation of actresses to seize the current opportunities, given the shifting public perceptions of art and the growing recognition of its cultural and human importance. She also conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support for the arts and artists, particularly the theatre sector. She underlined that his commitment to supporting Sharjah Theatre Days has been critical in preserving the country's theatrical movement.

Samira also spoke freely about the current lack of attention paid to artistic productions, particularly theatre, and the scarcity of playwrights, which prompted her to make the difficult decision to retire from performing a few years ago. However, she hinted at her potential return to the stage as part of a recently proposed new project. She emphasised the importance of creating meaningful and socially significant works that benefit families and the larger community.

"Art alone is not enough," Samira Ahmed reiterated, emphasising that she has always placed her children and family above everything else. She emphasised that, regardless of a woman's occupation — doctor, teacher, engineer, artist, or otherwise — her primary role and greatest contribution to her country is to raise future generations through good upbringing and education. "That," she told me, "was her most vital and noble work."