Education in art and design

The National Arts and Technology Institute in Dubai offers diplomas in interior, jewellery and fashion design. Its founder Naheeda Abdullah talks to Notes

Naheeda Abdullah, the founder of NATI - the National Arts and Technology Institute - is a banker with a difference. After almost a decade of rich banking experience, this bold young entrepreneur made a career transition.

“Although I was in a good job, was financially secure, and doing well professionally, I decided to pursue my dreams,” said Naheeda.

“I always dreamt of starting an educational institute on my own. The decision to establish a facility to promote art and creative expression stemmed from the fact that I am myself artistically inclined.

"The unrelenting support from friends and wellwishers and my intense desire to succeed, helped me establish NATI. The institute is supported by the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business leaders”.

At a time when there are few opportunities for young adults to pursue an education in art and design and develop it as a career, NATI plays a significant role in meeting this need.

The institute offers one and two-year diploma courses and has a tie-up with the National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD) in India.

The programmes are recognised by the Ministry of Education. Taking me around the institute, Naheeda proudly presented her students’ work displayed in the form of a mini exhibition.

NATI currently offers specialisations in interior, jewellery and fashion design.

Being a designer herself, Naheeda gives her students ample opportunity for self-expression and encourages them by giving them assignments and involving them in the exhibitions she conducts.

The students are also given internship opportunities so that they gain hands-on experience. Many of them get part-time assignments while pursuing their course at NATI. Most of the students want to become designers and set up their own boutiques and prefer to be self-employed.

NATI is soon planning to host open evenings to highlight the programmes it offers. Its students’ talents will also be on display at these sessions.

Since April last year, Naheeda has been dedicating her time to teaching women prisoners clothing construction once a week. This voluntary effort helps the women utilise their time in prison gainfully while making them self-sufficient at the same time.

She was all praise for her alma mater - the Indian High School, its former principal Dr Moti Prakash and her teachers.

She felt that the support and encouragement she received from her school during childhood and their prediction that she would go far whether she chose a career in numbers or art or both, stayed with her as a guiding light.

She feels the youth of today need to be more focused and should concentrate on their studies. Education, hard work and determination, she believes, hold the key to success in any field.

Many students think that the career choices made at 15 and 16 are binding and irreversible. Naheeda’s experience shows you otherwise. It reminds me of Napolean Hill’s quote: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve”.

So if you have a dream, go on, don’t blame fate, destiny or misfortune. Make choices, study hard, and remember we are all lifelong learners, whether young or old. So be bold enough to make those career dreams a reality.

The writer works as an independent education adviser