National honoured for doctorate

The Emirates Fine Arts Society has honoured the first UAE national to obtain a doctorate degree in fine arts, and a number of students who showed talent during summer activities.

The ceremony was held on Saturday at Sharjah Art Museum during which Najat Hassan Makki was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

Abdullah Al Owais, Director General of the Department of Information and Culture, said: "We believe she will contribute to developing fine arts in the UAE. Honouring both artists and students is part of the society's ongoing activities to encourage art in the UAE."

In July 2002, Najat was awarded a doctorate degree from Cairo University. She did her thesis on old coins in the Arab world.

Najat graduated in Egypt in 1982. She went back to Egypt and in 1995 she obtained a master's degree in fine arts.

She said: "I did fine arts as a hobby at school where my talent was discovered. My teachers and parents encouraged me and I decided to pursue fine arts."

While continuing her studies, Najat helped develop instruction material at the Ministry of Education and Youth. Being a member of the Emirates Fine Art Society, she also held training sessions for students.

"The certificate of appreciation I received from the Ministry of Information and Culture and Emirates Fine Arts Society and individuals gave me more strength and confidence.

"The number of artists is increasing because authorities, art societies and individual artists are working hard to develop the field. People in the UAE love fine arts because it is rooted in history."