Majd Alwaa

Preserving and promoting the Arabic artform of calligraphy is a long-held passion of Majd, a qualified pilot, because he attributes it to assisting him when, as a youngster, he faced some challenging times – he was then able to draw comfort from the art. Eager to convey its beauty and cultural significance, Majd established an Instagram page – it now boasts 81,000 followers.

Why are you passionate about calligraphy? My parents separated when I was eight, which meant I lived in the UK with my dad and my mum lived in Syria. The year they separated, we lived in Syria for a bit and I met a calligraphy teacher who got me interested in its guidelines and all the different fonts and styles. I was good at art, and drawing was how I relieved the stress at home and dealt with the bullying I endured at school for how I looked and my religion.

What made you decide to move from the UK to the UAE?

When the Syrian war started I was in secondary school and had to risk everything to meet my mum. That motivated me to work towards a way to have her live with me. My move to the UAE was largely guided by the fact that I could sponsor my mum here, work in Dubai’s thriving aviation industry and pursue calligraphy.

How did you hear of the #MyBetterStartsNow campaign and what does it mean to you? The campaign’s ambassador Diaa Allam who is a good friend and mentor nominated me. You can always shape your life if you believe in yourself, that’s why I relate to the #MyBetterStartsNow. Everyone that used to bully me in primary school now ask me ‘how did you make it? You’ve moved away and we’re still in the same place.’

How will winning this contest help you?

It will help me get the funds I need to start a centre where I could teach people calligraphy.