Nihad Nadam

Brief bio

Based in Dubai, I am a Creative Strategist, Visual Artist, and Digital Arabic Calligrapher, specializes in branding, marketing strategies, digital product design, and digital Arabic calligraphy. I’ve worked for a number of advertising agencies and technological companies since 2000. I enjoy the challenge of resolving complicated client concerns and creating an entirely new user experience.
 
My work has been included in a number of books, overseas periodicals, and art galleries. During this period, I worked on a range of projects, the most notable of which were the “digitization of Arabic calligraphy” items and the launch of some of the Middle East’s largest worldwide companies.
 
To share my knowledge and excitement for design and Arabic Calligraphy, I enjoy tweeting, blogging, and presenting at design forums and institutions.
 
I believe that taking breaks from screens is necessary, and when I do, I work with ink and watercolors or tend to plants in my small garden. My favorite part of the day is spending time with my family.
Nihad Nadam نهاد ندم

How did you get started in the creative industry?

Growing up in Damascus, “one of the oldest cultures in the world,” I’ve been interested in cultural exchange and artistic legacy ever since. I’ve always thought that letters and words were the very essence of existence, and that pictures were a crucial medium for sharing our innermost thoughts and feelings, as well as providing a solid grounding in our understanding of the world and its history.
 
During my time working as a summer student in Syria, I became acquainted with numerous calligraphers and designers. I remember being captivated as I watched a calligrapher at work on a manuscript, a wedding invitation, or a shop’s name plate. Therefore, I decided to pursue a degree in fine arts at the Adham Ismail College of Art and Design. Some of the best painters, sculptors, and calligraphers in Damascus were my teachers. At the time, I was also learning about various design tools.
 
I worked as a designer at Kodak and on my own between 1995 and 1999. I moved to the United Arab Emirates in the middle of 2000 to begin working for Promoseven, the region’s preeminent advertising firm at the time. After that, I worked for a few companies, including Winsoft, where I marketed Adobe software in the Middle East in the role of creative product manager. Additionally, I have managed marketing for a leading provider of private aviation services.

Facts

  • I was a member of the starting team for the Mashq tool, the first digital Arabic calligraphy tool.
  • I collaborated with Decotype on Tasmeem software, which is a computerized Arabic calligraphy tool for InDesign, as well as the Muscat Digital Qur’an.
  • I was part of the team that launched the Mini in the Middle East.
  • I was the Arab designer who worked with the launch team for the first phase of The Dubai Mall and The Burj Khalifa.

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