FAHAD AL OBAIDLY
Fahad Al Obaidly is a multi-faceted artist who doesn’t doesn’t bind himself to any particular medium. This fashion designer-artist-curator-filmmaker speaks the language of creativity and expresses himself through the art he promotes both in his homeland, Qatar, and internationally. He is also the Head of Programs at M7, a Fashion & Design Incubation Center, where he shares his knowledge with young designers on the development of sustainable business models for their brands.
Fahad Al Obaidly always had a passion for fashion and design. After graduating with a BA in Fashion Design from Instituto Marangoni, he launched FAO, Qatar’s first menswear brand, followed by beachwear line Sayf.
Fahad directed his first short film “inside out” after enrolling in film making courses at Doha Film Institute. The success of his work led to a screening at Cannes Film Festival 2016.
Fahad's creative mind didn’t stop with fashion and film. He found himself in art by chance, when he was working on his art-wear collection 2016 he experimented with classic canvas and wood, diving into the world of fine arts. In the same year he got awarded with the opportunity to be one of the few artists in residence at the Doha Fire Station.
In March 2020 Fahad got appointed as the design and art editor with Esquire Magazine.
Which are your three favourite cultural destinations (established or new ones)?
Qatar is the host of my three favourite cultural destinations. The Center of Cultural Initiatives located in the MENA region in Doha, exhibits art and design within the urban landscape, while the National Museum of Qatar and the Qatar National Library tell the story of the Qatari nation. Another favourite destination of mine is located in the desert; Richard Serra’s sculpture installation, which represents East-west / West-east art.
Tell us about a cultural project with great potential for social impact.
If I had to choose one cultural project with a tangible social impact, I would select M7, a great example of how the creative industry has the potential to generate income and create jobs while promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development.
What has been your most memorable recent cultural experience?
Traveling to Peru, one of the most spiritually powerful places on the planet; Machu Picchu is one of the key energising places to visit in Peru, which is one of the world’s most varied countries. It is a multicultural nation, filled with traditions, a unique gastronomy and vast natural reserves. It is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 84 of the planet’s 117 life zones.
From my last visit I went to Aramu Muru, a massive red rock wall, sitting above the cratered moon-like landscape, and Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Andean God Viracocha. I couldn’t leave without going to Amantani, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu where you can take a luxurious train from Ollantytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo to see the solar alignments at 5am in the morning- a truly overwhelming experience.
Describe the perfect cultural day of the city you live in.
I would say the Food Festival day, where we see various cultures and traditions been presented in a small city like Doha, promoting cultural diversity and acceptance.