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DUBAI: The Lebanese singer-songwriter talks creativity, consistency, and compliments.  

I was obsessed with Disney movies and musicals when I was a kid — just falling in love with the magic of music and storytelling. Since then, I’ve never really stopped singing. Music was always around me growing up, my family has a real love and appreciation for all kinds of music, so it felt natural to dive deeper into it.  

For me, creation comes from the deepest parts of the heart, and being able to share it with people who connect with it is so intimate, real, and powerful. Music is literally all of me, and the fact that I can make others feel what I feel through it is an incomparable experience. It’s the connection and the honesty that I receive that makes me love my work more than anything. 

I’m not the most outgoing person, and I really value quality time with my family. I have a lot of different interests that keep me balanced: I love going to the gym, I’m a total foodie, and I’m obsessed with fashion! I also love spending quiet time watching movies or series, it’s one of my favorite ways to recharge. These hobbies bring me peace, and they give me the rest I need to come back to music with more energy and creativity. 

I’ve always found myself relating to characters in movies or TV shows. For example, I loved “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Stranger Things,” and “Anne with an E.” They’re very different stories, but what they share in common is a young girl trying to figure out her life in her own way and in her own time. That really resonates with me, because I feel like I’m constantly discovering my own path, learning as I go, and staying truthful to who I am as a person and as an artist. 

I have so many people I really look up to both as artists and as humans. From incredible Arab legends like Fayrouz, Umm Kulthum, Sherine Abdelwahab and Amr Diab, to amazing Western artists like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Sia. I admire them all so much. What really inspires me is how true they are to their craft. They had struggles and setbacks, yet they managed to create music that touches people and stay authentic. I aspire to follow their footsteps and become like them. 

l give off a very introverted vibe — especially years back when I was only sharing covers and music online. But recently I’ve started showing more of my personality online, and people discovered sides of me they didn’t know about, like my sense of humor, empathy… Music shows a part of me but it’s different when your content reveals the unfiltered side of who you are — the part people can’t see unless they really know you. I do look shy, and I guess I kind of am, but my heart is much more open than it first appears. 

I’m proud of my consistency and dedication; getting up every single day and putting in the same energy and effort as if I’m starting fresh. Whether it’s a little or a lot, I give my all, and knowing that I’m always doing my best gives me peace, both personally and creatively. That daily commitment to myself and my craft is something I’m proud of. 

I can be really critical of myself, even when I’m trying my hardest. Over time, I’ve learned that I need to be easier on myself, to trust that things take time, that plans don’t always go perfectly, and that every detour can actually open a new door in God’s plan. I’ve realized that giving myself a little more love and patience is just as important as working hard, and that lesson has been really powerful for both my personal and creative growth. 

Something I came across on the internet really stuck with me: “If you have God, then you have nothing to worry about.” I’ve always been someone who stresses about almost everything in life. My path hasn’t always been easy or what I planned, and for a long time, I didn’t trust God as much as I should have. Slowly, I’m learning to trust more, to be grateful for what I have, and to take things one step at a time. That advice has really helped me feel patient, faithful, and just trust the process 

I’ll never get tired of being delusional when it comes to dreaming. I’ve heard so many times that I need to “be realistic” about my goals. But I believe that the things we can achieve are endless if we let ourselves dream. Especially when we put in hard work.

I love it when someone tells me that I’m down to earth. I know that I naturally feel close to people and love them with my whole heart, but hearing that makes me feel seen in a special way. Growing up, I often felt a little out of place or like I didn’t fit in, so being recognized as someone genuine really means a lot. It’s one of those compliments that makes me feel appreciated for who I truly am. 

One of the worst things I’ve heard came from a classmate years ago: “Music won’t bring you bread.” That line stuck with me for a long time, but it fueled my determination to prove people wrong. I’ve faced lots of people who didn’t believe in me, but I focused on the voices of those who did. Their support kept me going, and honestly, the doubt and hate only made me more unstoppable. It taught me that believing in yourself is far more powerful than anyone else’s opinions. 

When someone genuinely recognizes a mistake and takes the step to apologize, it’s such a green flag for me. It shows that they’re coming from a good place in their heart. No one is perfect, but being willing to admit when we’re wrong and try to do better really matters to me, and it’s something I deeply value in people.   

The biggest challenge I’ve faced when dealing with men in the industry is not being taken seriously. For example, when I’m in the studio, there’s often this assumption that a man must have written the song, even when I’m the writer. It’s frustrating how quickly women’s capabilities are underestimated, especially creatively. But I truly believe women are powerhouses, and I plan to prove that through my artistry, showing that we can do everything just as well, if not better. 

I don’t waste my energy trying to convince anyone in the moment. Instead, I focus on showing exactly what I’m capable of through my work. The results will speak for themselves. I won’t try to force anyone into seeing what they cannot see now, they eventually will later. 

I think men can learn so many things from women: the art of balancing many things in life, patience, dealing with problems with calm energy, tapping into their feelings more… Men are born to be great leaders, but when a woman is a leader yet she is still empathetic, creative, and loving? Well, that’s a combination they should be a little scared of. 

MAKKAH: A young ������Ƶ artist has found her voice in the geometry of square Kufic calligraphy, transforming Arabic letters into contemporary designs that reflect both discipline and creativity.

Samah Al-Baiti embraced Arabic calligraphy as a way to convey identity and culture, aligning her own journey with Saudi Vision 2030’s broader goal to highlight heritage and creativity.

In an interview with Arab News, she recounted her beginnings and experiences that shaped her artistic career in the world of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic design.

Her first encounter with calligraphy was marked by passion and curiosity.

“Since childhood, I watched my father write Arabic letters with precision and calm,” she said. “It became ingrained in me that letters are not just written words but an art that can be transformed into beautiful paintings.”

She added that her father’s influence led her to view each line as a design imbued with meaning.

Al-Baiti’s mother also encouraged her talent. “My mother always believed in my abilities and asked me to decorate the rooms with my paintings, which gave me the confidence to know I was on the path of value and purpose.”

That confidence, she said, fueled her determination to embark on a long artistic journey.

Studies in Islamic design and ornamentation at King Abdulaziz University further refined her skills.

“This field opened a new window for me, allowing me to understand how calligraphy and decoration complement each other in aesthetic harmony,” she said.

“Through it, I learned the basics of Kufic calligraphy and color techniques, which gave me a solid foundation for developing my distinctive style.”

Al-Baiti was particularly drawn to square Kufic calligraphy. The style, she explained, captivated her with its geometric beauty and balance.

“Square Kufic reflects my personality in terms of precision and discipline, and for me it is a space of boundless creativity,” she added.

Her first participation in the “Symphony with Letters” exhibition in Jeddah was a turning point.

She expressed pride in displaying her work to the public for the first time, noting that the audience’s interaction left the greatest impression on her. This is because many visitors tried to read one of her circular designs that incorporated the wisdom of Imam Al-Shafi’i.

She also highlighted the support and encouragement of media figures and calligraphers.

Those who supported her include calligrapher Mohammed Al-Harazi who trained her in the Diwani style; artist Saud Khan who encouraged her to participate in his exhibition; and media figure Jamil Al-Harthi who introduced her to the world of art exhibitions.

Driven by a desire to innovate, Al-Baiti began experimenting with new materials including thread, nails and coffee capsules. This stemmed from her desire to break from tradition and create works combining art and sustainability.

Balancing daily work commitments with her passion remains a challenge, but she insists on dedicating time to creativity, which she views as her form of self-expression.

Her mission, she explained, is to invite viewers to experience moments of awareness and beauty through her paintings.

“Each participation in an exhibition is a new step that enriches my journey,” she added.

Al-Baiti concluded by noting that Vision 2030 inspires her to use art as a bridge for cultural expression.

“I believe that it is our responsibility as artists to present our heritage to the world in a way that reflects its depth and authenticity, so that it continues to stand as a testament to the beauty of our culture.”