Wael Hamadeh, a 56-year-old Lebanese artist and creative director living in Sharjah since 2013, opens his Dh65,000-a-year apartment in Emirates Tower to The National, describing it as an 'open gallery' filled with his paintings, sculptures, and art pieces. He shares the three-bedroom home with his wife and two children, using one bedroom as a workshop and store for his art, while displaying works throughout the salon and walls.
This article matters because it offers a rare, personal glimpse into how an established artist lives and works in the UAE, highlighting the practical realities of balancing a creative practice with family life in a more affordable emirate like Sharjah versus Dubai. It underscores the importance of accessible studio space, proximity to industrial suppliers, and the challenges of commuting for exhibitions, reflecting broader conversations about artist sustainability and housing in the Gulf art scene.