Alia AlRasheed, an Emirati from Dubai, achieved a historic milestone in 2024 by becoming the first Emirati certified as an Ikebana instructor by Japan’s Ohara School of Ikebana. Her journey began in 2017 with the UAE chapter of the Ohara School, leading to her certification seven years later. Alia’s dedication to the Japanese art of flower arrangement has enriched cultural ties between the UAE and Japan. In October 2024, she conducted an Ikebana workshop at the residence of Japan’s Consulate General in Dubai, Mr. Imanishi Jun, further promoting cross-cultural appreciation.
To try something new is to embrace the unknown, and you never know where it might lead. I was initially drawn to Ikebana as a way to cope with work pressures and challenges; I wanted something different, something grounding. At first, Ikebana didn’t seem especially exciting, but the idea of working with natural elements and flowers intrigued me enough to get started. I joined the Ohara School of Ikebana, UAE chapter, as a student in 2017.
Over time, my passion blossomed, especially when I began exploring ‘Hika’ arrangements — tall vase arrangements created without any support, using only materials like flower stems or branches. This unique approach inspired me to delve deeper into the art. I find it similar to facing life’s challenges without a solid foundation, encouraging resilience and adaptability. Ikebana has since opened up a fascinating world of flora for me. I became captivated by the school’s emphasis on seasonality and themes, which sparked a deeper curiosity about Japanese culture and its values.
In 2024, I became a qualified Ikebana instructor. This journey has taught me to appreciate the power of simplicity, form, line, and space — all elements that combine to create arrangements with stillness, balance, and an understated beauty that draws people in. Each composition holds a quiet strength and sense of calm, deeply impacting my outlook on life.
Learning and understanding other cultures has always been part of the UAE’s outlook. Being Emirati has shaped my worldview with a deep-rooted respect for hospitality, resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of balancing tradition with modernity. I’ve learned the value of embracing diversity and different perspectives while staying true to one’s roots.
When I first started practising Ikebana, it was simply to explore something new. But as time went by, I discovered the art of Japanese flower arrangement in a deeper way and began to appreciate how each creation reflects nature’s simplicity, beauty, and harmony. This journey taught me the power of simplicity, form, line, and space — all elements that combine to create arrangements with a quiet strength, stillness, and balance, which resonate with Emirati values of humility and respect for nature.
Today, Ikebana is much more than an art form; it’s a personal philosophy that connects my Emirati origins with Japanese principles of mindfulness and appreciation for beauty from different perspectives. This fusion of cultures has not only enriched my outlook but also shaped my approach to work and be creativity; encouraging me to find harmony in every endeavor.
As a female leader in my field, I view Ikebana as a practice that embodies the Japanese concept of dō, meaning ‘path’ or ‘way of living.’ Ikebana is a lifelong journey that goes beyond certification or achievements; it opens the door to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, values, and the natural world.
One of the beautiful aspects of the Ohara School’s teaching is its focus on seasonal materials that reflect the four seasons. These materials — whether flowers, branches, stems, or leaves—are combined to create sophisticated arrangements that emphasise ’empty’ space and asymmetry, inviting a sense of calm and depth.
To pay it forward, I encourage women in Ikebana and floral design, sharing not only techniques but also the underlying values of creativity, harmony, and reverence for nature. Soon, I hope to organize workshops to inspire others to explore these principles, guiding them to create art that reflects harmony, and authenticity, and build their own unique path.
Reflecting on my career, I wish I’d known the importance of adaptability and patience earlier. Working in a field that combines strategic analysis with customer insights has shown me that success often requires flexibility, as things rarely go exactly as planned. I also learned that collaboration is invaluable; seeking diverse perspectives and sharing knowledge with others has greatly enriched my work.
The same applies to Ikebana. The art taught me to approach each arrangement with patience and openness to transformation. Ikebana reveals that beauty often lies in subtle details and careful adjustments — an approach that has been invaluable in my career, helping me find creativity in problem-solving, patience in navigating challenges, and resilience and adaptability, especially when faced with uncertainty, as in Hika arrangements without a solid foundation.
I would love to deepen my understanding of Ikebana by exploring landscaping and advanced forms offered in the higher levels of the Ohara School program. This will allow me to delve into the philosophical aspects of Ikebana and create arrangements that truly tell a story.
Additionally, I’m eager to experiment with seasonal materials and themes, pushing my creative boundaries while staying grounded in the principles of simplicity. This journey will not only enhance my skills as an Ikebana practitioner but also deepen my appreciation for the intricate relationship between nature and art.
As a proud Emirati, I wish to represent my culture to the wider world by sharing the values that define our identity—hospitality, resilience, and a deep respect for heritage. My goal is to showcase how we, as Emiratis, balance tradition with openness to global influences, embracing diversity while honouring our roots.
Through my practice in Ikebana, I’ve discovered a natural harmony between Emirati values and Japanese principles, such as simplicity and reverence for nature. By sharing this art form — for example, creating Ikebana arrangements to celebrate Ramadan and Eid, by building a bridge between Emirati and Japanese values, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation across cultures. This connection allows me to thoughtfully represent my heritage while celebrating the beauty of cross-cultural harmony.
