The Middle East art scene is no longer just emerging; it’s a formidable force of creativity and innovation, with artists pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern creative in the region.
And there’s a wave of male talent making their mark with work that is both daring and reflective of their unique cultural narratives. Here are four Arab male artists you should know about in 2024.
Rapper, songwriter, and actor Moayed Al Nefaie has been a dynamic force in the music industry, consistently writing and releasing tracks until he recently took a break to rebrand himself. He has returned with a striking new sound that masterfully fuses traditional Saudi instruments and poetry with modern trap beats.
Moayad is also known for his roles in the Netflix series Six Windows in the Desert, Mo, and the popular YouTube series Khambalah, produced by Saudi media giant Telfaz 11. Following this, he released Theeb, featuring his partner Abu Hamdan, who created stunning visuals under the creative direction of Badiya Studio. The project was launched through MDLBEAST Records, with whom he has recently signed a deal. He then followed up with the music video for Bash Muhandis, directed by award-winning filmmaker Meshal Al Jaser, further establishing himself as a versatile artist.
For Emirati typologist and photographer Hussain AlMoosawi, every building façade has a personality and backstory, much like a human face. Since 2017, the Melbourne-educated creative has been meticulously capturing the exteriors of structures across the UAE, revealing a tapestry of styles, colours, and geometric patterns that are as diverse as the nation itself. Each building tells a different tale, showcasing the country’s architectural evolution since its founding in 1971. AlMoosawi’s work is a visual delight — think Wes Anderson levels of symmetry and precision — offering a captivating glimpse into the UAE’s eclectic skyline.
At just 32 years old, Moh Flow has solidified his status as one of Dubai’s most exciting musicians. A regular on the Sole DXB lineup, the rapper-turned-singer has dropped three albums, including his latest release, Reckless. With his sights set on the global stage, Flow teamed up with Pusha T for Spotify’s I’m With the Banned campaign and even opened for Stormzy at the Etihad Arena.
Adam Rouhana picked up his family’s camera at 12 and hasn’t put it down since. Over the past 20 years, his photography has captured a side of Palestinian life rarely seen — one that celebrates the quiet resilience of its youth and everyday moments often overshadowed by conflict. Now sharing his work publicly for the first time, Rouhana aims to challenge the dominant narratives that frame Palestine through struggle alone. “I wanted to move beyond the obvious representations and capture the quieter, more intimate moments,” he says. His images offer a fresh lens on a complex region, highlighting the human stories that often go untold.
