Salem Al-Qassimi: Mastering the Art of Graphic Design by Merging Tradition with Innovation

Salem has proved to be not just a graphic designer and entrepreneur but to a large extent the very catalyst that transformed the design environment in the UAE and beyond. Being the founder of one of the pioneering design studios, Fikra, Salem has been redefining the ways in which Arabic and Islamic cultural elements get integrated into modern graphic design.

Before setting up Fikra in 2006, Salem Al-Qassimi had already been part of the design world for a reasonable period of time. He worked in several companies locally here in the UAE and abroad, thus acquiring experience that was worth much in setting up his entrepreneurial enterprise. His diverse background thus prepared him with a wide-ranging understanding of the graphic design discipline and its role in shaping visual communication. The name itself, Fikra, is Arabic for “idea.” The word somehow captures Salem’s vision to bridge cultural heritage with modern design practice. The studio specializes in bilingual graphic design solutions, thereby offering its services in both Arabic and English. Such a dual language approach simply echoes Salem’s commitment to addressing the peculiar needs of a multicultural audience while keeping and celebrating the richness of Arabic culture.

Fikra’s design philosophy lies at the juncture of Arabic and Islamic traditions and how they relate to contemporary life. Salem’s approach is not limited to an aesthetic feature but rather to how cultural narratives can be used to develop a rich experience in modern design practice. Further, the combination of this is reflected in a variety of design mediums inclusive of print, new media, and environmental graphics in the studio’s portfolio.

Under the guidance of Salem Al-Qassimi, Fikra excels in a plethora of design disciplines that each bring together unique blends of tradition and modernity. When it comes to the creation of identities, the studio is renowned for designing visual identities that evoke this timeless cultural symbolism, speaking volumes to any modern design trends. Be it in developing a logo or creating branding material, Salem’s designs are a deep reflection of an understanding of cultural nuances and modern aesthetics. From Arabic script combined with modernist layout in book design to sophisticated and culturally considerate in elevating the reader’s experience, Fikra combines. Projects in environmental graphics show the very changes that design does to spaces-from a corporate office to public installations-and make visually striking and culturally relevant environments. Fikra brings clarity and creativity into the data visualization space, presenting complex information in an accessible manner while maintaining the essence of cultural identity. Interaction and web design were also as impressive, showing that this studio knows how to create engaging digital experiences that are user-cantered and within the pulse of global digital trends. Finally, in motion graphics, Salem does not disappoint with active visual elements in telling stories, grasping audience attention, and focusing on innovative animation and design principles.

Salem Al-Qassimi is an equally committed educator: he imparts his experience and knowledge by teaching design at the College of Architecture, Art, and Design at the American University of Sharjah. That way, through teaching, Salem can inspire and mentor the next generation of designers by sharing insights from his long and extensive career and fostering a new wave of creative talent.

Salem teaches because his work complements design education. He incorporates professional practice into academic teaching, thus enabling a broad-based view of design principles and practices for students.