Curtin University Dubai students stepped out of the classroom to explore Dubai’s creative hub at Alserkal Avenue. This was an opportunity for students to carry a lens beyond the classroom and apply it to the creative industry. Within each student’s academic perspective, there were different themes to pick up: psychology students analysed human behaviour and consumer experience, whilst business students observed commercialisation and the importance of creative industries in an economy. Design students observed visual storytelling and branding, whilst engineering students observed how technical arts work in a real-world brand strategy and production.
“I liked that the session showed that creativity is not just for artists. It can still be part of your life and the way you think, no matter what field you are in,” said Rifa Anwar, a student at Curtin Dubai. “It was interesting to see students from different disciplines like design, business, finance, and IT asking questions and sharing different perspectives. As an engineering student, the visit gave me a different perspective on creativity, inspiration, and the way artists observe and express the world around them. There are also commonalities in how engineers view their surroundings and interpret them.”
Students met UAE-renowned screen-printing artist FatsPatrol and the founder of The Workshop DXB, Ahmad Makary. They toured the screen-printing studios and discussed how technology, including AI, is becoming a part of today’s creative world. More than the techniques, it was their mindset that stood out and served as an example of why the human perspective remains irreplaceable.
During the session, FatsPatrol took students through her extensive portfolio of work, which included branding projects for well-known clients such as Pitfire Pizza, where she designed their takeaway pizza box. Beyond showcasing her work, she shared valuable insights into her process of interacting with clients whilst staying true to her artistic style.
A thought from FatsPatrol that resonated deeply with the students was: “Remember to keep playing. Play is so important to making art, and to being human.” It served as a simple reminder that creativity grows when we allow ourselves to experiment without worrying about perfection. One of the most impactful parts of her session centred around overcoming creative blocks and nurturing that creativity alongside academic or professional careers, reinforcing that a creative mindset can be applied to enrich any profession.
Ahmad Makary, a creative entrepreneur with a background in graphic design and screen printing, encouraged students to stay curious and embrace mistakes. As student Bilal Sheikh explained: “He reminded us that creativity works best when it is supported by good decisions, showing us that passion and practical thinking can go hand in hand.”
Following the workshop, students visited Subko, an award-winning Indian café celebrated for its artisan coffee, handcrafted baking, and thoughtful brand identity. Subko’s café in Dubai marks its first venture into international markets.
During the visit, Subko’s Head of Brand & Strategy offered a behind-the-scenes look at how products are developed, from ethically sourcing ingredients to creating signature offerings such as Subko’s canned coffee. More than just a café tour, it became a lesson in how storytelling, design, and craftsmanship come together to create a memorable customer experience. Every detail, from the interiors and packaging to the product presentation, was intentionally designed to reflect the brand’s heritage and values.
For students studying business, graphic design, and psychology, the experience demonstrated how creativity extends beyond traditional creative industries, influencing branding, product development, and the overall customer journey. It reinforced the idea that innovation can be found in everyday spaces when design and purpose work hand in hand.
At Curtin University Dubai, industry engagement remains a key part of the learning experience, ensuring graduates leave not only with academic knowledge, but with the curiosity, confidence, and real-world perspective to make an impact.
