| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Other Name | Abdullraheem Salim |
| Nickname(s) | Abu Salem, Asheq Muhaira |
| Profession | Painter, Sculptor |
| Physical Stats | |
| Height (approx.) | 5' 9" (175 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt and pepper |
| Career | |
| Awards | • 2008: State Honour Award for Fine Arts for his contribution in the field of fine arts • 1993: The Silver Award at the 6th Bangladesh Biennale (Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh) • 1993: First prize at the first Sharjah Biennial by the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah • 1992: The Jury’s Award at The Cairo International Biennale for his diverse sculptures • 1992: Golden Palm Award at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Art Exhibition in Doha, Qatar |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 19 March 1955 (Saturday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 70 Years |
| Birthplace | Dubai |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Signature |  |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Hometown | Sharjah, UAE |
| College/University | Cairo University, Giza, Egypt |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) |
| Religion | Islam |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
| Social Media | |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
Some Lesser-Known Facts About Abdulraheem Salim
- Abdulraheem Salim lost his father at a young age. After his father’s death, Abdulraheem Salim and his mother relocated to his maternal home in Bahrain.
- According to him, his grandmother and school teachers in Bahrain encouraged his interest in art.
- As a teenager, he was inspired by the Italian sculptor and painter Michelangelo and chose sculpture as his major for graduation studies.
A young Abdulraheem Salim (middle) with his friends
- After graduation, he returned to the United Arab Emirates and started his career as a teacher in public schools in Dubai, which he continued for almost 3 years.
- He was one of the founding members of the Emirates Fine Arts Society (EFAS), a non-profit association for art professionals in the United Arab Emirates, which was formed in 1980. He has also served as the society’s chairman multiple times.
Abdulraheem Salim (left) at the Emirates Fine Arts Society
- In the initial years of his career, he concentrated more on sculpting with gypsum, wood, and metal moulding.
- In 1992, he was inspired by the character Muhaira from an ancient folklore, which his grandmother told him in childhood. As a result, he is referred to as Ashek Muhaira, which translates as the lover of Muhaira.
- He has participated in several biennales, including the Cairo International Biennale (1988, 1992, 1995), the Sharjah Biennale (2001, 2023), and La Biennale Di Venezia or Venice Biennale (2015).
Abdulraheem Salim, after an art performance at the Sharjah Biennale (2023)
- He has also taken part in many exhibitions, such as the Arabian Colours in Sharjah Museum of Art (1996), the UAE in the Eyes of its Artists by the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi (1998), and the UAE Expo in Hanover, Germany (2000).
- Most of his artworks are based on the theme of heritage and women.
Abdulraheem Salim at work
- He has a studio in Sharjah, where he works on his art projects, which include a series of children’s books for the UAE Ministry of Education.
Abdulraheem Salim at his studio
- He has taught many artists, including painter Moosa Al Halyan.
