Journal

Notes from the studio & the classroom.

Long-form articles on art teaching, curriculum design, commissions, murals and running online art classes between Dubai, Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh.

Acrylic still life used in a Dubai primary art class taught by Laiba Khursheed

Parents · 9 min read

How to Choose the Best Art Teacher in Dubai for Your Child (2026 Parent Guide)

A practical, honest guide for Dubai parents on hiring the right primary or secondary art teacher — qualifications, portfolio red flags, class sizes, curriculum fit and questions to ask before you commit.

14 January 2026

Primary art curriculum sample from a UAE Islamic school taught by Laiba Khursheed

Curriculum · 10 min

Building a Primary Art Curriculum That Actually Works in UAE Schools

How to design a primary art curriculum for UAE schools that meets KHDA expectations, respects Islamic values, integrates cross-curricular learning, and still lets children be children.

Beginner acrylic painting setup for Dubai students by Laiba Khursheed

Beginners · 8 min

A Beginner's Guide to Acrylic Painting in the UAE Climate

Everything a beginner in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman or Abu Dhabi needs to start acrylic painting — brushes, surfaces, mediums, and how to fight the fast-drying UAE heat.

UAE art teacher classroom by Laiba Khursheed

Teachers · 8 min

Art Teacher Jobs in the UAE — What Schools Actually Look For in 2026

An insider's guide for aspiring art teachers applying to schools in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman — qualifications, portfolios, interviews and salary bands.

School mural in progress by Laiba Khursheed

Murals · 9 min

How I Plan a School Mural Project From Blank Wall to Ribbon Cutting

A step-by-step guide for schools in the UAE and India who want a proper student-involved mural — timeline, materials, budgeting, safeguarding and photography.

Oil portrait commission by Laiba Khursheed

Commissions · 8 min

Commissioning a Portrait Painting — A Complete Guide for UAE and India Clients

How to commission a portrait painting from a working artist — reference photos, medium choice, sittings, pricing, framing, delivery and what makes a portrait actually look like the person.

Online art class for Prayagraj students taught by Laiba Khursheed from Dubai

Online · 9 min

Online Art Classes for Students in Prayagraj, Allahabad and Uttar Pradesh — How They Actually Work

A practical guide for parents in Prayagraj, Allahabad and across Uttar Pradesh on running effective online art classes with a Dubai-based teacher — setup, materials, schedule and what results to expect.

Primary students in an art and life-skills lesson by Laiba Khursheed

Education · 10 min

Why Art Education Is the Most Underrated Life-Skills Subject in Schools

Fifteen years of research and my own classroom experience on how a serious art programme builds patience, resilience, attention, empathy and decision-making — the actual life skills schools claim to teach.