An Omani make-up artist's journey from Oman to international runways
Breaking into the world of professional makeup artistry is rarely a straightforward path. Globally, aspiring makeup artists often face numerous obstacles—a saturated market, the need for a foundational skill set, establishing a unique signature style, and navigating the unpredictable landscape of fashion and beauty. In Oman, where the beauty industry is still evolving, these hurdles are even more pronounced. Khadija's story resonates with many who have had to overcome societal expectations, limited resources, and the struggle for recognition.
'Starting out was tough,' Khadija recalls. 'There weren't many recognised makeup artists in Oman, and breaking into the international scene seemed impossible at first. It took years of dedication, continuous learning, and resilience.' Her journey underscores a universal truth: success in this field demands more than talent—it requires relentless perseverance and a willingness to continually adapt.
Establishing a Foundation: Formal Training and Continuous Development
One of the common requirements for success, both locally and globally, is formal education complemented by ongoing professional development. According to industry standards outlined by recognised organisations like the International Make-Up Association (IMA) and professional development platforms such as MasterClass and Coursera, a successful makeup artist must master a comprehensive skill set that includes colour theory, anatomy, skin care, and specialised techniques for different face shapes and skin types.
Khadija's commitment to excellence saw her seeking professional training across Lebanon, Bahrain, and other countries, learning advanced techniques that most aspiring artists only dream of mastering. Such international exposure not only honed her technical skills but also broadened her stylistic horizons, enabling her to adapt to various cultural aesthetics and client needs.
In the high-stakes environment of Fashion Week, a makeup artist's skill set is scrutinised more intensely than ever. During these global events, artists must deliver flawless looks at lightning speed, often under extreme pressure and with models and clients from diverse backgrounds. The requirements are exacting: impeccable skin finishing, innovative styles that complement runway concepts, and the ability to evolve swiftly as trends change.
Fashion Week is a career-defining platform—an opportunity to showcase technical mastery and creativity to industry leaders, designers, and potential clients worldwide. For Khadija, her successful participation in London Fashion Week four times and her recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week not only validated her skills but also positioned her as an international talent.
From Local Salons to Global Recognition
Khadija's endeavours reflect this commitment. Starting from humble beginnings in her family's home, she transformed her hobby into a full-fledged career through persistent learning and refining her craft. Her decision to pursue specialised training internationally allowed her to develop a signature style defined by elegance, meticulousness, and versatility—attributes highly prized in the fashion industry.
Today, her brand, Dar Al Khaleej, boasts multiple salons and a thriving bridal boutique, Dar Al Khaleej Royal. Her work has earned her awards for Best Beauty Salon in North Al Batinah and Best Makeup Artist in Oman. Despite her accomplishments, Khadija remains grounded, continually seeking new opportunities to expand her expertise and influence.
her excellence as the Best Makeup Artist in Oman and for her salon's outstanding services, exemplify how industry acknowledgement can propel careers further. Such accolades reinforce her reputation both locally and regionally, creating opportunities for collaborations with renowned designers and international ventures.
For Khadija, her repeated appearances at London Fashion Week and her recent debut at Paris Fashion Week exemplify her rising global stature. She exemplifies the emerging new breed of African and Middle Eastern makeup artists making their mark worldwide. Her journey from humble beginnings to participating in the world's most prestigious fashion events highlights the importance of skill, resilience, and industry recognition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Career guidance platform equips Omani students with new skills
Muscat – The National Employment Programme (NEP) has launched the second phase of services under its national career guidance platform – Khuta – to support students and jobseekers in making informed academic and professional decisions aligned with the country's evolving labour market needs. Khuta is the first national e-platform dedicated to career counselling. The new set of tools introduced in the latest phase includes AI-powered guidance services, personalised planning support and inclusive features for students with disabilities. Among the tools is 'Curriculum Plan', which enables school students – particularly those in Grade 10 – to map their academic paths based on their interests, abilities and higher education entry requirements. Another feature – Entrepreneurial Traits Scale – helps assess students' readiness for entrepreneurship using a model adapted to Oman's context. The platform now also offers 'AI Assistant', which analyses user data and suggests career and academic paths that match their skills and aspirations. A new tool tailored for visually impaired users – Career Interest Scale for the Visually Impaired – is the first of its kind in the sultanate. By the end of June, the platform had attracted more than 26,300 users. It now offers information on 861 academic programmes, 263 professional certificates and over 100 training courses in collaboration with online course provider Coursera. Over 2,460 individuals have already benefited from these online learning offerings. Dr Badr bin Hamoud al Kharousi, advisor and head of capacity building at NEP, said career guidance plays a critical role in aligning education with employment needs. 'Khuta is a key element in our national effort to equip youth with the knowledge and tools to plan their future careers,' he said. 'It was developed as a public-private partnership, in coordination with ministries and higher education institutions.' Dr Badr bin Hamoud al Kharousi According to Kharousi, the platform reflects Oman's strategy to build a knowledge-based economy by improving vocational guidance and preparing youth for a shifting economic landscape. It also supports Oman Vision 2040 goals to strengthen national human capital and enhance employability. World Economic Forum's January Skills Report recognised Khuta for its role in advancing youth readiness for the labour market. The platform's growing relevance is seen in its expansion of services, including the 'My Study' and 'My Profession' modules, offering users data on academic programmes, career options and job roles. Khuta also offers training in future skills through Coursera, mapped to the Omani National Framework for Future Skills. Users can access learning in technical, entrepreneurial and applied skills, along with professional resources and guidance support. An interactive counselling feature allows users to schedule one-on-one consultations with career advisors on topics such as academic subject selection and assessment interpretation. NEP plans to continue expanding the platform by integrating additional analytical tools and widening partnerships with training and academic institutions to further improve workforce readiness.
Observer
19-07-2025
- Observer
An Omani make-up artist's journey from Oman to international runways
In the shimmering limelight of international fashion weeks, Khadija Ibrahim Al-Naimi's name has become synonymous with elegance, precision, and perseverance. Her journey from a small-town girl in North Al Batinah to a celebrated makeup artist featured at London and Paris Fashion Weeks exemplifies the extraordinary ability of passion, resilience, and talent to transcend borders and stereotypes. Breaking into the world of professional makeup artistry is rarely a straightforward path. Globally, aspiring makeup artists often face numerous obstacles—a saturated market, the need for a foundational skill set, establishing a unique signature style, and navigating the unpredictable landscape of fashion and beauty. In Oman, where the beauty industry is still evolving, these hurdles are even more pronounced. Khadija's story resonates with many who have had to overcome societal expectations, limited resources, and the struggle for recognition. 'Starting out was tough,' Khadija recalls. 'There weren't many recognised makeup artists in Oman, and breaking into the international scene seemed impossible at first. It took years of dedication, continuous learning, and resilience.' Her journey underscores a universal truth: success in this field demands more than talent—it requires relentless perseverance and a willingness to continually adapt. Establishing a Foundation: Formal Training and Continuous Development One of the common requirements for success, both locally and globally, is formal education complemented by ongoing professional development. According to industry standards outlined by recognised organisations like the International Make-Up Association (IMA) and professional development platforms such as MasterClass and Coursera, a successful makeup artist must master a comprehensive skill set that includes colour theory, anatomy, skin care, and specialised techniques for different face shapes and skin types. Khadija's commitment to excellence saw her seeking professional training across Lebanon, Bahrain, and other countries, learning advanced techniques that most aspiring artists only dream of mastering. Such international exposure not only honed her technical skills but also broadened her stylistic horizons, enabling her to adapt to various cultural aesthetics and client needs. In the high-stakes environment of Fashion Week, a makeup artist's skill set is scrutinised more intensely than ever. During these global events, artists must deliver flawless looks at lightning speed, often under extreme pressure and with models and clients from diverse backgrounds. The requirements are exacting: impeccable skin finishing, innovative styles that complement runway concepts, and the ability to evolve swiftly as trends change. Fashion Week is a career-defining platform—an opportunity to showcase technical mastery and creativity to industry leaders, designers, and potential clients worldwide. For Khadija, her successful participation in London Fashion Week four times and her recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week not only validated her skills but also positioned her as an international talent. From Local Salons to Global Recognition Khadija's endeavours reflect this commitment. Starting from humble beginnings in her family's home, she transformed her hobby into a full-fledged career through persistent learning and refining her craft. Her decision to pursue specialised training internationally allowed her to develop a signature style defined by elegance, meticulousness, and versatility—attributes highly prized in the fashion industry. Today, her brand, Dar Al Khaleej, boasts multiple salons and a thriving bridal boutique, Dar Al Khaleej Royal. Her work has earned her awards for Best Beauty Salon in North Al Batinah and Best Makeup Artist in Oman. Despite her accomplishments, Khadija remains grounded, continually seeking new opportunities to expand her expertise and influence. her excellence as the Best Makeup Artist in Oman and for her salon's outstanding services, exemplify how industry acknowledgement can propel careers further. Such accolades reinforce her reputation both locally and regionally, creating opportunities for collaborations with renowned designers and international ventures. For Khadija, her repeated appearances at London Fashion Week and her recent debut at Paris Fashion Week exemplify her rising global stature. She exemplifies the emerging new breed of African and Middle Eastern makeup artists making their mark worldwide. Her journey from humble beginnings to participating in the world's most prestigious fashion events highlights the importance of skill, resilience, and industry recognition.
Muscat Daily
07-04-2025
- Muscat Daily
MELA Masterclass in Muscat to groom professionals for leadership
The 15th Mela (Middle East leadership Association) Leadership Masterclass begins in Muscat this weekend with attendance by 35 exceptional leaders from across MENA region who will draw inspiration and instruction for explicit business leadership in the current digital era. In today's fast-paced world, the issue, however, is broader than just digital competence, says, incoming Mela chairperson, Dr Sora al Rawas. 'If an organisation fails to empower and invest in its young professionals, they will leave with their ideas and end up disrupting industries,' she cautions in an exclusive interview The Middle East Leadership Association (Mela), the region's leading leadership development network, is celebrating 15 years of empowering business leaders with milestone events in Muscat throughout April 2025. Under the patronage of H H Sayyida Dr Mona al Said, this landmark occasion will bring together over 100 executives, entrepreneurs, and global experts from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the US Mela Oman, the network's largest chapter with nearly 100 top executives, will play a significant role in the celebrations. The 15th Mela Leadership Masterclass will welcome 35 exceptional leaders from across MENA (Middle East and North Africa) for a transformational 10-day leadership immersion. The Masterclass starts on April 10 with a welcome dinner while the opening ceremony will be held on April 11. Mela is part of an elite network spanning 47 countries. With over 2,000 members worldwide, this network provides unparalleled access to expertise, resources, and leadership opportunities. Dr Sora al Rowas, Mela's incoming chairperson, notes, 'Mela's strong ties with Oman have enriched our network, with the Omani chapter being the largest. We are committed to creating value for our participants, our host country, and our sponsors as we continue strengthening regional and global business connections.' In a candid interview with Muscat Daily , Dr Sora shares some insights into the role of the Mela Masterclass in moulding professionals to take on leadership roles but stresses that budding leaders must be ambitious yet humble. 'If an organisation fails to empower and invest in its young professionals, they will leave with their ideas and end up disrupting industries,' she cautions. Excerpts: What is the theme of the Mela 15 Masterclass and how different will it be from preceding masterclasses, in terms of format and content? The purpose of the Masterclass has always been unlocking the personal and professional leadership potential of our participants. Mela is constantly updating and evolving the content and delivery of the Masterclass in furtherance of that goal while addressing the emerging trends and topics in our other programmes throughout the year. What are the key topics for the Masterclass and have they been tailored to suit the Omani context of leadership? The key pillars of the programme – and of effective leadership – are understanding self, understanding others, understanding systems, understanding power and authority, and understanding leadership skills. We have found that these pillars apply across cultures and countries – and have been impacted executives from across Oman's industries for the past 15 years since Mela's establishment. One of the greatest strengths of the Mela Network is bringing together a diversity of leaders from across the Middle East representing various sectors of business, non-profits, government, and civil society, while balancing the representation of male and female representatives. As a result, one of the most powerful elements of our programme comes from peer-to-peer learning that takes place in small, facilitated learning group sessions throughout the 10-day programme. That said, we have extensive representation from our host country, Oman, among our faculty, facilitators, and participants which gives weight to an Omani perspective for the programme. What are the most essential leadership qualitites in business in the current age and how much weightage should be given to experience against other capabilities? Early in the Masterclass, we ask participants to think of someone they admire as a leader and to capture what makes that person stand out as an exceptional leader for them. While intelligence, experience, and expertise all matter, it is the character and interpersonal skills that overwhelmingly distinguish the leaders they admire. No matter what role you play or business you think you are in, ultimately you are in the 'people business'. One can gain experience and hire expertise, but without the interpersonal skills to put those to their best use, they won't be an effective leader. Very often leadership is passed on with privilege to seniority in an organisation, thereby more capable younger candidates lose out – comment? Identifying, developing, and promoting talent is critical. If not, capable young talent will move on to other opportunities or start their own companies and disrupt the organisations that overlooked them. Who loses then? In the current digital age, young professionals with good computer skills and forward looking vision are often sidelined while senior professionals, who lack modern skills, still hold on to top positions, should this mindset change? While the full impact of AI is yet to emerge, it has clearly become a competitive edge in terms of productivity both, on the personal and organisational, levels. Digital competency is essential in today's world. Those who embrace it will flourish and those who don't will fall behind. We have seen the demise of too many major, high-profile companies over the past decades that were too slow or failed altogether to embrace digital technology. So, either the mindset will change, or the people and organisations they lead will become irrelevant. That said, the issue is broader than just digital competence. In today's fast paced, rapidly changing world, adaptability is critical. If an organisation fails to empower and invest in its young professionals, they will leave with their ideas and end up disrupting industries, including those of their former employers. Often, young graduates from prestigious international universities feel they deserve top management positions, without gaining any experience whatsoever – what is your advice to them? Competing academically in an elite university classroom is not the same as competing professionally in the business world. As an aside, there are a number of major companies that have made strategic decisions to no longer hire from elite institutions. They find that graduates from recognised colleges and universities outside the elite schools are often equally as smart and competent without the ego. They are eager to learn, able to adapt and fit into the company culture, and quickly contribute to the company's success. A word of advice: be ambitious, dream big, but stay humble and keep a learner's mindset. Mela Masterclass highlights • Global Networking – Connecting Omani executives with top business innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders. • Leadership in Action – Hands-on learning experiences with real-world applications. • Innovative Ideas, Lasting Impact – Meaningful discussions that inspire growth and long-term professional development.
