MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
When creativity, technology, and rich local culture come together, the possibilities for innovation in design and media are endless. Graduating students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) demonstrated this through a range of projects presented at the institution’s Applied Media Capstone Exhibition 2026.
Students from the Applied Media and Graphic Design programmes spent four months developing work spanning artificial intelligence, wellness, immersive media, and contemporary Emirati design.
Dr Dalia Rehab praised the depth of the students’ work, describing the exhibition as a reflection of creativity rooted in Emirati culture.
“The students developed highly original ideas and paid attention to every detail, from the colour palette to the overall design presentation, while preserving the uniqueness of UAE culture,” Dr Rehab said.
Among the featured projects was “Silk and Sand”, which transformed traditional Emirati door patterns into textile-inspired designs and modern abayas, blending heritage with contemporary fashion aesthetics.
Another standout concept was “Glow and Go,” an innovative beauty product combining 3D design and organic makeup technology through a foam-based application system. The project was presented alongside handmade bags and branding concepts designed by students.
The exhibition also showcased wellness-focused initiatives, including “Lota”, a project created by student Mariam Alotaiba, inspired by the symbolism of the lotus flower and its connection to mental well-being.
“I chose the lotus because it grows in darkness, yet still blooms beautifully, and that reflects the journey of healing and personal growth,” Alotaiba said.
The project combined graphic design with immersive technology through a VR experience that allowed visitors to engage with calming visual and sensory elements linked to mindfulness and emotional wellness.
“As a graphic designer, I also created products connected to the experience, including candles, extension sticks and interactive planting activities,” she added.
Artificial intelligence and storytelling also played a major role in the exhibition through the “Echo of Zayed,” a project developed by Suhaila Almansoori, Alyazia Mubarak and Mariam Aljaberi.
The project reimagined the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, through AI-generated visual storytelling using archival recordings provided in collaboration with the National Archives.
“Our idea was to present Sheikh Zayed’s vision in a different and modern way,” Almansoori said. “We collaborated with the National Archives, which provided us with recordings of Sheikh Zayed’s voice, and we integrated them using AI tools and the Runway platform.”
The team explored six themes inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values and vision, including education, culture, the environment, the role of men and women, and the relationship between the past, present and future.
Some of the students worked closely with engineering and IT teams for projects that reflect industry trends and emerging technologies.
“Graphic design students focused heavily on branding and presentation, while also exploring virtual reality, extended reality, video production and immersive experiences,” said Dr Kevin Trinh from the HCT.
The exhibition, he added, demonstrated how students are being prepared for future creative industries through hands-on experiences across multiple digital platforms and media formats.