2023 → 2024 → A year of creative milestones + strategic undertakings

1 — KANDALAFT brand and visual identity
2 — WATER 1. Debut in cinema
3 — BLASK. Bringing talent to light
4 — Conferences, training, and master classes
5 — Reconnecting with Dubai, and the Gulf
6 — Teaching engagements in academia
7 — 2024

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1.
KANDALAFT brand and visual identity

The beginning of the year witnessed a significant milestone: The comprehensive revamp of RAPs’ brand and visual identity became KANDALAFT, as well as the launch of its redesigned website. This rebranding exercise constituted a profound exploration of the essence of my practice. The highlight of this one-year process is the creation of a website that transcends its digital nature, and serves as an authentic reflection of my world and work.

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2.
WATER 1. Debut in cinema

Entering cinema, I produced my first official short film, 'WATER 1’. The film was not only a personal achievement but also received an international acclaim, being officially selected at FIFA in Canada and at the Fotogenia Film Festival in Mexico City. The foray into cinema has been a stimulating and enriching experience, during which I had the opportunity to meet and exchange with many other filmmakers from Tokyo, the US, France, etc.

I am also thrilled to announce that my film will be featured on ARTS.FILM, a dynamic and innovative streaming platform. ARTS.FILM offers an exceptional viewing experience, with a catalog of over 500 films. This platform is renowned for its unique editorial collections and special-event programming, frequently showcasing special guests and exclusive collections.

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3.
BLASK – Bringing talent to light

Recognizing the gap in talent acquisition in creative fields, I founded BLASK with my talented partners Alex Essaid and Jobair Jaber. Our company is dedicated to providing talent solutions to the creative and tech industries. BLASK is currently operating in both the GCC* area and North America.

* The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brings together six Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

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4.
Conferences, training, and master classes

In my pursuit of sharing knowledge, I collaborated with leading organizations in the technology and banking sectors in North America to deliver my conference “Design + Creativity / Progress as Instinct.” Among these are Resideo, Honeywell, Desjardins Bank, and Platypus Labs. This series attracted an audience of over 800, exploring the intertwined relationship between design and progress, and its inherently optimistic nature.

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5.
Reconnecting with Dubai and the Gulf

My return to Dubai and Abu Dhabi after a notable absence has been a catalyst for stimulating opportunities. The city's ever-changing environment has enabled me to interact with professionals from a wide range of sectors, such as architecture, technology, design, photography, contemporary art, film, finance, venture capital, real estate, and academia. These interactions are essential to develop my business further in the Gulf region, particularly in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The increasing number of opportunities and the ambitious vision of the region, especially under the guidance of MBS Mohammed bin Salman, provide fertile ground for the expansion of both my design and brand consultancy, as well as my educational pursuits.

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6.
Teaching engagements in academia

The prestigious Penninghen School of Art Direction and Interior Architecture in Paris invited me as a guest lecturer, where I now teach brand strategy. I was also a mentor for bachelor’s students at l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), where my responsibilities included teaching on brand identity and design.

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7.
2024

I will be working on several diverse projects, each with a unique focus.

Among the projects currently underway is the branding of an upscale residence in Courchevel, designed to compete with esteemed establishments such as Cheval Blanc Courchevel and Hôtel Barrière Les Neiges.

New businesses and brands in Kuwait and Dubai, artistic and tech projects in California, branding of an interior architecture studio, a tech school in Toronto, architecture and contemporary art books, etc.

And, a new short film :)

Another important milestone of this early year is my collaboration with Nakheel in Dubai. Nakheel is the largest real estate developer in the world. It has $110bn worth of projects under development. This collaboration highlights the diversity and scope of my professional engagement, which spans various industries and geography.

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As I bring this message to a close, I remain optimistic that our paths will intersect in the future, whether it be for professional purposes, stimulating conversations, or any thrilling project where we can offer each other assistance.

I eagerly anticipate these potential encounters and extend my best wishes to you all for a great year ahead. May it bring about good health for you and your loved ones, and turn your aspirations and ambitions into exceptional accomplishments.