Disney Abu Dhabi: The A.I. Princesses We’ve Imagined Might Be There

Excited that a Disney theme park is opening in Abu Dhabi? We asked Omani A.I. artist and self-proclaimed ‘visual poet’ Mujahid Jamal (aka Sard Visuals) to reimagine some of our favourite MENA tastemakers as princesses

What happens when the ultimate land of make believe crosses paths with A.I.? We put the question to Mujahid Jamal, asking the Oman based image-maker what he (and artificial intelligence, of course), thought that our very own MENA princesses would look like through a Disney lens. The results? As whimsical as you would imagine.

With a new Disney theme park announced for Yas Island Abu Dhabi, in partnership with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, there will be plenty of fans waiting for the park doors to open; whether you’re young or just young at heart, Disney’s fairy dust is still as potent – and as feelgood – as ever.

Razane Jammal as Snow White

“I love Disney for its joyful, iconic soundtracks and how it bonds people together through a collective memory. All it takes is for you to start humming the first few notes of a Disney classic for the person next to you to smile and start singing along. My sister and I used to watch The Lion King on loop and still cry every time Simba loses his father.”

Balqees as Princess Jasmine

“Disney is engraved in our memories and helped pave both the way we think and how we make decisions, based on the characters we grew up with. I was hooked on Pocahontas, Cinderella and, of course, Princess Jasmine who appeals to us as Arabs. People used to say I looked like her with my wide Arabian eyes and long hair.”

Tara Emad as Belle

“My first introduction to Disney was through Aladdin. It felt magic every time I would watch it as a kid and I was completely swept away by every detail in it. I would regularly watch it before bed and to this day it is still my favourite.”

Cynthia Samuel Bakri as Cinderella

“When I first encountered Disney, it felt like I was introduced to enchantment by life itself. It not only fuelled my dreams, but continues to do so today. I deeply appreciate the films from my childhood and the inspiring princesses who embodied kindness, empathy, romance, and strength. I believe these qualities have become integral to my character. Today, I still hold on to the magic of Disney, and I hope my future children will too.”

Mai Omar as Esmerelda

“Disney holds a special place in my heart and always evokes feelings of nostalgia. For me, it’s a vacation and an escape from the stressful life we live, into a world of fantasy and magic. Cinderella is one of my all-time favourites – I love the message of the movie which is if you never lose hope and faith, one day you’ll be rewarded for enduring. Who knows, you can even become a queen…”

Huda El Mufti as Ariel

“My favourite Disney movie? The Little Mermaid – both old and new versions. I love Disney because I grew up with it, and it has a knack of creating characters that you dream of becoming. When we were little, a fast food restaurant offered a Disney princess video with every family meal – my father use to buy one every Friday so we could all gather infront of the TV and watch it together.”

A.I. Artwork by Mujahid Jamal

Additional Direction by Nour Bou Ezz

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia October Issue 2023