A young Bahraini talent is aiming to make waves in the world of special effects makeup, earning recognition from the Education Ministry for her remarkable skill at just 12.
Zainab Abbas, a sixth-grade student from Karranah Primary School for Girls, has been quietly honing her craft since her early school days.
What began as simple face-painting experiments in first grade soon evolved into something far more striking, intricate, lifelike designs that transform faces into convincing visual illusions.
Special effects makeup, or SFX makeup, is the art of using prosthetics, makeup and other materials to create illusions that appear to be real on camera.
The artist displaying her tools at school
Zainab has had no formal training, however, she developed her abilities through dedication and curiosity, pushing herself to replicate increasingly complex effects.
Behind her growing success is a strong support system.
Zainab credits her parents, her school, and her art teacher, Zainab Saeed, for nurturing her talent. Her teacher, in particular, played a key role by providing professional tools and materials, as well as creating opportunities for the young artist to present her work to classmates, helping build both confidence and visibility.
Zainab with her mentor
For Zainab, this is only the beginning.
She dreams of one day seeing her name in the credits of major theatrical and cinematic productions, representing Bahrain on an international stage and leaving her mark in the world of performance art.
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