The Art of Memory: How an Emirati Forensic Artist Helps Abu Dhabi Police
For Ghanem Mubarak, working as a forensic artist for the Abu Dhabi Police is less about artistic flair and more about the delicate psychology of human memory. Inspired by his uncle’s sketches as a child, Mubarak initially pursued architecture to appease his family’s professional expectations, but a chance encounter with the police—where he was tasked with drawing a high-ranking official from a split-second glance—led him to his true calling. Today, he describes his role as "interviewing memory," as he works to translate the fragmented, often traumatic recollections of witnesses into accurate sketches that serve as vital leads in criminal investigations.
Mubarak views his work as a blend of rigorous technical skill and emotional detachment, often likening the experience to being a real-life Batman. Despite the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in forensic technology, he remains cautious, fearing that algorithms may smooth over the unique facial imperfections that are often the keys to solving a case. Beyond the precinct, he balances the intensity of his police work through diverse passions like breeding Arabian horses and competitive fencing. Ultimately, he believes that nurturing a creative outlet is a universal necessity, encouraging others to pursue art not for accolades, but for the profound mental clarity it provides.