"I am a miniature food artist. I was inspired to make miniature food art years ago, after seeing food art on holidays in Thailand. As I have a degree in fine arts, I thought to myself, "I can do that". Ever since then, miniature food art has become my passion.

I grew up appreciating art. My father and brothers paint and I was always encouraged to be artistic. In Bahrain, I have my own studio where I create my miniatures. My tools and equipment are carefully organised here. My space is peaceful. Crafting food art makes me feel relaxed and happy. Sometimes I could be out and about and all I can think about is coming home and working in my studio.

I've realised that I love food art because I love cooking. I am Egyptian and I have a Pakistani husband. When I was first married, around twenty years ago, I challenged myself to learn to cook authentic Pakistani cuisine. Pakistanis can be serious about their food and I never wanted my husband to regret marrying an Egyptian! I took it upon myself to emulate the flavours of traditional dishes like Nehari and Haleem. I now think that I cook most traditional foods better than many Pakistani wives would! My friends often ask about my recipes and from time to time I offer cooking classes.

For my miniatures, I make my own dough and combine other types of clay into my work. I also incorporate recycled items like chewing gum cases, empty bottles of eye drops and used tea candle containers in my creations. I can make customized orders and someone recently asked me to craft a miniature traditional South Indian dosa thali. It was a pleasure to make it and the final piece genuinely looked like an authentic thali. The challenge for me is to make the miniatures look as realistic as possible. I love it when friends or my children tell me that what I've made looks real and authentic. I've made everything from a French Patisserie to a traditional Egyptian kitchen. Out of all my creations, my favourite is a shawarma stand which I crafted complete with a vertical spit, vegetables and dips.

I have lived in Bahrain for the last 14 years. Being here has given me the space and time to be creative. My food art has gained a following and I believe that I am the first Arab food artist. There is no one else in this region crafting miniatures like mine. I love doing something creative and unique."