By Elliat Albrecht

Bouthayna Al Muftah's multidisciplinary practice is rooted in a deep connection to her Qatari heritage. Drawing on collective memories, oral history, and folklore, the Doha-based artist translates Qatari stories into a stylized visual archive of her homeland's past. As part of 'In Transit', a new series produced in partnership with Qatar Airways, we speak to Al Muftah about how travel, place, and the moments in between shape her creative practice.

How does travel influence the way you create your work? Has moving between places and cultures changed the way you think about your own visual language?

Travel has always been one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Stepping away from my usual routine and immersing myself in different environments, landscapes, and cultures creates space for new ideas to emerge.

One thing I value most about traveling is that it naturally limits my screen time. In a world where we are so used to being connected every moment of the day, a flight creates a rare space where I can simply be present. With fewer distractions, my mind naturally slows down, and I find myself observing, reflecting, and thinking more deeply. I often find that my best ideas come during these quiet moments, not when I am actively searching for inspiration, but when I finally create enough space for it to appear.

What do you need with you to feel grounded when you travel? Are there things that keep you connected to home?

Travel has a way of constantly pulling you outward, so I think it is important to have something that keeps you grounded inward. For me, that is my faith. No matter where I am or how different my surroundings may be, it reminds me of the values that guide my decisions and the person I want to be. It gives me a sense of perspective and consistency, even when everything around me is changing.

I also almost always travel with a notebook. I am very old-school - I still prefer putting pen to paper. It is where I collect thoughts, sketch ideas, write to-do lists, reflect on what I have experienced, and make sense of the things that inspire me. Looking back through those pages is almost like revisiting the journey itself, but through the lens of what I noticed, learned, and felt in the moment.

Your work often draws on oral histories, folklore, and traditions that risk being forgotten. How does travel influence the way you think about memory and cultural identity, and your relationship to Qatar's heritage?

Travel has a remarkable way of deepening my appreciation for home. Experiencing different cultures, traditions, and ways of life encourages me to reflect on the everyday aspects of my own culture that I might otherwise overlook. Often, it is only by stepping away that I truly recognize the value of what I have.

My work is shaped by diverse experiences, meaningful collaborations, and perspectives gathered from around the world, so I am inspired by how different cultures express creativity and preserve craftsmanship in their own distinctive ways.

What feels distinct about being in transit through Doha, compared to other cities?

There is a distinct sense of community and diversity in the city. Doha is a place where different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences come together, creating a unique rhythm that feels both global and deeply rooted.

What I also find special is the way the city continues to evolve while still holding on to its identity. Within a short distance, you can experience modern architecture, traditional neighborhoods, different languages, cuisines, and stories from people who have made Doha turnaround their home. There is a constant exchange of ideas and perspectives that gives the city its character.

Where do you go in Doha when you want to understand the city more deeply?

I do not think there is a single place in Doha that defines the city for me. It is the conversation between its different landscapes that reveals its character. Within a relatively small country, you can move from the energy of the city to the stillness of the desert in a short drive, and each environment offers a different way of seeing and feeling.

During the pandemic, when the world slowed down, I found myself exploring Qatar more than I ever had before. With fewer distractions and quieter roads, I began to notice details I had overlooked for years. Long drives through the city, the coastline, and the desert became moments of reflection. I realized that inspiration is not always found by going somewhere new, but can emerge from learning to see familiar places with greater attention. That period became one of the most creatively meaningful chapters of my life, and many of the ideas I developed during that time continue to shape my work today.

Those experiences have taught me that a place is not defined only by its skyline or its landmarks. It is defined by memory, by the people who have shaped it, and by the values it carries through generations. Every time I walk through those older neighborhoods, I am reminded that my work is not simply about creating something new. It is about honoring where I come from, preserving what gives this place its identity, and finding meaningful ways to carry those stories into the future. And I believe that understanding where you come from gives you a deeper appreciation for where you are going.