Noora Al Awadi, an Emirati comic book writer who left a corporate analytics career for storytelling, is working with Abu Dhabi-based Sandstorm Comics to bring Emirati culture to the page. She recently showcased her work at New York Comic Con, one of the world's largest comic conventions, fulfilling what she describes as a childhood dream.

One of her titles, "Tamtoom," co-written with Mo Abedin, follows a curious cat exploring Emirati culture, starting with the kandura, the traditional men's garment. The comic is designed to introduce children to UAE traditions while building cultural pride among young Emiratis.

Her other title, "Mato," inspired by her own pet parrot, follows a mafia-boss bird navigating friendship and rivalry with another bird named Bulbul, set against an Abu Dhabi backdrop woven with cultural references. At New York Comic Con, "Mato" outsold "Tamtoom."

"I've always wanted to not just share stories. I wanted to share our stories and our values and our culture with the world," Al Awadi said at the convention. "We know Hollywood from the movies, so why not know the UAE from our comics?" She also had advice for young people considering a similar path: "One hundred per cent go for your dream, but be smart about it."

Al Awadi is now working on two new projects: "The Last Pearl Diver," exploring the UAE's origins as legend, and "Marine Diaries," a slice-of-life story about a marine biology student.