Graffiti has long been a powerful medium of expression, a bridge between culture and rebellion, art and activism. In the Middle East, where history and modernity often collide, graffiti artists are reimagining public spaces, infusing them with identity, emotion, and narrative. From Egypt to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia to the UAE, these artists are shaping a new visual language that speaks to their generation. Each of them brings a unique perspective, influenced by their surroundings, heritage, and personal journeys.
EpS
Storytelling Through Beirut’s Walls
Beirut’s walls serve as a canvas for EpS (Instagram), a graffiti artist known for transforming cityscapes into visual narratives, telling stories of resilience, culture, and identity. His journey into graffiti began in childhood, fuelled by a passion for visual expression. Discovering hip-hop solidified his artistic direction, as graffiti became the perfect visual extension of the culture’s energy and creativity. “The challenge of using spray cans to create large-scale, impactful murals pulled me in,” he says.
Over the years, EpS’s style has evolved significantly. “The better I got technically, the more freely I could express myself without limitations,” he explains. With time and experience, his process has become more instinctive, allowing him to focus on the message behind each piece. Today, he thrives on pushing boundaries, taking on bigger and more complex murals that engage and challenge both himself and his audience.
Though graffiti has become more mainstream, EpS still sees it as an act of defiance. “The act of painting in the street, whether it’s an intricate piece or just a well-placed tag, is about claiming public space for yourself. To me, that’s an act of defiance,” he says. The thrill of disruption and the adrenaline of asserting presence in urban spaces keep him motivated.
In our region, graffiti has undergone a major shift. “It used to be centred around political and religious messages, often conveyed through stencils,” EpS says. However, a new generation of artists has transformed the scene, making graffiti an artistic and cultural movement rather than just a form of protest. “We’re turning cities into open-air galleries, making public spaces dynamic and accessible,” he says.
Middle Eastern graffiti has cultivated a unique identity, distinct from its Western counterpart. “Here, we’ve redefined lettering, using Arabic script with a modern twist and incorporating character portraits that merge tradition with innovation.” His signature character, Cesar the Monkey, has become a familiar sight in Beirut, symbolizing resilience and adaptation. Despite graffiti’s growing acceptance, challenges persist, he says, “Lack of public understanding and economic instability make it hard for the culture to grow. The real challenge now is gaining the recognition and respect needed to preserve this art form’s legacy.”
For EpS, graffiti is more than just art—it’s about storytelling, connection, and leaving a lasting impact. “If my work can generate thought, inspire hope, or spark conversations, then I’ve succeeded.” His dream project? A large-scale mural at the Beirut port—an homage to the past and a vision of hope for the future.
Toxik
Redefining Egyptian Graffiti
Egypt’s urban landscape is home to Toxik (Instagram), a graffiti artist who blends bold colours, intricate styles, and cultural influences into his work. His journey into graffiti began from an unexpected place—video games. Immersed in the virtual world of urban culture, he found inspiration in digital murals, which sparked a real-world passion for street art. Over time, his style has evolved, merging graffiti with elements of Trash Polka and pin striping, continuously adapting to the challenges presented by different surfaces.
For Toxik, graffiti is a powerful form of self-expression. “It allows me to translate thoughts and emotions into visuals, creating a direct and unfiltered dialogue with the world,” he explains. While graffiti was once perceived as an act of rebellion, today, it holds a broader significance, he says. In the Middle East, graffiti initially emerged as a tool of political expression, a means of voicing dissent in public spaces. However, the perception has shifted. “Now, it’s a recognized art form and a personal means of storytelling,” says Toxik. “Since it exists in public spaces, it reaches thousands of people daily, making it an incredibly powerful medium—but with that power comes responsibility.”
Middle Eastern graffiti carries a unique identity, influenced by the region’s artistic heritage. “There’s a growing fusion of graffiti with Arabic calligraphy,” Toxik notes, highlighting a movement that combines contemporary street art with traditional script. His own work reflects this evolution. While his technical foundation is rooted in European graffiti, his colour palette and increasing use of Arabic calligraphy bring a distinctive regional touch.
Despite the growing appreciation for graffiti as an art form, challenges remain. “There’s still a lack of awareness and understanding about graffiti,” he says, noting that misconceptions persist. At the same time, street art has become commercialized, with major brands incorporating graffiti aesthetics into large-scale advertisements. Yet, graffiti remains a fundamental element of hip-hop culture, which is experiencing a major resurgence in the region.
Through his work, Toxik aims to evoke positivity and motivation, often adding a touch of sarcasm to keep his messages engaging. If given the chance to create a large-scale piece anywhere, his dream destination would be Berlin. “I’ve always wanted to see my name next to some of my favourite writers,” he says. With every mural, Toxik continues to explore graffiti’s place in the Middle East, transforming walls into canvases of culture, history, and self-expression.
Exist
Arabic Calligraphy Meets Lebanese Streets
Exist’s (Instagram) work is a powerful blend of street art, hip-hop culture, and Arabic calligraphy, all of which lends Beirut’s walls a unique visual identity. His pieces often carry social and political messages, reflecting the struggles and hopes of the city’s youth. His journey into graffiti began at 13, when hip-hop music first introduced him to the art form. It wasn’t just about the aesthetics—Exist was drawn to the challenge, the ability to paint on a scale much larger than himself. “It felt limitless: to paint as big and as many times as you can afford,” he reflects.
Initially, Exist worked in classic Latin-letter graffiti but gradually shifted toward Arabic. “Growing up, I realized how Western culture and languages were often prioritized. This highlighted collective identity issues, and I felt my practice could create a space to explore these matters.” His fascination with Arabic calligraphy led him to experiment with its forms, blending traditional elements with modern street art. Today, his style is fluid, sharp, and dynamic—an interplay of contradictions: soft and harsh, round and angular. Recently, he has explored abstract compositions, treating letters as landscapes much like a classical painter would approach a canvas.
To Exist, graffiti remains an act of participation. “In our local context, many decisions are imposed upon us. Actively engaging with public space is a reminder that we have the power to shape it.” While graffiti was once seen solely as a symbol of defiance, it has evolved into a vital form of dialogue. Across the Middle East, the growing number of graffiti artists has fostered a greater appreciation for the art form, though perceptions remain deeply personal. “One of the most beautiful things about graffiti is how people interpret it differently, attaching their own meanings to it.”
Exist believes Middle Eastern graffiti has a distinct identity, shaped by language, geography, and collaboration. “We must continue creating to achieve stronger, more accurate representations of ourselves,” he says. His work is a vehicle for self-exploration, a means of documenting his internal state, “Each piece is like a time capsule.”
Despite progress, challenges persist. Limited support for public art and Lebanon’s instability make consistency difficult. The fast-paced digital age also adds pressure—true appreciation is hard to come by in a sea of online images. Nevertheless, Exist sees graffiti as an essential counterbalance to the urban landscape. “Sometimes it blends, sometimes it disrupts, but it always beautifies.”
His dream project? A large-scale mural in Egypt or Tunis. “Egypt’s historic typography is inspiring, and Tunis has artists I’d love to collaborate with.” Wherever he paints next, Exist continues pushing boundaries, shaping a uniquely Middle Eastern graffiti movement.
Dakn
Pushing Boundaries in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian artist Dakn (Instagram) is at the forefront of the region’s evolving street art movement, pushing boundaries with his fusion of graffiti and Arabic calligraphy. His journey into graffiti began with an early love for street art, which deepened as he explored the field and connected with the graffiti community. “My style evolved as I delved deeper into graffiti, understanding its essence and the importance of developing a unique style,” he explains.
For Dakn, graffiti was once an act of rebellion, but today, it has transformed into something more profound. “It is now a choice, a means to convey the ideas I believe in and to create artistic works,” he says. Over the years, the perception of graffiti in the Middle East has also evolved, as more artists integrate their cultural and social identities into their work. “There has been a significant shift due to the rise of Arabic lettering in graffiti and the emergence of new Arab styles, which have empowered artists across various fields,” says Dakn.
He strongly believes that Middle Eastern graffiti holds a unique identity compared to international street art, saying, “Each region has its own distinctive character, and artists respect their local customs. Some use graffiti as a means of social or political expression, while others focus on uplifting their communities.” For Dakn, his primary themes revolve around social issues and perseverance, as well as shedding light on overlooked topics from the streets.
His cultural background plays a significant role in his work, particularly through his use of Arabic graffiti. “I address the Arab street directly, conveying ideas that resonate with my community,” he says. However, the going still isn’t easy—one of the biggest issues being the limited access to artistic opportunities. “The lack of sufficient artistic activities and events makes it difficult for artists to maintain consistency and grow,” says Dakn.
Despite these hurdles, Dakn sees graffiti as a modern and adaptable art form, “It is suitable for every place and time, and we have witnessed its integration across different urban landscapes.” His goal is to evoke optimism and leave a lasting positive impact on his surroundings.
If given the opportunity, Dakn would create a large-scale mural in Riyadh, in a prominent public space. “I believe Riyadh would look even more beautiful with more public artworks,” he says. With his bold approach and dedication to the craft, Dakn continues to shape the region’s graffiti scene, infusing it with identity, purpose, and artistic innovation.
Hntosh
The Evolution of Saudi Street Art
Saudi Arabia’s graffiti scene has been significantly shaped by Hntosh (Instagram), whose work merges traditional influences with contemporary street art. His relationship with graffiti began with a deep appreciation for its ability to convey messages. “This art inspired me because it is a form of expression that communicates powerful messages,” he explains. Over time, his style evolved through practice and collaborations with artists from around the world, allowing him to refine his techniques and expand his artistic vision.
For Hntosh, graffiti was once a defiant act, challenging perceptions within his community. “It is true that graffiti art was once difficult and challenging for my community, but now, after Vision 2030, the situation has changed. People love seeing this art in public places, photographing it, and engaging with its messages.” This shift mirrors a broader transformation in the Middle East, where graffiti was previously viewed as a form of vandalism but is now recognized as a legitimate and influential art form. “We now have world-class artists who have reshaped graffiti from an act of defiance into a creative force,” he says.
He strongly believes that Middle Eastern graffiti has developed a distinct identity on the global stage. “Graffiti here is a fusion of international styles with the Arabic language, cultural symbols, and traditions unique to each region. Every area has its own artistic voice, shaped by its colours, symbols, and customs,” he says. His work primarily focuses on patriotic themes, national events, and depictions of leaders. “We are a people deeply connected to our leaders, and I channel that passion into my work while also exploring freestyle graffiti,” he explains.
While his cultural background does not confine his art, he sees it as a crucial element that enriches his creativity, saying, “We add our culture and identity to the art, making it uniquely ours.” However, graffiti artists still face significant challenges, “The biggest is the scale of our work—it requires immense effort, poses physical risks, and is highly dependent on weather conditions and time constraints.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace art as part of Vision 2030, Hntosh envisions graffiti playing a major role in transforming urban spaces, he explains, “One of Vision 2030’s goals is to enhance the urban landscape and quality of life, with Riyadh becoming a capital of art. With the support of our leaders, we as artists strive to integrate graffiti into the cityscape.”
At its core, graffiti is about turning lifeless walls into storytelling canvases. “Graffiti transforms dead walls into talking walls. As artists, we bring them to life with colours and messages that resonate with viewers,” says Hntosh. If given the chance to create a large-scale mural, Hntosh would go beyond the Middle East, “If I had the opportunity to create a massive piece, I’d do it outside the region to share our culture with the world through Arabic graffiti.”
With his bold vision and commitment to his craft, Hntosh continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s graffiti scene, infusing it with meaning, identity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Enforce One
Muralism and Graffiti in the UAE
Graffiti has long existed on the edge of rebellion, thriving in public spaces and breaking free from conventional artistic boundaries. For Enforce One (Instagram), a Dubai-based artist, this defiance is part of what first drew him in. “The fact that graffiti exists in the public realm, beyond conventional and confined spaces, the rebellious nature of it—all these aspects have always fascinated me. Its history also intrigues me, as it is a significant part of Hip-Hop culture.” Over time, his style has evolved with an open-minded approach. “It was never about committing to just one art form. I am passionate about crossing creative boundaries, drawing inspiration from various artistic fields, and expressing my art without limitations,” he says. However, he makes a distinction: “I don’t consider my work in this region to be graffiti, but rather leaning more toward muralism, though graffiti heavily influences it.”
While graffiti is increasingly accepted worldwide, Enforce One believes its core defiance remains, “Graffiti remains an act of defiance in many ways and always will be, as it often still exists in public spaces without consent. It’s important to differentiate between graffiti and street art/muralism—they are not the same. Graffiti came first, paving the way for street art to gain wider acceptance.” He emphasizes that graffiti is rooted in stylized lettering and tagging, while street art tells broader visual stories.
In the UAE, he sees a shift in perception. “I can’t speak for the entire Middle East, but in the UAE, the perception is shifting in a positive direction, though primarily toward street art and muralism. The future of public art looks promising.” This cultural diversity also influences the region’s artistic identity. “The UAE, being a melting pot of diverse cultures, presents a unique opportunity to create something special by nurturing the growth of this art form in the region,” he says.
His work often explores two key themes: “The love of nature and the human condition.” His upbringing, blending Eastern roots with a New Zealand childhood, has given him a broad artistic lens. “Both have provided a strong foundation in style, but I remain open to new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries,” he explains.
Despite progress, artists still face issues, says Enforce One, “If you paint in public spaces without permission, you risk getting arrested if caught. We do need to have more platforms to place street art in public spaces.” Looking ahead, he envisions a structured approach to public art, saying, “I would like to see a platform where artists can apply for walls in different locations, working closely with the government and building owners.”
When asked about his ultimate artistic goal, Enforce One keeps it simple: “Whether it inspires someone or simply brings a smile, I don’t overthink it. I can only control my own work—the rest is up to the viewers to interpret.”
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