Meet Aryan, the young Dubai artist turning everyday memories into colourful paintings

Last updated: November 06, 2026 | 14:16

Dubai artist turns UAE childhood snacks into a nostalgic painting that has gone viral

What do Oman Chips, Laban and a packet of Pofak Oman have in common? For most people who grew up in the UAE, they're more than just snacks. They're a little taste of childhood. For 21-year-old Aryan, they're also the stars of his latest viral painting.

A civil engineering student by day, Aryan has been painting since he was 14, finding an outlet for his creativity somewhere between mechanics, structures and solids. His work is often filled with vibrant shades of scarlet, navy blue and yellow, bringing together moments that hold personal meaning and a touch of nostalgia.

But it was his painting, Holding On To My Childhood , that struck a chord with people across generations.

The artwork features a little boy holding a collection of familiar childhood snacks, reimagined as helium balloons.…