Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Diagnosed with autism, 15-year-old Ahmed Al Hashemi found his voice not in speech, but in the sound of the piano - its touch, tempo, and tone.
His journey with music began at seven years old, when he surprised his mother by playing "Happy Birthday" on a piano after hearing it just once.
She instantly recognised his musical gift: perfect pitch, a rare skill that allows him to identify and reproduce any note without reference.
Today, he's an award-winning composer, using music to articulate what words can't.
The Emirati teen doesn't view his condition as something to overcome; instead, he embraces it as a unique lens that shapes the way he hears, feels, and composes original music.
Being autistic, Al Hashemi finds it difficult to verbalise his feelings and experiences, but at the piano, his inner world comes alive.
"The piano allows me to communicate feelings that I might not be able to say out loud," he told Aletihad. "Each note carries meaning, and I use music as my voice."
The young musician wrote one of his earliest and most personal compositions, "A Day Without You", when his brother left for military service.
"Instead of telling my mother how much I missed him, I expressed it through music. That was when I truly understood the power of composition," he said.
Al Hashemi's music has travelled far beyond the Emirates, earning him international accolades like the UNESCO Award and the Mother Teresa Award.
"These awards remind me that my music has an impact beyond just performance," he said. "It's not just about recognition – it's about proving that music can transcend barriers and bring people together."
As both a composer and performer, Al Hashemi finds joy in connecting with a live audience but treasures the intimate silence of solitary creation.
"Composing is deeply personal – it's where I can express myself without any limitations," he shared.
"Sometimes a feeling triggers my creativity, and I sit at the piano to translate that emotion into sound. Other times, I hear a melody in my head and work on developing it into a full composition."
Al Hashemi attributes his success to the unwavering belief of those closest to him, especially his mother.
"She believed in me when others doubted my abilities. Her dedication helped me find the right teachers and opportunities to grow as a musician."
Looking ahead, Al Hashemi has no plans to slow down. His dream? To play piano on stages across the world and collaborate with musicians who inspire him.
"Every performance is a chance to share my story and connect with people through music."
He hopes that his music inspires "perseverance" and "passion" in those who listen to it.
"Music is not just sound – it's emotion, storytelling, and connection. I want my journey to show that challenges can be overcome with dedication and belief."
Al Hashemi feels a strong responsibility to represent the neurodivergent community in the arts.
"I want to show the world that autism is not a limitation – it's a different way of experiencing life," he said. "Through my music, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique abilities."
To young people with autism, Al Hashemi says: "Never stop believing in yourself. Your talents and passions are valuable, and with the right support, you can achieve incredible things."
