A UAE-based student has launched “Yoodle Doodle,” inspired by her personal experience with art therapy.
Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle and culture of innovation are inspiring many young people to transform personal passions into meaningful initiatives. Among them is 17-year-old Yasmine Farra, a Lebanese student living in Dubai, who has launched an art therapy initiative aimed at promoting relaxation and stress relief through creativity.
Farra said her interest in psychology, mental health, and art led her to discover the calming benefits of creative expression during stressful periods in her life.
“Art became a personal form of therapy for me during stressful periods in my life. I realised that drawing and colouring helped me slow down, process emotions, and feel calmer,” Farra told Gulf News.
Her experience later inspired her to create “Yoodle Doodle,” part of a growing wave of youth-led initiatives supported by the Forward Thinking Mentoring Programme under Arcadia Education.
Turning art into a wellness initiative
Yoodle Doodle revolves around large A0-sized doodle rolls featuring hand-drawn illustrations and themed patterns aimed at promoting relaxation through colouring and creative expression.
“The process is very open and personal. Each doodle roll features hand-drawn illustrations and patterns, but there is no ‘right’ way to complete it. People can colour, paint, or decorate it however they choose, allowing them to relax and step away from stressful situations,” Farra explained.
The concept was shaped by both her personal experiences and research into mental wellbeing.
“Many studies have shown that artistic expression, including colouring, can help reduce stress and anxiety. I wanted to take those benefits and make them accessible to others in a simple and creative way,” she added.
Inspired by life in Dubai
Living in the UAE has also played a significant role in shaping the idea.
“Living in the UAE has exposed me to a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, especially as a student balancing academics, athletics, social life, and future goals,” Farra said.
She added that art has become an important part of her personal routine for managing stress, particularly during exams, schoolwork, sports commitments, and other personal pursuits.
“I would dim the lights in my room, play music, and spend time colouring or doodling. It helped me feel grounded and significantly improved my mood. Through that experience, I realised how powerful art therapy can be for mental wellbeing,” she said.
Seeing similar pressures among other students motivated her to create something that could benefit the wider community.
“Giving back to my community is very important to me, so I wanted to make this form of art therapy more accessible and offer people a creative way to unwind, relax, and express themselves,” Farra added.
Balancing school and entrepreneurship
Alongside running the initiative, Farra continues to balance academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities as a student in Dubai.
“I think balancing being both a student and an entrepreneur really comes down to time management and organisation,” Farra said.
She added that using calendars and planners has helped her stay on top of her schedule.
“Sometimes there are busy periods where school comes first, and other times I dedicate more energy to Yoodle Doodle. But because I’m passionate about both, I’ve learned how to create a healthy balance between them.”
Advice to other students
Farra hopes her journey inspires other young people to pursue their own ideas and projects.
“Success takes dedication, patience, and consistency. That’s why passion is so important—you need to genuinely believe in what you’re creating, because that motivation helps you keep going even during stressful or busy periods,” Farra advised.
She also encouraged students not to wait for the “perfect” moment to begin.
“Some of the best learning experiences come from simply starting, making mistakes, and improving over time.”
