Reda Fadl: a legendary hand-less artist

CAIRO – 3 December 2017: In the annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Dec 3, that was proclaimed back in 1992 by the United Nations (UN), Egypt Today presents a symbol of hope in Egypt.

A testament to unconquerable will and strength, Dr. Reda Fadl, Assistant Professor at Al-Azhar University, was born without hands, and has become one of the most prominent professors in Al-Azhar University and Egypt.


Egyptian artist Reda Gadl painting one of his beautiful paintings - Picture courtesy of Reda Fadl

Fadl, born in Kafr El-Sheikh without hands, he was first taught how to hold a pen by his sister, Jehan. Perhaps, had she not persisted on teaching him how to hold a pen, Fadl would not have won first place in his primary school’s painting competition, encouraging him to start his now-successful and truly inspiring, career as an artist.




“In preparatory school, I have begun to participate in painting, as well as reading, for all competitions in my governorate, then when I started to win, I moved on to national-level competitions. After secondary school, Professor Mona Abo El-Nasr directed me to join Art Education faculty to continue my journey,” said Reda to Egypt Today.


Reda Fadl paints in Al Mouez street - Picture courtesy of Reda Fadl

“I began my professional career during university and continued through higher studies. At the beginning, I found some difficulties marketing my works but later managed to overcome these challenges,” added Fadl in his interview with Egypt Today.

The Egyptian artist chose his first fair to be held at Taha Hussein Museum as the symbol of disability challenger, indicating that he has participated in more than 30 local and international fairs.


Egyptian visual artists Dr. Reda Fadl painting - Picture courtesy of Reda Fadl

Fadl has won dozens of national and regional awards, including the UNICEF award of Excellence in 2000, the Arab House Medal from the Arab League in 1999, the gold medal at the 11th Arab Youth Festival in 2008 and Sad Zaghloul Medal in 2009, as well as others.

Fadl was honored by former President Hosni Mubarak, former First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, Saudi Emir Al-Waleed bin Talal, Egyptian Military Forces, as well as several ministers and governorates.


One of the painting of Egyptian visual artists Dr. Reda Fadl - Picture courtesy of Reda Fadl

The Egyptian artist sets the best example not only for disability challengers but also to everyday Egyptians struggling with their lives. Having a disability is not a problem if the individual can see past it, explained Fadl. Society tends to put barriers to disabled individuals but they must see past them, he stressed.


Egyptian visual artists Dr. Reda Fadl sketching - Picture courtesy of Reda Fadl

“My father, who was one of October 6, 1973, victors, has always inspired and supported me. I would like to thank all people who helped me during my journey including Al-Azhar University, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Culture,” stated Fadl.


Egyptian visual artists Dr. Reda Fadl receiving an award for his paintings - Picture courtesy of Reda Fadl

Since 2016, Fadl has been demanding that a year be dedicated to disabled challenges, adding that his only hope and demand is to meet Egypt’s President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi. Luckily, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced 2018 a year for disability challenges.

The year of disability challenges will is expected to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness on persons with disabilities.