Omar Al-Abdallat – a Jordanian cartoonist who turns drawing into a universal language of hope and humanity

Al-Abdallat, who lives in the Jordanian capital, Amman, has devoted years of his life to using art to create conversations about human rights, tolerance, and social change. Through his initiative,Free pen“, leads workshops with young people, especially in communities affected by displacement, to help them express their experiences and hopes through drawing.

From cooperation with the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) To combat hate speech, to win Social Entrepreneur Summit Award UNDP in 2021, Al-Abdallat is dedicated to supporting youth participation in civic life.

UN News spoke with Al-Abdallat about his journey into the world of cartooning, the role of art in crisis contexts, and why he believes that any drawing – no matter how small – can spark a global conversation.

UN News: What first attracted you to caricature? What does it mean to you?

Omar Al-Abdullat: I started drawing when I was a kid, copying characters from animated shows on TV and comic books, but at university I realized it could become something bigger.

I started by drawing my teachers, then I started sharing my caricatures online on the websites of Arab cartoonists. It was great for people to see my work and respond to it and receive feedback. Eventually, it became my career – but it became so much more than that; It has become a way of life.

Cartoons make me think about the people around me, and about my community. Sometimes I say that caricature art is my faith, because I believe that it makes me a better person.

UN News: When did you first realize that your drawings could reach people far beyond your own community?

Omar Al-Abdullat: I studied caricature myself, and what I learned from other artists is the importance of simplicity. So, I try to draw complex issues as if I were drawing them for children.

When I started sharing my work on Facebook, there was this huge shift: people from all over the world were responding and interacting. Then I realized that cartoons are a language that everyone understands.

UN News: Can you share specific work of yours?

Omar Al-Abdullat: For example, one of my most recent works is inspired by classic paintings depicting leaders from Europe and other parts of the world. The scene depicts the wolf, in the guise of a ruler, celebrating his dominance over the pen and the sheep, while one of the sheep appears mesmerized by the wolf’s charisma.

In countries where there is no real transfer of power, the true concept of homeland is distorted. Leadership turns into dominance, and loyalty turns from a collective principle into blind obedience.

UN News: You have worked in many different settings – from public squares to refugee communities and international forums. What spaces do you find working in most rewarding?

Omar Al-Abdullat: I find my work with children and young people particularly meaningful – especially with those who are experiencing challenges. I feel like we’re not just drawing, we’re empowering them through comics, to help them believe in their stories again. It’s very helpful to give them this safe space where they can talk about themselves, draw, and gain some confidence.

I always start by telling them the story of the caricature – where it came from, and what it means. Then I teach them to draw step by step. Once they master the basics, we start talking about deeper things like their rights, the environment, and the way they imagine the future.

My dream is to turn this into a global movement, and get the cartoon to every child who might need it, especially in places like Gaza where childhood can be very difficult.

UN News: Do they sometimes surprise you with their views?

Omar Al-Abdullat: Some children are very talented. Through their caricatures, you can understand their culture, background, and sometimes their problems better. They talk about racism, poverty, and hate speech. In return, I do my best to improve their understanding of these topics.

UN News: Do you see caricature art as a form of therapy?

Omar Al-Abdullat: I believe in comics as a way of life. It is the air we breathe. It’s the way we understand things. When the Charlie Hebdo tragedy happened ten years ago, I remember thinking: We need a human version of that spirit – a platform that unites rather than divides.

That idea became the seed for something I’m still working on today: Cartoon Lab – a network of academies where children and adults can safely express themselves through art.

UN News: As you explained, cartoons can touch on sensitive topics. Have you encountered challenges or resistance to your work at all?

Omar Al-Abdullat: Challenge is my middle name! I used to hide it, but now I say it out loud. Some are due to the Middle Eastern environment, others due to technology. In the Middle East, you may feel afraid for your life and the lives of your children. It’s not easy being a cartoonist here in general.

UN News: How do you keep the flame of hope alive within you?

Omar Al-Abdullat: One of the things I learned from my late father, who was a doctor, is that he never let a patient go before fighting for their life. This is our duty in life, to help the people around us become better.

I want people who see my work to be themselves and give their best to the world, to put aside their differences and believe in our common humanity. When darkness falls, the sun shines again. Every winter is followed by spring. It’s part of nature. You just have to hang in there long enough to see it.