Ideas On The Move: Ahmad Joudeh

“I used dance as a voice for my people.” For ballet dancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh, dance has always been about more than performance. Growing up as a stateless refugee in Syria, the self-taught dancer has used it to stay alive. Despite war, displacement and prejudice, Ahmad never gave up on his craft. Dance or Die, a 2018 documentary, shed light on his determination to pursue his art. Joining us in Dubai, UAE for Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026, he shared his mission to inspire all artists to believe in themselves in times of adversity.