Khaled Al-Qassem: Preserving Yemeni Identity Through Art and Architecture in America

Khaled Jamal Al-Qassem was born on September 9, 1994, in Ibb Governorate — one of Yemen’s most fertile and historically rich agricultural regions. His childhood was steeped in the art and rhythm of a society whose ancient civilization thrived on farming, architecture, and cistern carving in solid rock. From an early age, Khaled absorbed the music of nature — birds singing at dawn, golden sunrises over the lush terraced valleys of Ibb, and the vibrant colors of stained glass windows that adorn Yemeni architecture.

His father had emigrated to the United States in 1990, becoming a successful merchant in New York. Back home, Khaled was a diligent student with a strong passion for visual and abstract arts. This passion led him to study architecture, with a focus on interior design. He graduated in 2016 and, later that year, moved to the U.S. to join his father in New York — a move that marked the beginning of his creative transformation.

 Wings of Ambition

Khaled left his hometown of Mudhaykhirah in Ibb — a gem of Yemen’s natural beauty — and flew to New York, carrying with him the legacy of Himyarite artistry and a deep commitment to his cultural identity. He founded Marasim, a multimedia design and photography company in the Bronx. Khaled personally designed the studio, reflecting the colors and textures of Yemen’s diverse regions — from Sana’a to Hadramout and Taiz.

Fueled by determination, Khaled upgraded his architectural background by studying visual arts and digital design through the New York Film Academy. Within six months of remote learning, he mastered programs like Adobe Photoshop, 3D Max, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom, and others — all to enhance his skills in professional photography and visual storytelling.

 Cultural Marketing Through Creative Enterprise

By 2018, Khaled officially launched Marasim Studio — a pioneering business dedicated to bridging the gap between immigrant life and Yemeni identity. With a mission rooted in preserving culture and pursuing excellence, the company quickly became known for its professional services in event photography, interior décor, traditional fashion shoots, Yemeni wedding ceremonies, and visual content creation. Notably, Marasim became the first Yemeni-owned studio in NYC to offer 4K video production.

One of the studio’s proudest achievements was documenting the 5th Annual Yemeni Heritage Parade in New York City — a vibrant cultural celebration showcasing the rich traditions of Yemen in the diaspora.

 Gratitude and Acknowledgement

Five years after launching his dream company, Khaled remains grateful to those who stood by him — especially his father Jamal Al-Qassem and his older brother Jamil Jamal, who works in tourism and travel. Their support, along with the encouragement of close friends and clients, played a vital role in his professional growth.

 Looking Ahead: Future Ambitions

Khaled’s aspirations go beyond photography. He envisions expanding Marasim into a hub for cultural design and heritage preservation. Future plans include:

• Offering interior design services inspired by Arab and Yemeni aesthetics

• Establishing a dedicated workshop for Arabic sculpture and engraving

• Creating an all-in-one photo and video studio for Arab and Western communities

• Introducing sculpting machines to turn artistic ideas into tangible realities

Through Marasim, Khaled Jamal Al-Qassem isn’t just building a business — he’s crafting a legacy that bridges heritage, creativity, and modern American success.