When it took part in World Art Dubai (April 17 – 20), Funun Arts Group, the UAE-based art community, was celebrating nine consecutive years of participation in the fair. Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, co-founders of the Group, stated, “Funun Arts Group continues to grow, inspire, and redefine what it means to be an artistic movement rooted in community, culture, and creative excellence.” From a modest beginning in 2016 with a single 12-square-meter stand and representing just a few artists, Funun Arts Group has now established itself as one of the largest and most diverse participating art organizations at World Art Dubai. Over nearly a decade, it has showcased over 500 artists from 60 nationalities at the fair.
The Khan Sisters, as they are known in the art world, reflect on their journey, emphasizing that “what began as a passion project to unite artists and give them a voice has blossomed into a global creative movement.” Shiba Khan shared, “In our very first year, we didn’t know what to look forward to. We only had a vision—to bring people together through art and create a platform where voices, especially of women, youth, and emerging artists, could be seen and heard.”
A composition by Dr. Hafsa.
Nine years later, this vision has transformed into one of the UAE’s most active and impactful art bodies, celebrated for its consistent presence at major art events and the innovative experiences it offers. This year’s presentation from Funun Arts Group was a captivating visual and emotional journey, showcasing a wealth of styles and techniques—from traditional methodologies to experimental projects.
The display featured a range from Abstract Expressionism to Realism, reflecting both the inner psyche and the outer world. Visitors were treated to charcoal sketches imbued with depth, mixed media, and fluid art that pulsated with spontaneity. Intricate paper quilling and glass art highlighted meticulous craftsmanship, while displays like paintings on copper trays, leatherwork on canvas, and art-infused carpets bridged the realms of fine art and artisanal craft. Every piece told a unique story—of identity, resilience, enthusiasm, or imagination. Artists from various countries including India, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, and the Philippines traveled to Dubai to share their creative expressions.
Artwork by Anuradha Bhalla.
Farah Khan expressed pride in representing a truly global family of artists: “Each artist brought not just their art, but their soul, their heritage, and a message that connects with someone out there.” The Group is known for its commitment to innovation, highlighted by performances like “Rhythmic Painting” in 2022—a fusion of dance and brushwork. During this performance, Shiba Khan painted live to the rhythms of a classical Indian dancer, seamlessly blending visual and performing arts into a singular experience.
Other creative highlights included “Circle of Life,” a collaborative installation symbolizing unity and environmental consciousness, and the “Sustainable Fashion Show,” where artists transformed recycled materials into innovative fashion statements. These themes not only entertained but also prompted significant conversations around sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation—issues that resonate profoundly in today’s world.
Parvin’s powerful painting of a horse.
This year’s World Art Dubai also featured young talents from the Annual Student Art Show (ASAS), highlighting Funun Arts Group’s educational initiatives. Eighteen student winners, chosen from hundreds of submissions, exhibited their works alongside seasoned artists. These student artworks explored the theme “Art and Innovation,” merging traditional concepts with futuristic ideas. From AI-inspired pieces to reflections on climate change, the expressions were not just creative but deeply insightful.
“This was more than a reward; it was a life-changing moment,” recalls Shiba Khan. “Seeing their eyes light up as they explained their works to a visitor or posed with their art reminded us why we do what we do. Art empowers; art uplifts.”
Pejiman’s horse eyes the horizon.
The Funun Arts Group spaces became a melting pot of dignitaries, students, seasoned collectors, and first-time buyers, each finding something that resonated with them. “Each day of the fair was alive with color, conversation, and creative synergy,” noted Farah Khan. She emphasized, “The UAE has become a global art and culture hub. Platforms like World Art Dubai are not just exhibitions; they are incubators of talent, dialogue, and dreams.”
Farah Khan (left) and Shiba Khan.
With nine successful years behind them, the Khan Sisters and their ever-growing community of artists are already looking toward the future. Plans for international exhibitions, youth mentorship programs, art-tech collaborations, and cross-cultural residencies are in the works. “We don’t just want to exhibit—we want to educate, innovate, and elevate,” Shiba Khan stated emphatically. “Funun Arts Group stands for creativity with purpose—and we’re only just getting started.” World Art Dubai remains the largest art fair in the GCC region, attracting thousands of visitors, VIP guests, collectors, and artists from around the globe. With over 10,000 artworks on display, the 2025 version marks a significant celebration of the world’s creative spirit.
