Funun Arts Group and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Celebrate World Ocean Day 2025 with “Rebalancing the Ocean: Coral Restoration Through Art” In a heartfelt tribute to World Ocean Day 2025, Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Novotel Suites Mall Avenue, Dubai, proudly presented the inspiring art exhibition, “Rebalancing the Ocean: Coral Restoration Through Art.”
This unique event brought together 15 talented artists and 15 young student-artists to creatively spotlight the urgent need for coral restoration and ocean conservation. Hosted at the vibrant Novotel Suites Mall Avenue, the exhibition showcased an evocative collection of artworks that capture the intricate beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. Each piece powerfully conveyed a message of environmental awareness and sustainability through the universal language of art.
The opening ceremony was a grand affair, graced by distinguished guests including: • Honorable Sultana Farouq Kazim, Global Ambassador of UNESCO International Action AR, Representative & Coordinator for the Museum of Americas, and Fashion Designer • Dr. Mohammad Ali, CEO of Breathe Creativity • Mrs. Kusum Dutta, Philanthropist and Artist • Mr. Anjini Prakash Laitu, Pioneer Artist • Mr. Peter Ferrington, Artist and Environmentalist The event featured a compelling keynote speech by Mr. Darryl Owen, CEO of Freestyle Divers and Founder of Project REEFrame, who emphasized the critical role of coral reefs and the collective responsibility to protect oceanic biodiversity.
Adding a dynamic, intergenerational element, students from Delhi Private School, Sharjah, Ryan International School, Sharjah, and North American International School, Dubai, participated in a live painting session alongside the exhibiting artists. Their collaborative creations embodied the spirit of hope, action, and unity.
The event also featured a short and impactful skit titled “Rebalancing the Ocean”, performed by young ambassadors: Mohammad Azaan Mehtab Khan (Grade 3, Ryan International School, Sharjah), Maryam Sarfraz Khan (Grade 2, Delhi Private School, Sharjah) AND Mohammad Wali Mehtab Khan (Grade 1, Ryan International School, Sharjah)
Participating artists included: Catherine Miras, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Erum Durrani, Fatima Ahmmed, Kosha Tarsaria, Kusum Dutta, Leena Kewlani, Mallak Alwesh, Manasi Abhijit Deodhar, Maria Aamer Khan, Nataliia Venerova, Pari Sagar, Rayan Omer Hamed, Stuti Parikh, and Shiba Khan.
Young artists who made the event extra special were: Aidan Shareef, Dharswana Durai, Kanishka Manikandan, Kavya Vishal, Maryam Sarfraz Khan, Naga Krithi Godem (Delhi Private School, Sharjah); Aida Vahid Hadimoghadam, Ali Yaseen, Areej Wahid, Romina Ramin Zeerati, Talia Isam (North American International School, Dubai); and Mohammed Azaan Mehtab Khan, Mohammed Wali Mehtab Khan (Ryan International School, Sharjah).
A heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ghaith Dalati, General Manager of Novotel Suites Mall Avenue, and his entire team for their unwavering support in making this event a success. This memorable evening not only celebrated art and creativity but also served as a powerful reminder of our collective duty to protect and restore our oceans for generations to come.
