Sharjah, UAE | 13 February 2026
Funun Arts Group proudly unveiled ALIF – Tracing the Origins of Middle Eastern Art Era. It is a group exhibition celebrating the spirit of Ramadan. It explores the spiritual and cultural foundations of Middle Eastern art.
The opening ceremony took place at Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre. It brought together distinguished artists, cultural leaders, and esteemed VIP guests. The evening was dedicated to heritage, identity, and contemporary artistic expression. The exhibition reflects the enduring legacy of Middle Eastern art. It explores themes of calligraphy, geometry, pattern, and sacred form. These themes are thoughtfully reinterpreted through modern perspectives.
The presence of prominent guests honored the event. Guests included Ihsan Al Khateeb, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Kusum Dutta, Abdul Jabbar Weiss, and Anjini Prakash Laitu. Their support highlighted the importance of cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
The Art Discussion Session on the Middle Eastern Art Era was a key highlight of the evening. It featured distinguished speakers Mussarat Yasmin Abid, Ihsan Al Khateeb, and Faezeh Mohammed Hassan. The session offered a rich exploration of the historical, spiritual, and cultural foundations of Middle Eastern art. It delved into the significance of calligraphy, geometry, and symbolic visual language. Each speaker brought a unique perspective. They discussed the role of art in education and mentorship. They also talked about how traditional forms have evolved in contemporary practice. They highlighted the importance of preserving cultural identity through modern expression. The discussion provided audiences with meaningful insights. It inspired a deeper appreciation for the region’s artistic legacy. It also emphasized its relevance in today’s creative landscape.
Speaking at the event, Kusum Dutta remarked:
“Art has the power to connect communities and preserve identity. Initiatives like ALIF create meaningful platforms where heritage and contemporary voices come together in harmony.”
Renowned artist and Art educator Abdul Jabbar Weiss shared:
“Middle Eastern art carries a deep philosophical and spiritual essence. It is inspiring to see artists today reinterpreting these traditions while staying rooted in authenticity.”
Representing Funun Arts Group, Founder Shiba Khan stated:
“ALIF is not just an exhibition. It is a journey into the origins of artistic expression in our region. Through this platform, we aim to inspire artists and audiences. We want them to reconnect with the roots of creativity. They should also embrace new narratives.”
The exhibition features a diverse lineup of international artists. These include Afsheen Beig, Ana Cristina Alves, Azka Tahir, Diana Arutyunyan, Fatemeh Hosseinbor, Faezeh Mohammed Hassan, Farah Khan (Canada), and Farah Khan (India). It also showcases Hana Alhaffar, Haneen Zagboor, Maha Moussa, Monia Sahraoui, Mussarat Yasmin Abid, Nashwa Zaghamero, Oula Yildiz, Rabia Ali, Rasha Zakaria Al Hadidi, Soobika Fawad, and Wala’ Mohamed. Each artist contributes unique interpretations that bridge tradition with contemporary vision.
Funun Arts Group extends its sincere gratitude to Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre. They appreciate their continued support and partnership. This collaboration helps in hosting this meaningful cultural initiative.
ALIF stands as a testament to unity, artistic dialogue, and the timeless power of Middle Eastern art.
📍 The exhibition remains open to the public at Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre until 2 April 2026.
About Funun Arts Group
Founded in 2016, Funun Arts Group is a UAE-based creative enterprise working at the intersection of art, culture, and education. The organization curates exhibitions, nurtures emerging talent, and delivers end-to-end art solutions for creative and commercial spaces. Funun Arts Group has a global network of 3,000+ artists from over 50 nationalities. The group continues to foster cultural dialogue and support artistic communities. They create impactful platforms that connect creativity with purpose.
About Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre
Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre is a leading contemporary hotel. It is located next to Expo Centre Sharjah. The hotel offers a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and modern hospitality. It is known for hosting business, cultural, and artistic events. The venue provides a dynamic space that supports creativity, collaboration, and community engagement in the heart of Sharjah.
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