A Three-Week Celebration of Art, Heritage, Inclusion and Community at Al Shindagha Museum
Dubai, UAE — August 2026:
Funun Arts Group successfully concluded “Threads of Humanity – Summer Art Festival 2026,” a three-week multidisciplinary cultural festival held from 25 July to 15 August 2026 at House 353, Al Shindagha Museum, in collaboration with Dubai Culture under the Creative Spaces initiative.
Bringing together 40 artists representing 15 nationalities and 65 artworks, the festival transformed the historic heritage house into a vibrant platform for contemporary art, cultural dialogue, learning, inclusion and community engagement. Across nine heritage rooms, visitors encountered painting, photography, sculpture and mixed-media works alongside artist conversations, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, youth programmes, live painting, inclusive art activities and community networking.
At its heart, Threads of Humanity explored a simple yet powerful idea: although people may differ in nationality, language, culture, age and background, creativity gives humanity a shared language.
Where Heritage Met Contemporary Creativity
One of the most distinctive aspects of the festival was its setting at House 353 in Al Shindagha Museum. Rather than placing contemporary art within a conventional gallery environment, Funun Arts Group created a dialogue between Dubai’s cultural heritage and today’s creative voices.
The nine heritage spaces were thoughtfully activated to include exhibitions featuring senior, Emirati, heritage and international artists, collaborative art displays, workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, a Community Majlis, Creative Zone Market and Organizers’ Hub.
Visitors were encouraged not simply to observe artworks, but to meet artists, participate in creative activities, exchange ideas and experience art within a historic cultural environment.
The result was an immersive experience where the past and present could exist side by side—demonstrating how heritage spaces can continue to evolve as living centres of cultural exchange.
A Vibrant Opening That Put People at the Centre
The festival officially opened on 25 July 2026, welcoming more than 150 guests from the UAE’s artistic, cultural, educational and community circles.
The opening brought together artists, cultural personalities, community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, students, families, collectors and art enthusiasts.
Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Halima Al Sayegh, a cultural diplomacy and heritage figure, historian and author whose work focuses strongly on preserving and promoting Emirati cultural heritage; Meena Kamal, an international artist and co-founder and owner of MRK Contemporary Art Gallery; Faisal Abdul Qader, pioneering Emirati artist whose work celebrates UAE heritage; Ahmed Al Awadhi, a pioneering Emirati artist whose work celebrates UAE heritage and connects younger generations with the country’s cultural past; Tessy Koshy, an independent journalist and editor of Middle East Masala known for her coverage of art, culture and human-interest stories; Abdul Jabbar Weiss, Art Supervisor at Al Qasimia University; Anjini Prakash Laitu, a pioneer artist and mentor; and other prominent members of the UAE’s creative and community circles.
The opening deliberately moved away from a conventional inauguration. A lively Rapid-Fire Round invited guests to share spontaneous thoughts on art, culture, identity and humanity, immediately creating an atmosphere of participation and connection.
Three Weeks of Art, Dialogue and Learning
Throughout the festival, House 353 remained active with a diverse programme designed for artists, families, youth, collectors, creative professionals and the wider community.
The programme included:
- Artist masterclasses and creative workshops
- Live painting demonstrations
- Artist conversations and portfolio review sessions
- Community Circle gatherings
- Networking and community meet-ups
- Family-oriented creative activities
- Interactive art experiences
- Youth debates and conversations
- Panel discussions exploring art, heritage and the future
The festival’s conversations examined some of the most relevant questions facing today’s creative communities.
Art as a Universal Language
The panel “Threads of Humanity: Art as a Universal Language” explored how visual expression can transcend geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries.
The discussion brought together artists and cultural voices including Maria Komal Abie- A Multi award winning artist. The Head of Art and Design at Dubai Gem Private School, Sadika Kebbi- A corporate trainer, workshop designer, transformational coach, bestselling author, and two-time TEDx speaker, Shruti Kikani- he co-founder and the driving voice behind World of Dorvi, Tessy Koshy- An independent art and culture journalist. She is the editor of Middle East Masala, and Yuvika Garg- An award-winning contemporary artist based in Dubai and a UAE Cultural Visa holder.
Youth Talk: Creativity, Careers & The Future
Youth voices were given equal importance through “Youth Talk: Creativity, Careers & the Future.”
Young speakers Haya Sajjad, Khwahish Punjabi and Aazeen Fatema Khan participated in the youth panel, creating a platform where the next generation could discuss creativity, aspirations, opportunities and the changing role of art.
The youth programme continued through YCM Talk Show – Gen Z Unfiltered, interactive debates, speed networking, a Mystery Box Challenge, Open Mic and Creator Content Challenge—activities designed to build confidence, communication, creativity and collaboration.
This focus on youth reflects Funun Arts Group’s continuing commitment to developing creative platforms where young people are not merely audiences but active contributors to cultural conversations.
Creativity Without Limits
Inclusion was another important thread running through the festival.
Under “Threads Without Limits,” Funun Arts Group created an Inclusive Art Celebration dedicated to People of Determination, providing a supportive environment where participants and artists could work together on collaborative artworks.
The initiative reflected Funun Arts Group’s long-standing belief that art should be accessible and participatory, giving everyone the opportunity to communicate, create and connect through artistic expression.
For Funun Arts Group, inclusion is not simply about creating access to an art event—it is about creating a genuine sense of belonging through creativity.
Weaving Stories
As part of Weaving Stories, our artists took guests through the exhibition, sharing the inspiration, emotions, techniques, and personal stories behind their artworks. It was a wonderful opportunity for guests to connect with the artists and discover the stories woven into every creation.
The event also featured two engaging art masterclasses — an Acrylics Masterclass by Abdul Jabbar Weiss, offering participants an opportunity to explore the versatility and expressive possibilities of acrylic painting, and a Palette Knife Masterclass by Jivan Hovhannisian, where participants explored texture, colour, and expressive mark-making through the palette knife.
Adding another meaningful dimension was our Community Circle with Reema Mahajan and her Indian Women Networking (IWN) team, bringing people together for an open and engaging exchange around community, connection, and shared experiences.
Forty Artists, Fifteen Nationalities, One Shared Story
The exhibition brought together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and artistic practices, including:
Abdul Jabbar Weiss, Adaakaari Art Studio – Manadi Deodhar, Adina Simona Mazhar, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Ali Hassan Ali Alhosani, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Anubha Kaw, Arshiya Quadri Sayyed, Bettina Kulakowski, Celina Sarieddine, Cristina Gabriela Buzatu, Diana Arutyunyan, Diana Hancinska, Faezeh Mohammed Hassan, Fatima Mohammad Reza, Jimmy Mathew, Jivan Hovhannisian, Kamal Al Yammahi, Maria Aamer, Maria Komal Abie, Meena Kamal, Mirin Jamal Al Weli, Mona Mohammad Moheb, Mozhgan Afrisham, Mussarat Yasmin, Nataliia Venerova, Nikita Neogy, Nourma Almasri, Omar Habra, Rita Chehab, Ritika Shah, Sadaf Sheikh, Samar Farooq, Sibel Yavuz, Tariq Al Salman, Tikran Bayat (Artdiko) and Yuvika Garg, alongside other participating creatives.
Their works represented different cultures, generations, artistic disciplines and personal narratives, yet collectively reflected the central message of the festival: our differences may define our individual stories, but creativity can connect us through our shared humanity.
Voices from the Festival
Meena Kamal- International Artist | Co-Founder & Owner, MRK Contemporary Art Gallery
“Threads of Humanity beautifully demonstrated how art can bring people and cultures together. What made the festival particularly special was the way Funun Arts Group combined contemporary creativity with the heritage atmosphere of Al Shindagha. It created an environment where artists and audiences could genuinely connect, exchange ideas and celebrate our shared humanity.”
Tessy Koshy- Journalist, Editor & Cultural Storyteller
“Threads of Humanity captured something essential about Dubai’s creative landscape—the ability to bring different cultures and generations together through art. The combination of heritage, contemporary artistic expression and community programming made House 353 feel like a living cultural space rather than simply an exhibition venue.”
Ahmed Al Awadhi- Pioneering Emirati Artist & Cultural Voice
“Art has always had the power to connect people, and Threads of Humanity was a wonderful example of that spirit. Seeing artists from different nationalities come together within a heritage setting showed how creativity can help us appreciate both our differences and the values we share.”
Celebrating the People Behind the Festival
The festival journey culminated in a special Closing & Felicitation Ceremony on 14 August 2026, bringing together artists, guests, panelists, facilitators, supporters, volunteers and community members.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Ahmed Al Awadhi, Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Faisal Abdul Qader, Meena Kamal, Rayad Kamal, Vikas Bhargava and Abdul Jabbar Weiss.
Rather than being simply a closing ceremony, the evening became an occasion to recognize the people whose time, creativity and commitment helped transform Threads of Humanity from an art exhibition into a three-week cultural experience.
Artists, contributors and supporters were felicitated for their participation, while the evening reflected the values that had defined the festival from the beginning: gratitude, recognition, connection and community.
A Shared Vision from Funun Arts Group
For Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, Founders & Curators of Funun Arts Group, Threads of Humanity represented the organisation’s continuing belief that art can bring people together beyond nationality, age, language and background.
“Threads of Humanity was created around the belief that art connects people. Bringing different generations, nationalities and creative voices together within a heritage space made this festival particularly meaningful. House 353 became more than an exhibition venue; it became a place for conversations, friendships, learning and shared experiences. We are deeply grateful to Dubai Culture, every participating artist, guest, speaker, volunteer, partner and visitor who became part of this journey.”
More Than an Exhibition
Threads of Humanity – Summer Art Festival 2026 demonstrated how a heritage venue can become a dynamic space for contemporary cultural exchange.
For three weeks, House 353 became a place where artists met audiences, young people found their voice, heritage met contemporary creativity, communities came together and inclusion became a shared artistic experience.
The festival created opportunities for artistic visibility, youth development, intercultural dialogue, community engagement and appreciation of Dubai’s heritage. Most importantly, it reinforced the idea that art does not need a common language to create a common understanding.
The threads may be different—but together, they create the fabric of humanity.
Gratitude to Dubai Culture
Funun Arts Group extends its sincere appreciation to Dubai Culture and the Creative Spaces initiative for the trust and opportunity to activate House 353 at Al Shindagha Museum.
The collaboration demonstrated the potential of heritage spaces to become vibrant centres of creativity, dialogue, learning and community engagement, contributing to Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape.
Funun Arts Group also acknowledges all participating artists, speakers, panelists, workshop facilitators, youth participants, volunteers, community partners, supporters and visitors whose collective contribution made Threads of Humanity – Summer Art Festival 2026 possible.
