A story of transformation, collaboration, and creative innovation led by the Khan Sisters
Dubai, UAE – April 2025 – Against the vibrant backdrop of Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline and cultural renaissance, Funun Arts Group once again etched its legacy at the heart of the region’s most iconic art fair – World Art Dubai (WAD). With its ninth consecutive year of participation, 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 just a few participating artists, the group has now emerged as the largest and most diverse participating art organization in World Art Dubai. In these years Funun Arts Group has showcased over 500 artists from 60 nationalities in World Art Dubai.
Led by the dynamic duo, Shiba Khan and Farah Khan – fondly known as the Khan Sisters in the art fraternity – Funun Arts Group’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a passion project to unite artists and give them a voice, has blossomed into a global creative movement.
“In our very first year, we didn’t know what to expect,” recalls Shiba Khan, artist and founder. “We just 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.”
Nine years later, that vision has manifested into one of the UAE’s most active and impactful art organizations, celebrated not only for its participation but also for the innovative experiences and meaningful conversations it brings to World Art Dubai every year.
This year’s presentation by Funun Arts Group was a visual and emotional journey across continents and cultures. The group’s stands offered visitors a rich palette of styles and techniques, from traditional forms to experimental expressions:
- Abstract Expressionism and Realism side by side, reflecting both the inner psyche and the outer world
- Charcoal sketches capturing depth and silence
- Mixed media and fluid art bursting with spontaneity and movement
- Paper quilling and glass art that amazed with detail and precision
- Unique displays like paintings on copper trays, leatherwork on canvas, and art-infused carpets that bridged fine art with artisanal craft
Every artwork, whether it spoke softly or boldly, told a story – of origin, identity, resilience, joy, and imagination. Artists from India, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, the UK, Philippines, Italy, and many more countries traveled to Dubai to be part of this dynamic showcase.
“We are proud to represent a truly global family of artists,” said Farah Khan, co-director. “Each artist brings not just their art, but their soul, their heritage, and a message that connects with someone out there.”
The participating artists in 2025 were, Anuradha Bhalla, Dr. Anum Ali, Dr. Hafsa Banu, Dr. Riya Shah, Eily Sayegh, Ekta Desai, Farah Khan, Maqsood Kayani, Marziyeh Kazerooni, Monia Sahraoui, Pejman Beyzaee, Pervin Fathi, Radhika Grover, Rita Chehab, Rooma Eejaz, Roya Vahidi, Rozan Awad, Sahar Shabnoor Ansari, Salwa Saleem, Sandhya Shivkumar Iyer, Sara Adly, Shiba Khan, Shiva Parham, Vishnu Prasad, Yasser Safy Elrahman.
What makes Funun Arts Group stand apart each year is its commitment to innovation in presentation. At WAD 2025, the group introduced and revived exclusive features that blend art with experience, setting new benchmarks for creative interaction.
Throughout these years, Funun Arts Group had presented numerous features being the feature partner of World Art Dubai, one of the most celebrated performances was “Rhythmic Painting” in 2022, a spellbinding fusion of movement and brushwork. Founder Shiba Khan, known for her bold artistic vision, painted live to the rhythm of a classical Indian dancer – a moving canvas coming to life with every gesture and step. It was a powerful reflection of how visual and performing arts can merge into a single, emotional performance. Other creative highlights included:
- “Circle of Life” – a collaborative installation symbolizing unity, environmental consciousness, and the infinite cycle of creativity
- “Sustainable Fashion Show” – where artists turned recycled materials into fashion statements, advocating for eco-consciousness through wearable art
These features not only delighted the audience but also served a greater purpose—connecting art with sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, themes that resonate deeply with today’s world.
EMPOWERING YOUNG VOICES: STUDENTS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT
One of the most heartwarming and transformative parts of this year’s WAD was the inclusion of young artists from the Annual Student Art Show (ASAS), the flagship educational initiative of Funun Arts Group. Eighteen winning students, selected from hundreds of submissions, were given the priceless opportunity to exhibit their works at World Art Dubai, alongside seasoned artists.
Their artworks explored the theme “Art and Innovation,” blending traditional ideas with futuristic concepts. From AI-inspired pieces to climate-change reflections, their expressions were raw, powerful, and deeply insightful.
“This was more than a reward; it was a life-changing moment,” said Shiba Khan. “Seeing their eyes light up as they explained their work to a visitor or posed with their art—it reminded us why we do what we do. Art empowers, art uplifts.”
Participating student artists were, Amaira Khushalani, Daniika Meganathan, Emilia Amedeo, Faria Mohammed, Hamdan Lootah, Haya Sajjad, Jishnu Ruchir Bhardwaj, Maryam Sarfraz Khan, Minha Ali, Mohammad Azaan Mehtab Khan, Mohammad Wali Mehtab Khan, Mubashir Ahmed Jawad, Nazmin Rasheed, Pranavi Sridharan, Riya Chawla, Riyana Shah, Shamsa Salim Abdullah AlBusaidi, Zaria Iftekhar Malik.
WORLD ART DUBAI: A HUB OF CULTURAL CELEBRATION
World Art Dubai is the largest art fair in the GCC, attracting thousands of visitors, VIP guests, collectors, and artists from all over the globe. With over 10,000 artworks on display, it is a celebration of the world’s creative spirit, and Funun Arts Group continues to be at its heart.
From dignitaries to students, from seasoned collectors to first-time buyers—everyone found something to admire, connect with, or be inspired by at the Funun stands. Each day of the fair was alive with color, conversation, and creative synergy.
“The UAE is rapidly becoming a global art and culture hub,” emphasized Farah Khan. “And platforms like WAD are not just exhibitions—they are incubators of talent, dialogue, and dreams.”
With nine successful years behind them, the Khan Sisters and their ever-growing community of artists are looking ahead. Plans for international exhibitions, youth mentorships, art-tech collaborations, and cross-cultural residencies are already underway.
“We don’t just want to exhibit—we want to educate, innovate, and elevate,” said Shiba Khan. “Funun Arts Group stands for creativity with purpose, and we’re only just getting started.”
About Funun Arts Group
Funun Arts Group is a UAE-based art community founded by Shiba Khan and Farah Khan. The group supports and showcases local and international artists, encourages youth participation, and integrates art with education, sustainability, and social change. With a decade-long presence in the region, Funun Arts is known for building bridges through creativity and connecting artists with platforms to express, engage, and evolve.
