Landmark Annual Student Art Show by Funun Arts and Amity University Dubai

The 5th Edition of the Annual Student Art Show (ASAS 2025, Nov. 1-2), organised by Funun Arts Group and Youth Creative Minds Hub (YCM Hub) in collaboration with Amity University Dubai, was a splendid addition to the landscape of art, education, and community collaboration in the UAE. This year’s event not only showcased the creative spirit of youth from across the world, but also created two world records, namely, Largest International Student Art Exhibition and Largest Canvas Painting on the theme ‘We Are One’.

Hosted at Amity University Dubai, the event transformed the academic city campus into a pulsating celebration of creativity, innovation, and unity. Over 1,200 students from more than 60 nationalities including Emirati students, Students of Determination and international participants from India, Canada, Egypt, Oman, Congo, and Pakistan, came together to express the spirit of harmony through art.

The event was supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), underscoring its significance and its mission to empower youth and make art a part of everyday life. The programme opened with an Art Parade, where participating schools proudly carried their flags and banners, followed by the recitation of the Qur’an, the UAE and India national anthems, and a welcome speech by Shiba Khan, Founder & Director of Funun Arts Group. The two-day art festival was graced by a distinguished list of dignitaries, cultural icons and art leaders. Among notable guests were Khalil Abdul Wahid (Director of Fine Arts, Dubai Culture), noted Emirati artist Faisal Abdulqader, water colour maestro Atul Panase, renowned abstract landscape artist Meena Kamal, art doyen Sultana Farooq Kazim, well-known Emirati artist Ahmed Al Awadhi and Harjyot Oberoi, Head of Marketing, Khaleej Times.

The event also welcomed Abdullah Al Maainah, Mohammed Al Rawahy (Oman), Kusum Dutta, Ambika Vohra, Daizy Paul, Parie Stoneman, Ayush Gupta, Firoz Khan and Ayesha Shaik, among others. The Largest International Student Art Exhibition, recognised by the Talent Record Book, featured over 1,200 artworks. Hundreds of students collaborated on a monumental 150-metre artwork symbolising peace, diversity, and unity. The record-breaking moments were a tribute to how art could bridge differences and inspire collective progress.

Farah Khan (left) and Shiba Khan with Talent Record Book certificates, along with dignitaries.

Behind the success of ASAS 2025 was a devoted team of individuals — mentors, artist volunteers, youth ambassadors, student volunteers, technical teams and faculty members from Amity University Dubai, who worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life. Established art educators and practitioners like Alok Skaria, Aditi Jaju, Amina Naeem, Asiya Khanum, Chandana Vinekar, Dr. Hafsa Banu, Dr. Nafisa Sayed, Kadambini Choubey, Kashish Rabban, Kavita Sriram, Laith Fathi Ahmad, Madhuri Musani, Maria Komal Abie, Marwa Mohammed, Mussarat Yasmin Abid, Paulomi Kiritsinh Rana, Rehab Aly Badr, Saida Banu, Shaima Shawky, Shana Yasmin, Shatha Jamal, Soobika Fawad, Stefania Pomillo, Sumedha Randev Goel, Vijita Moray, Yuvika Garg, Mai Yehia Abbas, Neha Dua, Rafah Abdul Razzak, Ritika Shah, Samishka Jawale, Swapnil Jawale and Leena Kewlani, mentored students through the creative process, ensuring each participant took part fearlessly.

Artist Volunteers included Aaliyah Mohammed, Adina Mazhar, Ankitha Gupta Surisetty, Azeeza Siddiqi, Debra S. Mascarenhas, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Fariza Devanli, Fathima Nazrina, Manjari Choudhary, Monia Sahraoui, Nashwa Zaghamero and Niyati Madhavi. Their ceaseless contributions infused life into every space in the exhibition hall. The second day of ASAS 2025 was dedicated to interactive creative workshops conducted by leading art educators and organisations including Art Splash, Art Mystic and The Green Revolution. Artists and art mentors Soobika Fawad, Mussarat Yasmin, Swapnil Jawale, Team of International School of Creative Science, Sharjah, Dr. Anumeha, Sumya Mishra and Joshua conducted the workshops, where students explored techniques in printmaking, clay modelling, decoupage, pastel skies, tote-bag printing, Arabic calligraphy and counselling sessions, which transformed classrooms into immersive learning studios.

Visitors interacting with the artworks.

Cultural performances by Dance Central and the SNF Development Center added resounding rhythm and touching emotion to the event. The student art exhibition featured radiant paintings, mixed-media installations and sculptures that reflected the global theme of unity. The showcase brought together schools from across the UAE. Global and local gallery partners such as The Crearting (Congo), Nafisa Sayeda (Canada), Art & Talent Zone (Egypt), Pinaaki Art Centre (India), F.S. Karachwala (Pakistan), Reem Gallery, The Creative Cubes, DIAC, Artezaar and Diarbid (UAE), brought an international dimension to the exhibition, connecting art communities across continents.

Partners and supporters included Organizing Partner Amity University Dubai; Media Partner, Khaleej Times, WKND Magazine, Young Times and Elevision Network. Founder of YCM Hub, Mohammed Huzaifa Khan, expressed his thanks to sponsors and supporters, including Danube Building Material, The Good Plastic Company, Women Business Circle, Talent Book of Records, Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, Daniel Smith, Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes, Speed Performance Building Contracting Co. LLC, Al Saqf Al Lamea Technical Services, 19AGH Events, MS Education, Universal Studio, Shiksha, Paragon and Project Happiness.

Dr. Rafid Alkhaddar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Dubai said that “the Student Art Show ... beautifully illustrates how education enriches not only the intellect but also the human spirit ... building meaningful connections between the campus and the wider community.” Abraham K. Samuel, Programme Leader – Architecture, School of Engineering, Architecture & Interior Design, Amity University Dubai said: “The Student Art Show 2025 ... is a true celebration of creativity and community.” Funun Arts Group is a leading community-driven art platform in the UAE, with over 3,000 artists and 1,500+ student participants, across exhibitions and workshops. Its youth wing, Youth Creative Minds Hub, focuses on nurturing the next generation of creatives.