Abolishing borders: Cross Borders Art Gallery embraces art to unite people
- Last updated: August 6, 2026 | 09:37
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Cross Borders Art Gallery, the Dubai-based cultural space, represents South Asian artists; it houses an extensive collection of Pakistani art, particularly. Through exhibitions and community initiatives, it promotes art, cultural heritage, and cross-cultural exchange. “Cross Borders Art Gallery exists to build bridges between cultures through the power of art,” it says. “Our mission is to represent exceptional artists, celebrate the rich traditions of Pakistani and South Asian art, and create meaningful cultural exchanges through exhibitions, education, and community engagement.”
Its multidisciplinary programmes bring together artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, performing, digital and media arts. Cross Borders has so far curated and hosted over 100 exhibitions, showcasing emerging and established artists. Its production house provides custom framing, fine art printing, art production and art consultancy for collectors, businesses, and the UAE real estate sector. “We are a dedicated platform for South Asian art and culture, supporting artists through exhibitions, collaborations, and community initiatives,” the gallery avers. “We are also a proud promoter of local literature, poetry, and cultural programmes, fostering dialogue across the arts.”
Gallery Founder Fawad Durrani is an art enthusiast, collector and entrepreneur whose appreciation for art has been a lifelong pursuit. After a successful international career in banking, he turned his focus to the arts, bringing his instinct for creativity and cultural exchange, to the founding of Cross Borders Art Gallery. Gallery Manager Nooree Juneja curates and executes exhibitions; she is an expert in exhibition planning, artist liaison, and gallery operations.
“My goal isn’t merely to hang pictures on a wall, but to translate those feelings so that every visitor who steps through the door truly understands the art,” she says. In Nooree’s words “a single artwork is like one page, and the whole gallery is the complete book. Curating an exhibition means arranging those pages to tell a clear, meaningful story”.
On the gallery drawing board is an upcoming exhibition by emerging Pakistani artist Amna Waqas (Room Without Walls, Aug. 28 — Sept. 4). The show will introduce Amna’s serene and contemplative body of work, to audiences in the UAE. Amna Waqas’s dreamlike landscapes invite viewers into a world of calm, reflection, and quiet discovery. “My goal with Room Without Walls is to share a softer, more romantic picture of Pakistan with the world,” says Amna. “Through 22 paintings, I capture the natural beauty of my homeland, misty mornings, rose fields, and natural forms that turn everyday scenes into symbols of hope and connection. Rather than defining a room by walls or architecture, these paintings use open space and gentle light to create dreamlike landscapes that feel both peaceful and familiar.
“The UAE has provided a wonderful space for artists to share their cultures. I am honoured to use this platform in Dubai to introduce our nation in a fresh, beautiful light, inviting every viewer to connect with the artistic heart of Pakistan. She was born in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1992, and is a contemporary painter whose work explores the quiet beauty of nature through dreamy floral landscapes and soft, poetic compositions. Meanwhile, the gallery speaks more of its work to Gulf Today
Can you highlight the achievements of Cross Borders Arts Gallery?
For the past thirteen years, Cross Borders Art Gallery has stood as a vibrant cultural hub in the UAE, boasting one of the largest collections of Pakistani and South Asian art in the region. By sourcing original artworks directly from artists’ native countries, the gallery has built a strong platform for both emerging and established talent, while shaping the local art scene through dozens of memorable solo and group exhibitions. Over time, this mission has expanded far beyond South Asia, opening doors for emerging artists from Armenia, Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia to spark meaningful cross-cultural conversations. Beyond visual arts, Cross Borders brings the community together through poetry recitals, film screenings, and lively Art Nights that celebrate every form of expression.
How do you deal with temperamental artists?
Creatives feel things deeply, and that passion is exactly what makes their work so special. We know every artist has their own personality and way of working, and we respect that uniqueness. When handling different personalities, we focus on patience, clear communication, and mutual respect.
How do you make certain that the artists you show get their best due?
We treat our artists as true partners, which means protecting their value and making sure they are fairly rewarded for their hard work. We do this by setting fair prices together, keeping all financial terms clear and transparent, and ensuring payments are always reliable and prompt. Beyond sales, we actively promote their talent to serious collectors and media, giving them maximum visibility so they can grow their careers both locally and internationally.
What will be the role of Cross Borders Arts Gallery in the next 25 years?
We aim to grow into a global bridge for cross-cultural dialogue, championing South Asian and Middle Eastern art on the world stage while providing dedicated, hands-on service to our clients. As we expand our presence into new international cities, our focus will be on bringing more diverse artists on board and giving them a powerful platform to share their unique stories. By building a broader network of physical spaces, digital hubs, and global partnerships, we will continue to erase borders through creativity, discovering fresh talent and connecting people across cultures through the shared power of art.