The exhibition was inaugurated by Khalil Abdul Wahid, Director of Fine Arts, Dubai Culture and Art Authority and Yasser Algargawi, Director of Programmes and Partnerships, Ministry of Tolerance.

Everyone in the UAE is celebrating its diversified culture, development, success and harmony in its own way with the aim of attributing it to the wise leadership and their vision and most importantly the 50-year journey of the UAE.

In this regard, a group of 26 multi-talented artists from 10 different countries and residents of the UAE showcased their diversified artwork in an exhibition titled ‘UAE: The Land of Dreams’ which will run till September.

The exhibition was organised by the UAE-based art group Funun Arts in collaboration with Grand Mercure Hotels and Residences, Dubai as it was the first such exhibition in its art gallery.

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The exhibition was inaugurated by Khalil Abdul Wahid, Director of Fine Arts, Dubai Culture and Art Authority and Yasser Algargawi, Director of Programmes and Partnerships, Ministry of Tolerance.

In his opening remarks after inaugurating the exhibition, Khalil Abdul Wahid said, “It is an honour to be here as a chief guest and admire the beautiful but thought-provoking artworks by artists from different nationalities coming up together to showcase under one theme with different perspectives.”

Yasser Algargawi extended his gratitude towards the exhibition organisers including Shiba Khan and Farah Khan for their work in the field of art and culture. “We are here this evening to witness one of its kind of an exhibition by artists from different countries but celebrating the various aspects of our beloved country, the UAE through their own particular style in the field of art.”

Each artwork narrates a story which is well explained by an artist and felt by the viewer including distinguished guests who were present on the opening night of the exhibition.

Mr Tyrone lodder, General Manager of the hotel said, Art has added colours to the beauty of the hotel. We are so happy to have this collaboration and showcasing these beautiful artwork which gives pleasing experience to the eyes.

Shiba Khan told us “UAE is a land of dreams and inspiring tales. It is a land where fantasy is converted to reality every day. It is a land with lots of opportunities for the youth, for entrepreneurs and for art as well. It is like a home far from home for all the expats living here. And this is the high time to pay tribute to this great nation. As art is the best way to express so we came up with this theme. My paintings EMOTIONS which are the part of the exhibition shows my attachment with this place. Bold colours and textures used represent the strength and the tolerance of this multicultural place.

Farah Khan, creative designer of Funun Arts, exhibited her beautiful photograph which shows the oldest mode of transport Abra, which is still functional and is one of the favourite tourist attractions. “It (the abra artwork) shows the connectivity of the culture and modernisation. The other picture tells the story of sikka, the narrow old lanes of Dubai, which are the hub of art and culture,” she said.

Anjani Prakash Laitu, legendary Indian artist, received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Funun Arts. “It is a very prestigious award and I am happy to receive it. My paintings ‘Colours’ show the vibrant culture of this nation. I have been here for 25 years and lived my passion for painting,” he said.

Rafa Tom, artist from Lebanon, presented her four artworks showcasing the culture and life of the UAE. She used different textures in her paintings which makes the artwork very expressive.

Amr Wadea, an artist from Egypt showcased his two artworks. “I want to show the progressive thinking of this nation through my paintings. One painting shows the culture and the other shows highrise buildings with the best infrastructure, it shows the balance and success with keeping the roots strong,” he explained his artworks.

Ahmed Rukni, Maryam and Gayathi were the local artists who paid tribute to the UAE with their artworks through different mediums.

Petra Kalternbach (Germany), Samar Kamel (Egypt), and Batool Jafri (Pakistan) also participated and exhibited their artworks showing love and devotion.

Rose Jaranya, an artist from Thailand, presented her artwork with the traditional style of Thailand painting with the UAE iconic spots in the eye. She said colours in her paintings show the colourful and happy life in the  UAE.

Rima Moukahal, an artist from Lebanon, said she saw the beautiful sunrise and painted it on the canvas. “Another painting shows the blossom and enrichment. I am lucky that I live in this country which is a multicultural place.”

“We are trying our best to put our soul and heart into bringing everything together as our philosophy is coming together is the beginning, keeping together is the process and working together is the success,” said Shiba Khan, the organiser.