The 4th edition of SHEROES, organized by Funun Arts Group in collaboration with
Khaleej Times, concluded on an inspiring and impactful note at the Khaleej Times Headquarters in
Dubai, bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, educators, media professionals, sustainability
advocates, corporate leaders, and changemakers from across the globe for a meaningful celebration
of women, leadership, creativity, and collective growth.
Held under the global theme “Give to Gain,” SHEROES 2026 explored the transformative power of
empathy, mentorship, collaboration, and community-driven leadership in shaping stronger and
more inclusive societies. The initiative created a vibrant platform where art, dialogue, storytelling,
and human connection came together to inspire meaningful conversations and cultural exchange.
The event commenced with an exhibition tour featuring artworks by internationally acclaimed and
emerging artists representing more than 15 countries, including India, Lebanon, France, Romania,
Egypt, Canada, Iran, Ukraine, Syria, Italy, Armenia, Greece, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, and
the United Kingdom. Through diverse artistic styles and perspectives, the exhibition explored
themes of resilience, empowerment, sustainability, identity, coexistence, emotional strength, and
unity.
Opening the event, Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, reflected on the deeper
meaning behind this year’s theme and emphasized the importance of creating spaces where people
rise together through support, compassion, and shared growth.
“True growth does not come from competition alone, it comes from contribution,” she said. “When
we give knowledge, opportunities, encouragement, and support, we create ecosystems where
communities thrive collectively. SHEROES is a celebration of purpose-driven leadership, empathy,
and the power of uplifting others.”
Farah Khan, Co-founder, and creative designer of Funun Arts Group expressed heartfelt gratitude
toward the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for fostering an environment of safety, stability,
coexistence, and compassion that continues to support creativity, cultural dialogue, and community
engagement during uncertain times around the world.
The event held additional significance as Funun Arts Group marked its 10-year journey as a UAE-born
creative platform dedicated to empowering artists, youth, educators, and communities through
meaningful artistic and cultural initiatives.
One of the most emotional moments of the event came as Shiba Khan acknowledged the long-
standing support of Harjyot Oberoi, Head of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Khaleej Times,
recognizing her contribution in shaping SHEROES into a meaningful cultural initiative over the years.
“Our relationship with Khaleej Times over the past five years has been built on trust, shared vision,
and community impact,” said Khan. “Harjyot Oberoi is truly a remarkable individual and a real
SHERO whose encouragement and belief in meaningful initiatives continue to inspire us.”
The event also acknowledged the support of Alia Zaghloul, Head of People and Culture at Khaleej
Times.
Addressing the audience, Harjyot Oberoi highlighted the importance of platforms that encourage
authentic conversations, creativity, and collaboration. “SHEROES represents the strength of
storytelling, dialogue, and cultural connection,” she said. “At Khaleej Times, we believe in supporting
initiatives that celebrate diversity, encourage meaningful engagement, and create positive impact
within society.”
The program featured two engaging panel discussions bringing together distinguished voices from
media, sustainability, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community development.
The first panel discussion featured Harjyot Oberoi, Shiba Khan, Farah Naz, Maria Chishti, and Basam
Nader, who explored topics including mentorship-driven leadership, empowering women’s voices,
collective growth, community-focused entrepreneurship, sustainability, and environmental
responsibility.
The second panel discussion brought together Alia Zaghloul, Nausheen Mukhtar, Eman AbuKhousa,
and Ayesha Shaik, focusing on emotional resilience, empathy in leadership, collaboration over
competition, empowered workplaces, and redefining leadership during times of uncertainty.
The event also honored several distinguished guests, including Mr. Sagir Ahmed Khan, CFO, Khaleej
Times, Sultana Farouq Kazim – Fashion Designer, Artist, and Global Ambassador of UNESCO IAA;
Meena Kamal- Artist and Owner of MRK Contemporary Art Gallery and Dr. Alka Kalra- award winning
psychologist, educator, and founder of Eduscan Institute.
The organizers also extended appreciation to partners, collaborators, sponsors, and contributors
whose support added warmth and impact to the initiative, including Ahmed Al Maghribi, The Green
Revolution, Creative Cave, Soobika Fawad, Rung-e-Virsa, Kreativo, Shiraz Kabab Khaas, 19AGH, and
Ayush Gupta.
Dr. (Hon.) Bhumika Dhaval Maniyar, Founder of The Green Revolution, shared: “SHEROES beautifully
reflects the power of women-led collaboration, creativity, and conscious community building.
Platforms like these inspire meaningful dialogue and remind us that sustainable impact begins when
individuals come together with empathy, purpose, and shared responsibility.”
Mr. Naimuddin Sayed, Marketing Manager at Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes, stated: “It is inspiring to
witness initiatives like SHEROES that celebrate leadership, culture, and human connection through
art and meaningful conversations. Supporting platforms that empower communities and encourage
positive engagement aligns strongly with our values.”
Mr. Ayush Gupta from 19 AGH shared: “SHEROES 2026 stands as a powerful example of how art,
storytelling, and community engagement can create meaningful social impact. It was inspiring to
support an initiative that brings together diverse voices, celebrates women’s leadership, and
encourages authentic human connection through culture and dialogue.”
A major highlight of SHEROES 2026 was the participation of an extraordinary group of international
artists whose works transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of cultures, stories, and artistic
expression.
The participating artists included Anupa Bhambhaney, Bless Afable, Celina Sarieddine, Celine Hubert
Tawakol, Cristina Gabriela Buzatu, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Esraa Ezzeldin Ali Ahmed, Farah Khan,
Manjari Choudhary, Marie Lafond, Mehrnoosh Doshmanziary, Natalia Menshenina, Nourma Almasri,
Paulomi Rana, Rekha Mudbidri, Rita Chehab, Ritika Dhawan Shah, Somya Rastogi, Sona Minas,
Stefania Pomillo, Stephanie Tenidis, Stuti Parikh, Sunela Zaman, Syeda Shamaila Sahar, Wafaa
Bouatta, Yuvika Garg.
The event also became a platform for announcing two major upcoming initiatives by Funun Arts
Group in collaboration with Khaleej Times.
The first was the launch announcement of the second edition of “30 Days 30 Stories,” a storytelling
initiative celebrating individuals whose journeys inspire leadership, resilience, creativity,
entrepreneurship, education, and humanitarian impact within society.
The second announcement introduced the upcoming 6th edition of the Annual Student Art Show,
one of the region’s growing youth art platforms organized by Funun Arts Group, Youth Creative
Minds Hub, and Khaleej Times. The initiative continues to empower young minds through creativity,
innovation, artistic expression, and cultural dialogue.
The event concluded with a collaborative live painting session symbolizing unity, collective creativity,
and shared expression, followed by networking and cultural exchange among attendees.
As SHEROES 2026 concluded, it reinforced a powerful message – that art, dialogue, empathy, and
collaboration remain essential tools for building stronger communities and creating meaningful
social impact.
Through creativity, compassion, and collective contribution, SHEROES continues to evolve as a
significant cultural platform celebrating leadership, human connection, and the transformative
power of giving.
As the event beautifully reflected:
“When women support one another, communities grow stronger, ideas become movements, and
compassion transforms into lasting impact.”
