The night of February 22, 2025, was forever etched in the history of Hayat Arts as a monumental celebration of creativity, unity, and excellence organized and hosted by Safa Peshimam, the founder of Hayat Arts with her sister Sarah Peshimam being the co-founder at the beautiful gallery Cross Borders Art Gallery. The One—the grand 1-year anniversary event—was not merely an occasion but a testament to the remarkable journey that Hayat Arts had embarked upon in such a short span. This electrifying evening, filled with passion, inspiration, and an overwhelming spirit of artistic collaboration, stood as an undeniable statement of the power of art and its ability to unite diverse communities.
A Gathering of Visionaries: Honoring the Guests
With the presence of prominent dignitaries, renowned artists, fashion designers, and an incredible audience of art lovers, The One was a resounding success. The esteemed guests—leaders in their respective fields—praised the impeccable organization, the high-caliber hosting, and the sheer number of distinguished attendees, all gathered under one roof to celebrate artistic excellence.
A heartfelt appreciation was extended to Mr. Fawad for providing the exquisite gallery space and to Rayan for his invaluable assistance in making the evening a seamless and memorable experience. It was an honor to welcome:
• Mr. Yaqoob Al Ali
• Honorable Sultana Kazim
• Ms. Hiba
• Ms. Claudia Pinto
• Ms. Nada Al Barazi
• Ms. Tessy Koshy
• Mr. Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni
• Mr. Atul Panase
• Ms. Abeer Abdullah
• Ms. Sumayra
• Mr. Mohammed Ali
• Mr. Anjini Prakash Laitu
• Dr. Mariam Shaikh
Their presence elevated the event, reinforcing the global impact of Hayat Arts in the creative industry.
A Stunning Fusion of Art and Fashion
The night unfolded with spectacular fashion showcases, beginning with the highly anticipated Hayat Arts Fashion Show, which seamlessly blended artistic expression with haute couture. Amanda Kuruvita’s exquisite collection set the stage ablaze with its elegance, creativity, and storytelling through kaftan fashion. Later in the evening, THV Couture took over the runway, leaving the audience in awe with their breathtaking designs of traditional wear. The models and designers who participated in the show were recognized for their exceptional contributions, adding to the grandeur of the event.
A Thought-Provoking Panel Talk
Art had always been a conversation, a dialogue that transcended boundaries, and the esteemed panelists took the stage to delve deep into the evolution and impact of Hayat Arts. Led by Musab Shaikh, an editor for a luxury art and creative magazine, a freelance artist, and an avid fashion and art enthusiast and a poet, the discussion featured industry luminaries Ms. Claudia Pinto, Mr. Atul Panase, Ms. Nada Al Barazi, and Ms. Abeer Abdullah, who reflected on the rapid ascent of Hayat Arts in the UAE’s art scene. Their insights on inclusivity, art-meets-fashion collaborations, and the platform’s transformational impact on the industry sparked compelling discussions and deepened the appreciation of Hayat Arts’ mission.
The Historic Debut of the Hayat Arts Coffee Table Magazine
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the launch of the first-ever Hayat Arts Coffee Table Magazine—a visually stunning publication that encapsulated the essence of artistic brilliance. This milestone was celebrated by honoring the trailblazing figures featured in the magazine, including:
• Mr. Yaqoob Al Ali
• Honorable Ms. Sultana Kazim
• Mr. Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni
• Ms. Nada Al Barazi
• Ms. Abeer Abdullah
• Mr. Mohammed Ali
• Mr. Atul Panase
• Mr. Peter Gressman
• Dr. Mariam Shaikh
• Mr. Hanif Shaikh
Following this, the featured artists in this inaugural edition were recognized for their inspiring contributions to the world of art. Their work, spanning diverse themes and techniques, represented the future of the art industry.
• Aakanksha
• Edcel Cabalan
• Faezeh Mohammed
• Fatima Ahmed
• Jaimee Reyes
• Neda Godrazi
• Radha Bhatia
• Waaris
Honoring the Artists Who Made Hayat Arts Possible
Artists have always been the soul of Hayat Arts, and the evening was a celebration of their talent, resilience, and boundless creativity. From painters and sculptors to digital artists and calligraphy masters, the room was filled with individuals whose artistry had left an indelible mark on the world. Honorable guests led the charge in recognizing these gifted individuals. The energy in the room was electric as applause filled the space, acknowledging each artist’s hard work and passion. Artists:
- -Aakaksha Kshatriya
- -Amra Zuman
- -Anjini Prakash Laitu
- -Atul Panase
- -Dr. Seema Upadhye
- -Edcel Cabalan
- -Fahmida Shaikh
- -Humera Fatima
- -Anand & Mehdi (IJYA)
- -Jaimee Reyes
- -Kaitlyn Isabell
- -Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni
- -Karoline Denisha
- -Kiran Kumar
- -Mai Nasr
- -Nazmin Rasheed
- -Nisa Khan
- -Shades of Canva:
- -Sheeba Shabreen
- -Tammanna Ansari
- -Zahra Joyaeian
- -Versarte Musiva
- -Yasmin Shersha
A Surprise Book Launch & The Allegiance Award
A surprise element of the evening was the launch of “Behind the Fashionable Drapes” by Mr. Parvez Ahmed, an insightful literary work celebrating the essence of fashion, art, and storytelling. This moment of unveiling was met with excitement and admiration, further reinforcing the impact of Hayat Arts beyond visual creativity.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night was the presentation of The Allegiance Award to Edcel Cabalan—a loyal and dedicated artist who had been an integral part of Hayat Arts since its inception. His unwavering commitment and artistic excellence made him the deserving recipient of this honor, marking a truly special moment in the celebration.
Recognizing the Partners and Sponsors
No grand event was complete without the invaluable support of partners and sponsors. Their belief in Hayat Arts’ mission had been the driving force behind its success, growth, and ability to reach greater heights.
Special recognition was given to:
• DXB 24 LIVE – Media Partner
• HarshaVarddhan Ashok – Photography Partner
• Aafrin Fatema & Viktoriia Platner – Makeup Artists
A special mention was also made for the partners who were unable to be present, including Clayed by Rasha (Gifting Partner), SDLuxury Magazine (Magazine Partner), UAE Stories (Media Partner), and The Times of UAE (Media Partner), whose contributions played an instrumental role in making The One a night to remember.
The Grand Finale: The Art Tour
The night culminated in an immersive art tour, where guests were taken on a journey through the brilliant creations of 25 talented artists from around the world. As attendees explored the diverse works, engaging with the artists themselves, it became evident that Hayat Arts had truly succeeded in bringing together cultures, ideas, and artistic expressions on a single platform.
A Night of Legacy, A Future of Infinite Possibilities
The One had been more than just an anniversary—it was a statement. A statement of unwavering passion, artistic evolution, and boundless possibilities. The event exceeded all expectations, setting the stage for an even more impactful future for Hayat Arts. With an audience that included some of the most influential figures in the art and fashion industries, it was clear that Hayat Arts was not just an organization—it was a movement.
As this chapter closed and the future was envisioned, one thing was certain: this was just the beginning. Hayat Arts would continue to push boundaries, celebrate artistry, and create a legacy that echoed through generations.
