In a vibrant celebration of creativity and cultural dialogue, Dubai welcomed artists from around the globe at the inaugural edition of the Global Canvas Festival, organized by Yasham Events Management. The festival was held under the leadership of renowned visual artist Dr. Louay Al-Aswad, with Adriana El Hajj serving as Cultural Advisor, and Mohamad Osama Diab as the Festival’s Art Director.
The event took place at the Millennium Al Barsha Hotel, one of the festival’s key sponsors, alongside National Paints, Rashid Center for People of Determination, Yasham Events, Al Furat Marble, and several other esteemed sponsors and supporters of the arts—all of whom played an essential role in the success of this international artistic gathering.
The festival drew notable attendance from distinguished diplomatic guests, including H.E. the Syrian Consul General, H.E. the Palestinian Consul, and H.E. the Lebanese Ambassador, adding a valuable diplomatic and cultural dimension to the event.
More than 30 countries were represented by participating artists—painters and sculptors alike—who came together, driven by a shared passion for visual storytelling and creative expression. Attendees engaged in rich artistic dialogues, exchanging ideas, experiences, and inspiration throughout the festival.
The event began with an outdoor exhibition tour, where guests had the opportunity to explore the diverse artworks, interact directly with the artists, ask questions, and participate in meaningful conversations. This was followed by an honorary ceremony where participating artists were recognized and presented with tokens of appreciation and certificates in recognition of their contributions and commitment to the arts.
“Every artwork is a message delivered by the artist with beauty and sincerity—a message that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart,” said Dr. Ziad Zahreddine, Syrian Consul General. He added, “Dubai, with its deep appreciation for art and culture, is the ideal place for artists to flourish.”
The event attracted a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, media representatives, entrepreneurs, public figures, and artists, all eager to discover the visions and experiences of international visual artists. The showcased works ranged from contemporary abstract pieces to classical realism, reflecting the depth and complexity of the global art scene.
The Global Canvas Festival reaffirmed Dubai’s position as a dynamic and inclusive hub for global cultural exchange and an ideal destination for creative convergence between people from around the world.
Written by: Lana Al Hennawi
Media Coordinator of the Global Canvas Art Festival
