In the dynamic cultural environment of Dubai, Rania Kuzbari Ashur is a prominent figure. By introducing a variety of theatrical performances, educational stage plays, and art exhibitions to the city, the creator and CEO of Art For All has been a pioneer in developing Dubai's cultural atmosphere. Art For All has been active in arranging nearly 1,800 performances since its founding in 2002. Through collaboration with globally recognised theatrical production groups, it has presented shows like Peter Pan on Ice, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Banksy Exhibition, Shakespeare's Globe A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and English National Ballet's Angelina Ballerina in the United Arab Emirates.
Kuzbari, who is a passionate art aficionado, feels that theatre is a major component of society. Viewers get the opportunity to learn about mankind by observing the stories and activities that are told live on stage. Because every audience member has a different connection to a piece, live theatre is an expressive, creative, and enjoyable experience.
The lineup for the year
She is now working hard to organise an exhibition that will take place in September 2024 at the Foundry by Emaar in Downtown Dubai, including the original artwork of the renowned artist Andy Warhol. This theatre at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is operated by Art For All. The British expat, who is originally from Syria, says, "This year too, our audience can look forward to seeing new artists and acts never before staged in the Emirates." "We have curated shows for all kinds of people and introduced our viewers to new cultures and performance styles, from Argentinian Tango to Russian ballet, Colombian dance, Indian folk music, and comedy acts," she continues.

The seeds for Art For All were originally planted in 2000, according to Kuzbari, while she was in Beirut attending a children's performance while holding her 18-month-old daughter in her lap. The mother of three, who had recently relocated to Dubai from the UK, claims she was dissatisfied with the absence of live entertainment options for kids in the country at the time. She was driven to contribute all she could to the Emirates' family-friendly entertainment scene. "I intended to introduce children's book-based television. I contacted the Birmingham Stage Company in London, who were doing George's Marvellous Medicine, since I knew Roald Dahl was well-liked. We held it at Knowledge Village's auditorium, which was Dubai's only theatre at the time, and that's how Art For All actually got its start in 2002," the spokesperson claims.

Kuzbari, who was born in Syria, has resided in the UK, Paris, and Beirut. Over time, live cultural entertainment for adults from various cultures was added to Kuzbari's commitment to bridge the creative and cultural gap for kids in the United Arab Emirates. Her organisation performed in a number of local locations between 2002 and 2020, and it also supported regional tours around the GCC.

Become acquainted with the team

During the pandemic in 2020, Art For All established a historic collaboration by assuming management of the Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates, revitalising the space and transforming it into a sanctuary for theatregoers. They took yet another calculated decision to manage Zabeel Theatre in 2023, a year after commemorating their 20th anniversary. Over the years, what began in 2002 as a pastime for Kuzbari with just two freelance employees has blossomed into a renowned platform for developing talent both locally and internationally. Since then, the business has expanded to employ 20 full-time workers.
Kuzbari acknowledges that there are challenges and hardships involved with operating an entertainment organisation. "There are so many factors that make a show successful from the moment the curtains go up, from finding the right act to pitching for it, then overcoming the logistical glitches," she says.

There's never a boring time in show business, as they say, and Kuzbari has plenty of unforgettable stories to offer. For example, the director of the 2015 Romeo and Juliet play at the Shakespeare Globe asked to have an old automobile used as the main prop on stage throughout the fighting and dancing scenes. According to her, "I had to find the car, have it disassembled and fixed on stage, and we even had to fly it to Doha for one of our regional tours." The situation became more complex when she had to persuade the director to change a few sections that weren't proper for school plays."Although it wasn't funny at the time, I smile now when I think back on how we pulled this show off on stage." Another enormous undertaking for her organisation was building an ice rink on stage for the 2023 Peter Pan on Ice performance. She says it was all worthwhile in the end because of the happiness and amazement on the faces of her young audience members.

One of Kuzbari's main concerns as a private corporation is ticket sales. "When there is an event happening somewhere in the Emirates every night of the week, it may be quite difficult to fill seats. It's a fierce competition. We also battle with a shortage of funding and sponsorships," she continues.

She claims that her family's encouragement has helped her to continue her love of the arts. Their shared interest in theatre and music is also beneficial. "Finding what you enjoy doing is the finest thing that can happen to a human being, I always tell my kids. It was Art for All, for me. It has given me a goal and a fresh perspective on life," she says.
A venue for regional talent
Not only a supporter of high-caliber entertainment Kuzbari is equally committed to showcasing local artists, whether they are established performers or recent arrivals to the area. The opening act for the next Dhandho Show, which will feature Indian comic Munawar Faruqui at Zabeel Theatre on June 22, will be comedian Emaad Siddiqui, who is based in Dubai. It's Emaad's biggest performance to yet and a significant breakthrough. He is opening the performance for Munawar, who he is a fan of. At Zabeel Theatre, this is what we always want to achieve—giving a stage to a variety of talents," she adds.
Through social media contests and giveaways, Art for All aims to provide theatre to everyone. Kuzbari recently said that she got a message on Instagram from a dedicated fan who was given a free ticket to her very first theatrical experience since she couldn't afford to see one of the performances.

Families with special needs children may receive complimentary performance admission. "It truly warms my heart and confirms that nothing can beat live theatre when I see them laughing, applauding, and interacting with the performers on stage," she adds.