About Us: Celebrating the Stories, Art, and Culture of the East 
Founder’s Note
QissaGoi is more than the vision I had for an art and cultural space—it’s my personal journey, which started with my love for stories and my belief in the power of connection. From a young girl, I’ve always been inspired by the art of storytelling, the way great narration can bring people together, inspire new thinking, and foster understanding. Yet, as I traveled and learned about different culturals, I felt the absence of a space that celebrated the voices of the East, in an authentic, and unfiltered way. A space that honored our heritage, whilst also embracing the modern world. This is how QissaGoi was born: from my desire to see a platform where stories, in all their forms, could be enjoyed without the limitations of your typical art scene.
QissaGoi isn’t confined to galleries. It’s found in the warmth of shared meals, the weave of textile designs, and the discussions sparked by the beauty of art. It is an archive of the forgotten, the overlooked, and the misfits stories, giving them a home where they can be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s through an immersive art installation, a handcrafted piece of bakhoor that carries memories of home, or the voices of artisans whose hands hold generations of history, QissaGoi is a celebration of the everyday.
Shabana Faizal.
What We Do 
Events
Cultural Salon Series
QissaGoi’s Cultural Salon is an intimate event series that celebrates Eastern narratives through art, storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences.
Third Culture Taboos
Casual discussions tackling sensitive or controversial topics to foster understanding and dialogue.
Projects
All of our projects celebrate Eastern culture and arts. From community-driven initiatives to collaborative art installations, cultural exploration is at the core of everything we do.
Digital
Our community isn’t limited to our events, it continues on social media.
The Collective
(Coming soon) The QissaGoi Collective is a collaborative space for artists, creatives and enthusiasts to come together.
Meet The Team 
At QissaGoi we all share a love for culture and creativity, that is the thread that has brought us together.
I bring Eastern traditions to life through storytelling and creative content, making sure every project resonates with the spirit of our culture.
A Story You’ll Never Forget
I love stories from history. My father telling me about the Taj Mahal. The court diaries of the Mughals which help you visualize life back in the days. Learning the Bhagavad Gita which helps us understand how human beings have to get back our selves. For me it was important to understand human beings pre-religion.
Eastern Culture in a Sentence
Eastern culture is a rich, tolerant, vibrant culture which has helped me understand and respect all cultures.
I fell in love with Eastern cultures in the same way one falls asleep: at first, little by little; then, suddenly, you fall fully, totally, and irrevocably. For the last fifteen years, I have worked closely with Pan-Asian artists, private collectors, auction houses, museums, and international institutions, acting as their bridge between cultural programming, strategic development and fundraising initiatives. In my experience, every object tells a story; every person is a narrator.
A STORY YOU’LL NEVER FORGET
When I was little, my mum came up with an imaginative tale of a small ant travelling the world. Although she was still young and little, she was very brave and curious. Every night, she used to tell me a story in a different country, articulating each adventure so beautifully and unique in every detail, a bit like an episode-based series. I’ll never forget the Tales of the Little Ant and the lessons they taught me: go out there, seek your great adventure, and remember, you are never too small to make an impact!
EASTERN CULTURE IN A SENTENCE
Eastern culture, for me, is a besan ladoo when the nights get longer and we light them up with diyas lights; it is a heart-warming, nutty sahlab on a wintery rainy day; it is a freshly cooked sabzi polo ba mahi when we celebrate the arrival of spring; and it is a delicious bowl of matcha ice cream with mochi and Azuki beans on a hot summer day.
If food is life, so are the cultures of the East. They represent a kaleidoscopic, rich tapestry of artistic traditions, philosophical thought, and storytelling practices that have shaped global histories and continue to inspire our contemporary cultural dialogues.
At QissaGoi, I get to do a bit of everything – planning, coordinating events, and diving into creative projects! I work with amazing artists and collaborators, juggling communication and logistics to bring exciting ideas to life. Whether it’s shaping QissaGoi’s vision or keeping the team in sync, I love making sure our events are meaningful and leave a lasting impression.
A Story You’ll Never Forget
My dad’s words inspire me every morning. His stories about leaving his hometown in the ’80s, moving to Dubai, and facing challenges with a smile always felt like Superman sharing his adventures. His resilience and boundless love are a constant reminder of strength and courage.
Eastern Culture in a Sentence
Eastern culture, to me, embodies a profound sense of community, timeless traditions, and a deep connection to spirituality and art that nurtures the soul and celebrates life’s harmony.
A Story You’ll Never Forget
A story I’ll never forget is when my mum, dad, and I took a four-hour road trip to an area in South India. We spent the whole ride chatting about all the amazing historical and mythological stories from India. My parents told me about ancient kings, gods, and ghost stories, and it felt like we were traveling through time as much as through the countryside. It was one of those moments where the stories really came to life, and I’ll always remember it.
Eastern Culture in a Sentence
Eastern culture is such a beautiful blend of traditions and values that really makes you feel connected to something bigger. You can feel the love and respect in everything, from how family is cherished to the deep spirituality that runs through daily life.
A Story You’ll Never Forget
I’ll never forget the spontaneous conversations with my parents, be it going to a cafe in the early mornings or having tea and chilling at home in the late nights. Them telling me all their stories about their journey coming to the UAE, and stories about all the family history and drama.
Eastern Culture in a Sentence
Eastern Culture for me is very rich and profound, there are many layers to it and as you peel each layer you find something even more beautiful beneath. It surrounds you with a sense of warmth and family.