Dubai: The UAE is set to welcome a significant new cultural initiative as acclaimed Indian theatre and film practitioners Rasika Agashe and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub prepare to launch DUA – Dreamtime Union of Artists, an international artist repertoire based in the UAE.

Envisioned as a platform dedicated to nurturing theatre and film initiatives within the UAE, DUA aims to support emerging talent and grassroots artistic development while fostering collaboration among the Indian diaspora, Emirati creatives, and artists from diverse nationalities, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global cultural crossroads.
Speaking about choosing the UAE as the base for DUA, Founder of DUA said: “Dubai is a unique cultural meeting point where people from diverse backgrounds live and create together. It is the ideal space to build an international repertoire of artists, and I believe we will be able to develop a UAE-born community of talent that can showcase theatre and the arts not only across the UAE, but on global platforms as well.”DUA’s initiatives will include intimate Drawing Room Theatre experiences, large-scale productions, acting and filmmaking training programmes, and collaborative creative projects designed to build a vibrant and inclusive artistic ecosystem.
                                                                                                                                                    The platform will debut with Canvas of Dreams, a talent discovery showcase created to identify and nurture original artistic voices. Unlike conventional competitions, Canvas of Dreams prioritises artistic growth and creative exploration, offering selected participants mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, making it both a performance platform and a learning-led initiative.

Rasika Agashe is a director, producer, and actor whose work spans theatre, film, and television. Her debut directorial feature, Ticha Shahar Hona (City Personified), has received critical acclaim at national and international film festivals, including screenings in Sweden, Bhutan, Istanbul, and at the L.A. Independent Women’s Film Festival, establishing her as a distinctive creative voice.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is a highly respected actor in the Hindi film industry, known for his versatility and impactful performances. His work in films such as Raanjhanaa, Raees, and Article 15, along with acclaimed web series including Scoop, Criminal Justice, and Real Kashmir Football Club, reflects his commitment to meaningful and socially relevant storytelling.

Alumni of the prestigious National School of Drama, New Delhi, Rasika Agashe and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub are widely recognised for their contribution to Indian theatre and cinema, bringing together decades of experience across performance, direction, and storytelling.