SAFIR is a non-profit initiative supporting Syrian contemporary artists, in Syria and across the diaspora.

Who we are

We work through two levers: capacity building and connectivity. In practice that means mentorship, artist residencies, exhibitions, workshops and international collaborations that help artists grow both their practice and their reach.

By connecting artists with cultural institutions, creative communities and new audiences, SAFIR strengthens artistic practice, encourages cultural exchange and expands the international presence of Syrian contemporary art.

Programs: 4
Countries: 9
Continents: 3

Our Vision

رؤيتنا

A thriving, connected artistic community in which Syrian contemporary artists have the visibility, support and opportunity to develop their practice, collaborate across cultures and reach international audiences.

Our Mission

رسالتنا

To support Syrian contemporary artists through capacity building, mentorship, residencies, workshops, exhibitions and international connectivity.

We build partnerships that widen access to resources, strengthen professional networks and give artists real opportunities to grow and share their work internationally.

Our Values

The principles behind how we work with artists, partners and creative communities.

Artistic Freedom

Supporting artists as they develop their own voices, ideas and creative practices.

Collaboration

Building meaningful relationships between artists, cultural organizations and creative communities.

Cultural Exchange

Encouraging artistic dialogue across cultures, perspectives and borders.

Access & Opportunity

Widening access to learning, professional networks and international opportunities.

Our Team

The people shaping SAFIR’s direction, partnerships and support for Syrian contemporary artists.

01Co-Founder

Hala Khayat

Hala Khayat, Director and Head of Sales at Christie’s Dubai since 2007, plays a key role in the development of the Middle Eastern art market.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, and a Master’s degree in Design Studies from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.

Khayat was listed at number 70 on Arabian Business’s list of the 100 most powerful Arabs under 40.

Alongside her senior role at Christie’s, she lectures on art history and the art market in the region, and is preparing a catalogue raisonné of the Syrian artist Louay Kayyali (1934–1977).

02President

Dr. Nader Kabbani

Nader Kabbani has more than fifteen years’ experience in the non-profit sector.

He is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Previously, he was Director of Policy and Research at the Silatech Foundation and Director of the Syrian Development Research Center at the Syria Trust for Development.

He has held academic positions at the American University of Beirut and served on the research staff of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California State Senate.

Kabbani holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

03Executive Director

Dima Al Munajed

An academic, social researcher and management professional, Dima brings to SAFIR more than 15 years of experience building effective partnerships and leading innovative initiatives across the private and NGO sectors in the Middle East.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Studies from the American University of Beirut and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from SOAS, University of London.

She is completing a doctorate in conflict and gender studies at the University of Bonn.

A self-taught artist herself, Dima is committed to making a positive impact on the wider community, and brings that commitment to SAFIR through her management and research expertise.

04Secretary

Fathallah Zamroud

Fathallah Zamroud is a Beirut-born painter, art scholar and head jewellery designer at Zamroud Ets. He studied Interior Architecture at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, then trained privately in painting and drawing.