25hours Hotel One Central and World Art Dubai welcome Youness Siraj Mounir for an abstract Artist in Hotel Residence program

25hours Hotel One Central announces the return of its Artist in Hotel Residence (AIR) program, in partnership with World Art Dubai (WAD). Now in its second edition, the program continues 25hours’ tradition of supporting diverse creative voices, a journey that began at 25hours Hotel Langstrasse in Zurich, where invited artists work in a dedicated studio and leave behind a piece for the hotel’s collection. The Dubai edition builds on this legacy, providing artists with space, time, and a platform to create works that live far beyond the canvas.

This year, the canvas belongs to Youness Siraj Mounir. Also known in the Dubai art scene as Yun Kusanagi, Youness is a Moroccan abstract expressionist whose work fuses the vibrancy of urban culture with deep emotional introspection. From 18 September to 6 October, across three weekends (18–22 September, 26–29 September, and 3–6 October), he has been creating a series of original works entitled 4019 – Traces, inspired by his residence at 25hours Hotel One Central. Working from the privacy of his suite, the residency itself is not open to the public, with the full collection set to be unveiled at a special launch event later in October. Each piece reflects the unique vibe and ambiance of the hotel throughout the day, capturing the subtle rhythms, moods, and energy from dawn to night. Through textured, layered canvases, Youness translates these fleeting experiences into works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

This collaboration marks the second consecutive year that 25hours Hotel One Central has partnered with WAD to host a joint Artist in Residence program, building on the success of WAD’s own AIR initiative launched in 2023 and its ongoing support in curating standout artists for the program. Youness, who exhibited his work at the 2025 edition of WAD with Art community Artezaar, was selected for his ability to merge abstract expressionism with the energy of urban culture, producing work that is raw, bold, and emotionally resonant — perfectly reflecting the program’s goal of showcasing art that challenges, inspires, and connects. “World Art Dubai champions accessible, diverse art from around the world,” said Asma Alsharif, AVP, Sustainable Development, Exhibitions, DWTC. “This collaboration with 25hours Hotel One Central reflects our mission to make art part of everyday life in Dubai, ahead of our 2026 edition.”

Born in Casablanca and shaped by years in the UK, Youness brings a unique perspective to Dubai’s cultural landscape. For him, painting is more than a creative pursuit; it is a language of self-reflection and emotional exploration. His canvases — including the 4019 – Traces series — transform daily impressions, conversations, and the shifting energy of spaces into works that are unapologetically raw and bold, designed to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Drawing from both abstract expressionism and street art, his work turns personal experience into a shared emotional journey.

Having lived in the UAE for the past two years, Youness has made it his mission to strip art back to what matters: creating works that resonate beyond the canvas and spark dialogue, connection, and shared emotion. Through his practice, he conveys the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of creativity to heal, unite, and ignite reflection in a vibrant, multicultural world. Each piece stands as a testament to the idea that art is not just a visual experience but an emotional journey: bold, immersive, and profoundly human.

Through the Artist in Hotel Residence program, 25hours Hotel One Central continues to champion bold, experimental art in Dubai, providing a platform for artists like Youness to create work that challenges, inspires, and connects. The residency will culminate in a special launch event on 18 October, where members of the art community, collectors, and creative enthusiasts will have the exclusive opportunity to experience Youness’s latest works up close and engage with the artist himself.

World Art Dubai returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 23-26 April 2026, when the search for a new Artist in Residence will begin. For more information, please visit www.worldartdubai.com