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Sunny Rahbar
Co Founder, The Third Line
Sunny Rahbar is a prominent figure in the Middle Eastern art world, best known as the co-founder and director of The Third Line, a leading contemporary art gallery in Dubai.12
Background and Career
Sunny Rahbar was born in Oklahoma but moved to Dubai at the age of three. She later studied in London and New York, where she noticed a lack of representation for Middle Eastern artists in global art hubs.2 This realization inspired her to create a platform to support artists and creatives from the Middle East upon her return to Dubai.
In 2005, Rahbar co-founded The Third Line gallery along with Claudia Cellini and Omar Ghobash.1 The gallery was established in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, with the mission of showcasing work by artists from the Middle East and North Africa.
The Third Line
Under Rahbar's leadership, The Third Line has played a pivotal role in the development of the contemporary art scene in the Middle East:
- Pioneer in the region: The gallery was one of the first spaces in the region to represent artists formally.1
- Multifaceted approach: Initially, it operated more like a nonprofit arts center, focusing on engaging audiences and creating a space for discourse.1
- Artist representation: The gallery represents artists of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) origin, both those living in the region and in the diaspora.1
- Diverse mediums: The Third Line works with artists across various mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, and film.1
Vision and Impact
Rahbar's vision for The Third Line has evolved over the years:
- Initial goal: To create a dynamic space and platform for the emerging contemporary Middle Eastern art scene.1
- Current focus: Supporting artists' careers "beyond the physical gallery walls" and uniting stakeholders in the arts around shared visions and values.2
- Future outlook: Rahbar emphasizes the importance of community and sustainability in the art world.2
Sunny Rahbar continues to be a influential figure in the Middle Eastern art scene, driving innovation and fostering connections between artists, collectors, and institutions in the region and beyond.

