WBO People
We Become One was born from a conversation between Zubin Karkaria and Mike Reiter about the art of Tom Lohner and the power of art to connect people, cultures and creative worlds across borders. Together with Tom, this initial idea evolved into a shared vision and an international initiative bringing people from different backgrounds together through art, creativity and collaboration.
We Become One will officially launch in Dubai in November 2026, marking the beginning of an international journey that aims to connect artists, cultures, cities, countries and creative communities around the world.
Bringing together Austrian, Emirati and international artists at its launch in Dubai, We Become One aims to grow into a global creative network, welcoming artists from all over the world to become part of its journey, exchange ideas, explore new collaborations and create shared works of art that connect people and cultures across borders.
We are especially grateful for the valuable support of H.E. Alexander Bayerl, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the United Arab Emirates, and the Austrian Embassy. Their commitment to the vision of We Become One has played an important role in making Dubai the starting point of this international initiative. We are also honoured that the Austrian Embassy will host this special launch reception, officially opened by the Ambassador.
DIFC, one of Dubai’s leading international business and cultural destinations, will provide the setting for the very first We Become One project, marking the beginning of a creative journey designed to connect people, cultures and artistic worlds across borders.
Dubai is where We Become One begins, with a vision that reaches far beyond borders.
WBO Founders
Zubin Karkaria
Founder & CEO, VFS Global
We are honoured to have H.E. Alexander Bayerl, Austrian Ambassador to the UAE, as patron of We Become One and are very pleased to work closely with him and the Austrian Embassy in the UAE. Conceived by artist Tom Lohner and Mike Reiter from Brainsworld, We Become One is a wonderful initiative that brings together Emirati and Austrian creativity through the universal language of art. Together, we are creating a platform where young Emirati artists and creative talent can collaborate with international artists, exchange ideas and gain wider exposure. It is a meaningful celebration of creativity, cultural exchange and the strong connections between the UAE and Austria.
Tom Lohner
International Contemporary Artist & Lead Artist WBO
Art is a universal language, communicating emotion, ideas and meaning beyond words and borders. I feel truly honored to be part of We Become One and to share this language beyond my own borders, connecting with new perspectives, cultures and creative worlds.
Mike Reiter
CMO & Co Owner, Brainsworld 360° Agency
We Become One began with a simple thought:
what can happen when different creative worlds come together and truly collaborate? The vision is to grow this idea into something meaningful and lasting, with the potential to connect people around the world.
WBO People
Listed in alphabetical order
Bernd Alexander Bayerl
Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the UAE
Pop Art is entirely new territory for me, but I presume it is for many others as well. Despite its roots in the 1950s and 1960s, we are witnessing something contemporary and creative, and perhaps this very aspect of engaging with this particular genre of art is exactly what makes this project so fascinating. It creates unexpected encounters, new conversations and a different way of seeing one another. I am delighted to be part of an initiative that brings people together in such an open and creative way. In many ways, this is also what diplomacy is about: creating encounters, fostering understanding and opening up new perspectives.
Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau
Owner Mayr-Melnhof Holz Group
We Become One marks the beginning of an initiative that brings people together and goes far beyond art. I am especially pleased that our wood can be part of it, helping to create something lasting that makes connection and collaboration visible.
Saleh Al Akrabi
Chief Real Estate Officer at DIFC
We are delighted to welcome Tom Lohner’s art to DIFC. Art and culture are deeply woven into the identity of the district, and his distinctive work will bring an international perspective to a creative community that continues to grow and evolve.
Dr. Viraj Sanghi
Neuroscientist & Healthcare Philanthropist
We Become One represents the profound intersection of Art, Neuroscience, and Humanity. By uniting minds across continents, diverse backgrounds and distinct professions, we bridge the gap between creative expression and scientific understanding. Grounded in true inclusivity, our shared passion for art fuels a global philanthropic mission. Together, We Become One to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.