Manal Ataya

A leading figure in the UAE cultural sector, Manal Ataya is a museology specialist with 15 years of senior managerial experience in museum development and cultural diplomacy.

As Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), Ataya is responsible for the overall executive management of 16 museums in the emirate of Sharjah, UAE. These cover a broad range of subjects, including Islamic culture and history, contemporary art, heritage, maritime history, archaeology, science and children’s learning. She manages a team of over 600 staff working across Sharjah’s museums.

Responsible for implementing His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s directives for future museum and cultural heritage related projects in Sharjah, her mandate includes the strategic development of future museum projects, museum and cultural policy, fostering partnerships with international institutions and leading efforts to deliver best practices in museum services.

Ataya has degrees from both Hamilton College and Harvard University and has been recognised by distinguished international leadership programs as a Clore fellow and an Aspen Institute fellow.

Since the publication of this list,Ataya has left her role as director-general at SMA and now serves the organisation as museums advisor.