In an era where cultural institutions face increasing pressure to remain relevant, many museums find themselves trapped in traditional approaches, struggling to connect with modern audiences, particularly the younger generation. Yet, amidst this challenge, one visionary leader is setting a new course for the future of museums, reshaping their purpose, and bridging the gap between art, history, and community.
Manal Ataya, a trailblazer with two decades of experience at the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), is redefining how museums engage with their audiences. Her journey, which began with a deep passion for art as a child and continued with her studies of art history and museum studies during her university years, has evolved into a lifelong mission to make culture not just accessible, but deeply relevant to all.
Today, as the Museums Advisor to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Manal is at the helm of an exciting transformation, guiding institutions in the Middle East into a future where inclusivity, interaction, and innovation are paramount.
A Cultural Diplomacy Powerhouse
Manal Ataya has long championed cultural diplomacy as a key to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and deepening community understanding. Through strategic partnerships with global organizations, she has placed Sharjah at the centre of cultural diplomacy, strengthening its reputation as a hub for diverse narratives and mutual understanding. Her efforts go beyond mere exhibitions; she creates spaces where international cooperation flourishes, enhancing Sharjah’s role on the global cultural stage.
Her forward-thinking approach integrates new technologies with art, transforming the museum experience into something dynamic and immersive. Under Manal’s leadership, traditional displays have morphed into greater storytelling and nuanced narratives as well as interactive environments that not only capture the imagination of younger audiences but also foster learning and creative exploration for all ages. Families and children are invited to engage with history and culture in ways that are relevant to their daily lives, sparking curiosity and connection.
Reimagining Museums as Learning Hubs
Manal’s impact extends far beyond exhibitions. She has revolutionized the role of museums as vital centres for community learning, connection, and engagement. By focusing on educational outreach, she has shifted the perception of museums from intimidating and exclusive spaces of artifacts to vibrant spaces that foster a sense of belonging and lifelong learning. Her work proves that museums, under visionary leadership, can serve as catalysts for social cohesion, creativity, and intellectual growth.
As a strategic thinker and a creative force, Manal has ensured that Sharjah’s museums are not only places of cultural preservation but also platforms for future generations of artists, scholars, and cultural leaders. By embedding accessibility and inclusivity into every aspect of museum operations, she has made certain that these institutions truly reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Visionary Leadership and Achievements
Manal Ataya’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative. She has played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and realization of iconic institutions such as the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the Sharjah Fort Museum, and the Sharjah Aquarium. Each project bears the hallmark of her meticulous planning, community engagement, and innovative vision.
Her groundbreaking “Because We Are” initiative, which she established over a decade ago and which focuses on social responsibility and disability inclusion, has positioned Sharjah as a global leader in making cultural spaces accessible. Through tailored programs for the autism community and individuals with disabilities, this initiative has garnered international acclaim, exemplifying how cultural institutions can lead the way in social responsibility.
Moreover, Manal has been instrumental in forging significant collaborations with esteemed cultural powerhouses like the Pergamon Museum in Berlin and London’s Tate Modern, with a special focus on institutions in the Middle East, including the Oman National Museum, the Khalil Gibran Foundation, and Jordan’s National Gallery. These partnerships have resulted in exhibitions that celebrate cultural heritage and artistic expression while encouraging dialogue between diverse communities.
Her pioneering of the SAWA Museum Studies program—the only cross-cultural museum initiative of its kind in the Arab world—has empowered emerging cultural leaders, providing mentorship and training to ensure the continued growth and diversification of the museum field.
Championing Wellbeing and Social Cohesion
Recognizing the crucial link between culture, wellbeing, and social harmony, Manal is also a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and the role museums can play in supporting it. Particularly in the post-COVID world, she has led efforts to position museums as spaces of healing and social connection, where visitors can engage not just with art but with each other in meaningful ways.
Under her leadership, the Sharjah Museums Authority is now introducing more programs that cater to the emotional and psychological needs of its visitors, promoting positive psychology through regular wellbeing initiatives, including those for the elderly to combat loneliness and isolation.
Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Cultural Landscape
In her strategic vision for the future of museums, Manal emphasizes the importance of cultural infrastructure that nurtures creativity, supports local artists, and drives social change. She believes that museums must evolve to remain relevant, particularly through the adoption of technology and innovation, making them dynamic, interactive spaces that cater to the interests of modern audiences.
Her unwavering commitment to inclusivity is reflected in her work to develop policies and advocate for legislation that protect cultural heritage and fosters creativity. Manal’s leadership ensures that museums remain not only places of learning but also spaces that celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and inspire future generations.
A Global Leader in Museology
Manal Ataya is a forward-thinking leader who recognizes the global trends shaping the future of museology. She was the only person in the UAE when she returned from university in 2004 with a degree in museum studies and the youngest female appointed Director General in the Sharjah government, where she worked tirelessly to help position Sharjah Museums Authority at the forefront of several key developments, from educational initiatives to the focus on training UAE nationals in museum skills. Her quick pivot and investment in online programming during the pandemic exemplifies her commitment to ensuring that cultural access remains uninterrupted, even in times of crisis.
By fostering cross-cultural collaborations and championing the preservation of both tangible and intangible heritage, Manal has positioned Sharjah as a vital player in the global museum landscape, ensuring that its rich history and cultural contributions are recognized and celebrated worldwide.
A Vision for Global Cultural Exchange
At the heart of Manal’s vision is the belief that cultural institutions must serve as platforms for global exchange and dialogue. She works tirelessly to ensure that the stories and history of the UAE are shared with the world, addressing misconceptions about the region and highlighting its rich cultural diversity. Through her participation as a speaker at international museum conferences and her participation on international juries, she showcases the UAE’s significance as a historical and cultural crossroads.
Her ambition for the Sharjah Museums Authority is clear: to become a model for how cultural institutions can not only preserve the past but also shape the future, serving as beacons of inspiration, education, and connection for communities both locally and globally.
A Legacy of Cultural Leadership
Manal Ataya’s contributions to the world of museums and cultural diplomacy are profound and far-reaching. Her legacy is one of innovation, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to fostering understanding across cultures. As she continues to guide Sharjah Museums Authority into the future, there is no doubt that her visionary leadership will continue to shape the cultural landscape for years to come, ensuring that museums remain vital spaces of learning, engagement, and inspiration.
In Manal’s hands, the future of culture is bright, dynamic, and deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of the many communities it serves.
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Manal Ataya is a prominent figure in the UAE’s cultural sector, with over 20 years of senior-level experience in museum management, cultural heritage, and cultural diplomacy. Currently serving as the Museums Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Ataya is responsible for supporting the strategic planning, cultural policy development, and overseeing new museum projects across Sharjah. In this capacity, she implements the Ruler’s directives for the future growth and enhancement of the emirate’s museum network.
Before taking on her advisory role in 2023, Ataya served as the Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) for 16 years. During her tenure, she led the executive management of 17 museums across Sharjah, which cover a diverse range of subjects, including Islamic culture and history, contemporary art, UAE heritage, maritime history, archaeology, science, and children’s learning. She managed a team of over 700 staff, establishing Sharjah as a leading cultural hub in the region through dynamic museum programming and cross-cultural initiatives.
Ataya’s influence extends beyond her role at SMA, as she is actively engaged in various advisory boards, including the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), the University of Sharjah’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, ICCROM-Sharjah, a regional office of the UN’s cultural heritage body, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also served on the board of trustees of Hamilton College.
Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College (2001) and a graduate degree in Museum Studies from Harvard University (2004). She has also completed distinguished leadership fellowships, such as the Clore Leadership Programme in 2010, and is both an Eisenhower and Aspen Institute Fellow.
Ataya’s contributions have been widely recognized. She has been honoured with the Order of Arts & Letters from the Republic of France (2018) and the Order of Merit from the Federal Republic of Germany (2022). Additionally, she was listed among Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Inspiring Women Leaders and received the Leadership in Culture and Arts award from the Harvard Alumni Association in 2018 for her exceptional impact in the cultural sector.
