Abu Dhabi Art names Dyala Nusseibeh as new director

Dyala Nusseibeh. Photo by Daisy Honeybunn

As the curtain rises on the 2016 edition of Abu Dhabi Art, the event has a new director.

The fruits of her labours will not start to become apparent until next year, but Emirati Dyala Nusseibeh’s appointment was announced at the weekend. She is the founder of the Art International art fair in Istanbul in 2012, before which she had a successful career with the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Her Palestinian-born father, Zaki, was an adviser and interpreter to Sheikh Zayed, the founding President of the UAE, and also a translator and adviser to UAE leaders since 1968.

A renowned collector and patron of the arts, he coached his three children to appreciate art and literature from a young age. With such a background, Nusseibeh is an apt choice to take the helm of Abu Dhabi Art.

“Dyala comes to Abu Dhabi Art with a sparkling reputation for innovation and strong relationships,” says Rita Aoun-Abdo, the executive director of culture sector at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

“Her work with Saatchi Gallery and with Art International bears witness to her passion for all elements of art and culture, as well as her expertise in finding out the most relevant and resonant aspects in fostering cultural dialogue. We are delighted to have her on board.”

During her four years with Art International, Nusseibeh helped to establish it as a leading platform for collectors to access art from diverse markets.

“Abu Dhabi Art is one of the cornerstones of the emirate’s growing cultural calendar, weaving in our rich national perspective into the ongoing global cultural conversation,” says Saif Saeed Ghobash, the director general of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

“Dyala is well connected to her peers in the art world and the UAE community so her forthcoming leadership is an important moment for the project.”