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      Manal Ataya

      Manal Ataya

      Contributor
      Location
      Manal Ataya is an adviser to the Sharjah Museums Authority

      Articles

      WAM/The National
      Weekend EssayHow Abu Dhabi's new museums honour the past and envision the future

      This moment is a reminder that culture is a vital part of the UAE national identity

      CommentOctober 24, 2025
      Mohammed Mandi, renowned Arabic calligrapher at work, at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
      Are younger Arabs speaking less Arabic?

      Several surveys in at least the past decade have echoed what many Arab parents can already see and feel in their homes

      CommentOctober 03, 2025
      Visitors at an exhibition at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, in Sharjah. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
      CommentHow museums can widen their definitions of sustainability

      The sustainability refers to reducing carbon footprints, but it is also about continuing meaningful human connections

      CommentJuly 29, 2025
      People on the bridge to the Bluewaters Island in Dubai. There are no fines for uncovered shoulders or short skirts in most spaces. The UAE does not enforce rigid public dress codes. Reuters
      CommentThere's no dress code in the UAE but how appropriate is your outfit?

      Can it be left to people's common sense to keep local culture and sensibilities in mind (and leave beachwear to the beach?)

      CommentJuly 08, 2025
      Visitors observe Living Architecture: Gehry, by Turkish-American media artist Refik Anadol, an audiovisual installation that reimagines Frank Gehry’s architectural legacy through AI and generative art, at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, March 6. Reuters
      CommentAI is changing the modern landscape and that includes museums

      Despite many advancements, museums face several challenges in adopting AI-driven technologies

      OpinionApril 03, 2025
      Al Quoz Arts Festival in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
      CommentDubai’s new art fair grant is taking Emirati art to the world

      An international art fairs grant will enable gallerists in Dubai promote UAE artists

      CommentMarch 11, 2025
      An installation piece titled 'A Reversed Retrogress, Scene 1' by artist Mary Sibande, at the Sharjah Biennial, Al Hamriyah Studios, 2023. Motaz Mawid / Sharjah Art Foundation
      CommentThis could be a new era for the UAE’s cultural landscape

      The law on empowering the arts sector is a visionary initiative that underscores the UAE's commitment to cultural innovation and creativity

      OpinionDecember 24, 2024
      Tourists explore the Museum of the Ancient Agora in Athens, Greece. AP
      How to engage young people and future leaders with the global museum scene

      Multicultural learning that draws in young leaders is at the core of a cultural initiative in Sharjah

      CommentOctober 09, 2024
      Environmental activists hurl soup at Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, at the Louvre museum in Paris, on January 28. A bullet-proof glass protects the painting. AFP
      Defacing art for activism's sake is ineffectual

      Activists must reconsider tactics and adopt more constructive means to bring about change

      CommentJuly 11, 2024
      Talli, the traditional handicraft practised in the UAE. Photo: Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council
      Emirati craftsmanship has plenty to do with Arab cultural authenticity

      Whether in art, fashion, architecture or handicrafts, it's good to see examples of Arabic traditions merging modern techniques with practices from the past

      CommentMay 14, 2024
      A piece by Palestinian artist Samia Halaby at the 60th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, on April 16. AP
      Museums bear the responsibility to make space for artistic freedom

      Reception of art activism within cultural organisations has been inconsistent

      OpinionApril 25, 2024
      Florence Nightingale's wheelchair is installed at the Florence Nightingale Museum in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, London, on June 12. PA Photo
      Inclusivity should be designed into every aspect of society

      In the Middle East, particularly the UAE, significant strides have been made in recognising the rights of people with disabilities and promoting universal accessibility

      CommentDecember 25, 2023
      Adele James as Queen Cleopatra. Netflix
      What does Arab identity really mean?

      Arab museums have a big role in shaping identity and fostering global understanding

      CommentAugust 29, 2023
      Children learn activities such as sand art at Salt Camp, Louvre Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
      Learning about art and visiting museums can do wonders for mental health

      Everyone can benefit from the healing power of art, including young people facing challenges

      CommentJuly 18, 2023
      The Kalba Ice Factory, on the Gulf of Oman, was renovated by the Sharjah Art Foundation in time for this year's Sharjah Biennial 15. Sharjah Art Foundation
      Art patronage is an ancient tradition in the Islamic world we can't afford to lose

      Lending support to established and emerging artists goes beyond financial contributions

      CommentJune 07, 2023
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