Manal Ataya

Manal Ataya

Contributor


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

October 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

July 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

May 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

April 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

December 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

August 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

July 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

June 07, 2023
The author's father arrived in the UAE in May 1975. The red stamp on the top right marks his entry into the country. Courtesy Manal Ataya
How the Emirates helped my family find the courage to start over

In 1975, my father landed in the UAE and realised his destiny, writes Manal Ataya

December 02, 2021
The Art Dubai 2021 art fair was intended to highlight the creative energy of the emirate and beyond. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Updating UAE copyright laws empowers artists

All creatives have the right to operate knowing that the law protects their work

July 16, 2021
 Visitors at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Leslie Pableo / The National
A cultural challenge for the new year that involves the whole family

Anyone who calls the UAE home will benefit from visiting museums and learning about the country's rich history

November 16, 2020
Samia Halaby in her studio in front of her work. Even in her eighties the artist continues to experiment with technique. Courtesy Samia Halaby
Entrepreneurs and artists have this in common

How do so many successful business people have such great art collections?

November 16, 2020
'The Distant Gaze: Return of A Departure' (2017) by Aida Muluneh, who will have an exhibition at The Africa Institute as part of the research centre's inaugural cultural season. Courtesy of Aida Mulunehand The Africa Institute 
Our museums have a big role to play in fighting racism

A walk through historical archives is an opportunity to ask questions about centuries of power and privilege

November 16, 2020
Parents can help instil values of tolerance and acceptance in their chilren at a young age. Antonie Robertson / The National
By teaching children tolerance, we shield them from learning hatred

Learning about tolerance prepares younger generations for a life of kindness and service to others

November 16, 2020