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Manal Ataya

Manal Ataya

Contributor
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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