Manar Alhinai is a writer, cultural curator, and strategic advisor recognised for her expertise in Gulf culture, identity, and storytelling. Her work spans writing, curatorial practice, and high-level advisory roles—offering nuanced perspectives across culture, communication, and creativity in the Arab Gulf region.
She writes for leading international media outlets, including Vogue, CNN, BBC, and National Geographic, where she explores the intersection of culture, life, and the shifts shaping modern society. Manar has built a reputation for insightful, culturally grounded storytelling. She also writes fiction in both Arabic and English, delving into themes of identity, memory, and cross-cultural experience.
As a cultural curator, she explores how identity and heritage can be expressed visually and spatially—translating Gulf stories into immersive, intimate experiences. She has led groundbreaking cultural initiatives and curated exhibitions, events, and gallery programmes that spotlight Arab creativity on international stages. Manar is also the co-founder of Sekka and the Khaleeji Art Museum—platforms created to amplify Gulf voices and expand representation through story, art, and cultural expression.
Alongside this, Manar advises global brands, governments, and cultural institutions, helping them navigate the region with clarity and cultural fluency. Her work involves shaping strategies, curating narratives, and amplifying regional voices in ways that are nuanced, relevant, and deeply rooted in context.
At the heart of her work is a belief in the power of storytelling to connect, shift, and inspire. Her practice is grounded in this purpose—shaping how Gulf identity is seen, understood, and celebrated on the global stage.
From developing our brand identity, brand story and being a strategic advisor to our overall corporate communication and PR function, Manar helped orchestrate Abu Dhabi Investment Company's brand evolution.
Head of Stakeholder Management and Communication at Abu Dhabi Investment Company (Invest AD)
-sheikh hamdan bin suroor al sharqi
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