Sheikha Alia Bint Khalid Al Qassimi- Managing Director

Alia Bint Khalid Al Qasimi is a prominent leader in the UAE’s cultural and creative industries, with over 19 years of experience driving initiatives that have shaped the nation’s cultural identity and creative economy. As Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, she spearheads efforts to promote the UAE’s cultural heritage and contemporary creative output on a global stage.

Previously, she served as an Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Culture and Creative Industries Sector at the Ministry of Culture and Youth, where she led the development of the UAE’s national strategy for cultural and creative industries. She also led and managed the restructuring of cultural centres and the organization of the 2021 World Conference on Creative Economy at Dubai Expo 2020.

Al Qassimi held a leadership position at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as the Head of Manarat Al Saadiyat, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening its strategic positioning. She spearheaded the development of a comprehensive strategy that focused on program innovation and audience development, contributing to the clear identification of the institution’s organizational identity. Additionally, she oversaw the establishment of the region’s first Berklee College of Music campus.

At TwoFour54, Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority, she led creative projects within Creative Lab, nurturing emerging talent and providing a platform for skill development, showcasing work, and connecting with fellow creatives. Her leadership fostered a thriving creative ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

Al Qassimi’s career reflects her deep commitment to advancing the UAE’s cultural, creative, and economic ambitions, aiming to position the nation as a global leader in the cultural and creative sectors. A graduate of the American University of Sharjah in Design Management, Alia enjoys travel, long outdoor jogs, and finds inspiration in experimental art and the timeless beauty of music notes, especially Ravel’s Bolero and Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons.

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