The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi appoints Dr. Souraya Noujaim as Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
A prominent museum curator and art historian who contributed to shaping the scientific and ethical vision of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, she returns today to lead it.
Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi today announced the appointment of Dr. Souraya Noujaim as Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as the museum prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027.
Dr. Noujaim possesses decades of experience as an art historian and curator, having held leadership positions in several of the world’s most prominent cultural institutions. She has a deep understanding of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, its mission, and the principles upon which it was founded. An international expert in the history of Islamic art and archaeology, she most recently served as Director of the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre Museum in Paris and held the position of Grand National Directorate of Islamic Art Heritage in France, overseeing a collection of 18,000 Islamic art pieces.
Her career includes leadership positions and roles in a number of major museums and cultural institutions, where she oversaw the organization of important international exhibitions, and participated in research initiatives and projects to develop art collections, exploring the relationships, exchanges and influences that have shaped the history of world art.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and President of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “As the first universal museum in the Arab region, the Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies our firm belief in the role of culture in building bridges of communication and dialogue between peoples, ideas, and societies. Since its opening in 2017, the museum has contributed to consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural capital. Dr. Noujaim has been involved with the Louvre Abu Dhabi journey since its early stages, playing a key role in developing its collection, laying the foundations for its scientific vision, and shaping its unique museum narrative. We are confident that her international experience and deep understanding of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission and distinctiveness will contribute to enhancing the museum’s presence as a leading cultural institution in the region and the world.”
Dr. Souraya Noujaim, Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi , said: “The Louvre Abu Dhabi has always held a special place in my professional and personal life. I have been honored to contribute to its development over the years, and I am proud to return today to lead this prestigious cultural institution and write a new chapter in its story. The Louvre Abu Dhabi has established itself as a beacon for the convergence of cultures, presenting stories from around the world that highlight shared human experiences. I look forward to working with the Louvre Abu Dhabi teams, collaborating with partners and the community to build a sustainable legacy for the museum, deepening our engagement with the public, exploring new spaces for artistic and creative expression, and making culture and the arts more accessible, relevant to people’s lives, and capable of inspiring them.”
Dr. Noujaim worked closely with the Louvre Abu Dhabi for over a decade, contributing to the development of its intellectual and museum vision during its formative stages. From February 2018 to April 2023, she served as the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s first Director of Collections, Curatorial and Research, overseeing the museum’s curatorial and research activities, as well as the management and development of its collections. She also played a key role in building the collection through strategic acquisitions and shaping the museum’s narrative, which is a central aspect of its identity today. She was instrumental in developing numerous initiatives, including the “Art of the Present” exhibition, and in establishing the museum as a platform for scholarly research, artistic experimentation, and contemporary creative expression.
As Director of the Museum, Dr. Noujaim will be responsible for implementing the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s strategy and overseeing all aspects of its activities, including the development of its collection, exhibitions, research, conservation and restoration, education, public engagement, visitor experience, and institutional development. She will focus on continuing the Museum’s evolution, further enhancing its role as a platform for cultural dialogue, knowledge, and exchange. .
Dr. Najim’s appointment comes as the Louvre Abu Dhabi prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027. Since its opening, the museum has welcomed more than eight million visitors, organized 22 temporary exhibitions, five editions of the “Art of the Century” exhibition, and six exhibitions at the Children’s Museum. It has also offered a wide range of educational and cultural programs through the Resource Centre, the Science Lab, the Conservation Centre, and the International Fellowships and Grants Programme.
Over the past nine years, the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection has witnessed significant growth in both size and scope. At its opening, the museum’s own holdings comprised approximately 30% of the total works on display, compared to nearly 70% on loan from French museums and regional institutions. While the overall number of works on display has remained largely stable, the museum’s own holdings now represent almost two-thirds of the works exhibited across its four chronological worlds, reflecting the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s evolution into a well-established cultural institution with its own expanding art collection.
Under Dr. Najim’s leadership, the museum will continue to fulfill its founding mission, inspired by Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision and openness to the world. It will also expand its role as a leading cultural institution dedicated to producing and disseminating knowledge, supporting creativity, and fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding.
