On October 7, Lebanese art historian Souraya Noujaim was appointed director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, succeeding Manuel Rabaté, who had led the institution since its opening in 2017. This marks a return to familiar territory for the specialist in Islamic art, who had been involved in the museum’s curatorial planning since 2013 before overseeing its collections, acquisitions, and conservation from 2018 to 2023. She subsequently took over as head of the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre in Paris. Her appointment comes as the Emirati museum approaches its tenth anniversary in 2027. As the institution—which has welcomed more than eight million visitors since its opening—continues to build its own collection—two-thirds of the works now belong to the museum, up from 30% at its inauguration—Souraya Noujaim will be tasked in particular with strengthening acquisitions, research, and engagement with the public.

By the editorial staff