Louvre Abu Dhabi Appoints Dr. Souraya Noujaim as New Director

The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has named Dr. Souraya Noujaim as the new Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. This appointment comes as the museum approaches its 10th anniversary in 2027.

Dr. Noujaim is an acclaimed art historian and curator, specialising in Islamic art history and archaeology. She brings significant experience from leading global cultural institutions, having most recently served as Director of the Department of Islamic Arts at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, where she oversaw a collection of 18,000 Islamic artworks.

Her connection to Louvre Abu Dhabi is substantial; she was involved with the project for over a decade, contributing to its foundational intellectual and curatorial vision. From February 2018 to April 2023, Dr. Noujaim was the museum's first Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Director, guiding the development of its permanent collection through strategic acquisitions and shaping its universal narrative.

In her new role, Dr. Noujaim will be responsible for the museum's overall strategic and institutional direction, encompassing collection development, exhibitions, research, conservation, education, and visitor experience. She aims to further strengthen Louvre Abu Dhabi's position as the first universal museum in the Arab world and a key platform for cultural dialogue and international exchange.

Since its opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed over eight million visitors, hosted 22 temporary exhibitions, and significantly grown its permanent collection. Currently, nearly two-thirds of the artworks displayed in its galleries are owned by the museum, marking a substantial increase from its opening when approximately 70% were on loan.