Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo is a philanthropist and patron of the arts who has dedicated her life to inspiring artists to create, generations to innovate, and communities to unite and prosper. She founded Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in 1996 and is also the Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, which she established in 2004.

Alkhamis-Kanoo’s unquantifiable contribution to the UAE’s national cultural sector was recognized by H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2006. His highness appointed her to the Board of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (now Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi), on which she served until 2012.

She has received numerous awards for her dedication to the arts, education and women’s development, including The Abu Dhabi Award and Abu Dhabi Medal (conferred by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi), the UN-affiliated Women Together Award, the Aspen Institute Emerging Voice Award for Cultural Stewardship, the Puccini Festival Foundation Award, an honorary doctorate from the American University of Paris, and the Middle East Institute’s Visionary Award, and many others.

Alkhamis-Kanoo is co-chair of the Middle East Institute’s International Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Institute’s Board of Governors. She is also a member of the Cleveland Clinic International Leadership Board and the International Advisory Board of the Edinburgh International Festival, and she serves on the Lang Lang International Music Foundation’s International Patrons Circle and the International Circle of the Reina Sofía College of Music. She is also a founding member of the American Ballet Theatre’s Global Council, and she sits on the National Advisory Board of Zayed University – College of Arts and Creative Enterprises.