Manal Ataya is the Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, where she is responsible for the overall strategic development of 16 museums in the emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Her mandate includes planning future museum projects, advising in cultural policy, fostering partnerships with regional and the international museums, and delivering community initiatives rooted in social responsibility and inclusion. The current museum offering covers Islamic culture and history, contemporary art, UAE heritage, Gulf maritime history, UAE archaeology, science and children's learning. A museum professional with over 15 years of experience, Ataya is a highly respected leader in the UAE cultural sector.

She currently serves on numerous advisory boards including the College of Fine Art & Design-University of Sharjah, Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), Make A Wish Foundation-UAE, Madre-Museo D’arte Contemporanea (Italy) and ICCROM-Sharjah, the field office of the UN’s body for cultural heritage management in the Arab world. She is also a Global Ambassador for Thinkers & Doers Institute in Paris, France. Ataya was awarded the Chevalier ‘Order of Arts & Letters’ by the Republic of France in 2018 for her significant contributions to culture.