Muna Balfaqeeh

Muna Balfaqeeh is an Emirati linguist and visual artist with a deep-rooted passion for art that began in childhood, inspired by watching her father paint large, lifelike canvases from memory. She holds a Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of London (SOAS) and an Executive MBA from Zayed University. Art became her personal refuge throughout life’s challenges and gradually evolved into a professional pursuit.

Through workshops across the region, Muna explored abstract drawing, mixed media, Arabic calligraphy, photography, and silkscreen printing—an experience that deepened her practice and fueled her desire to grow. Realizing the need for a more defined artistic identity, she began pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. This academic journey marks a transformative chapter in her career, aimed at creating a more cohesive and impactful body of work.

Her interaction with art collectors revealed the diverse yet unstructured nature of her early portfolio, prompting a more intentional approach. She began exhibiting nationally and later curated her participation to better connect with her target audience—eventually renting her own booths at major events like Dubai World Art and The Hotel Show.

(CEO & Founder)

Artist Resume

  • 2025

    MFA - Fine Arts, Emphasis in Painting, Academy Of Arts University, United States.

    2020

    EMBA - Executive Masters in Business Administration, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates.

    2007

    Ph.D. in Linguistics, School Of Oriental And African Studies (Soas), University Of London, United Kingdom.

    2003

    M.A. in Arabic/ English Applied Linguistics And Translation, School Of Oriental And African Studies (Soas), University of London, United Kingdom.

    1999

    B.A. in English Language and Literature, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates.

  • Index 2019

    17- 19 September 2019

    Dubai World Art 2019

    3-6 April 2019

    Index 2018

    16- 19 September 2018

    The Little Birdie Pop Up Market 2018/ Al Zeina

    14 March 2018

    Dubai Jazz Festival

    21-23 February 2018

    Winter carnival - Abu Dhabi Mall

    17- 23 December 2017

     

  • Epiphany (Exhibited with Citizen E Gallery)

    1- 3 August 2017

    Year of Zayed (Exhibited with Alfalasi.Artz Gallery)

    28-30 January 2018

    Sikka 2018 (Exhibitor at Akkas Visual Arts)

    17-26 March 2018

    UAE - Japan A Collaboration Bring Oil & Trade (Invited Exhibitor by ADNOC Gender Balance Committee)

    8-10 May 2018

    Art Souq (Exhibited with Etihad Modern Art Gallery)

    8 May- 31 July 2018

    Abu Dhabi 2018 International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (Exhibited with Reflections Gallery)

    25-29 September 2018

    Emirati Photos (Participant Photographer & Organizer)

    25 November – 6th December 2018

    Tashkeel (Organizer & Exhibitee)

    11- 26 February 2019

    Sikka 2019 (Organizer of Akkas Visual Art Exhibition)

    16-24 March 2019

     

  • 2025

    Director of the National Qualification Centre

    Ministry of Higher Education & Research, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

    2022 - 2025

    Division Director – Vocational Education Affairs

    Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE

     

    2018 - 2022

    Deputy Vice Chancellor - Continuing Education

    Emirates College For Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, UAE

     

    2016 - 2018

    Dean Of Student Life

    The Petroleum Institute, A Part Of Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

     

    2013 - 2017

    Assistant Professor of Communication Department, College of Arts & Sciences

    The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE