Muna Balfaqeeh
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Muna Balfaqeeh
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Muna Balfaqeeh
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Muna Balfaqeeh * Muna Balfaqeeh * Muna Balfaqeeh *
MEET THE CEO
& FOUNDER
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.
THE JOURNEY
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.
Engaging with collectors pushed me to refine my portfolio and showcase it at major events like Dubai World Art and The Hotel Show.
Creative Milestones
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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.
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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
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Epiphany (Organized by Citizen E Gallery)
1- 3 August 2017
Year of Zayed (Organized by Alfalasi.Artz Gallery)
28-30 January 2018
Sikka 2018 (Organized by 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 (Organized by Etihad Modern Art Gallery)
8 May- 31 July 2018
Abu Dhabi 2018 International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (Organized by 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 (One of Akkas Visual Art Organizing Team )
16-24 March 2019
Facets of a Father (Organized by Etihad Modern Art Gallery)
21 - 30 June 2025
Sakinah: Silent Symphony (Organized by Art 4 You)
23- 29 August 2025
Hunna Mulhimat (Organized by University of Sharjah)
28 August - 7 September 2025
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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
Upcoming events
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International Hunting & Equistariam Exhibition - Al Ain 2025
26 - 30 November 2025
10:00AM-9:00PM
Celebrating the rich legacy of hunting and equestrianism, and highlighting Al Ain as a distinguished destination for hunting and outdoor sports, while seeking to reach new markets with purchasing power to expand the exhibition's brand
The first edition of the International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition - Al Ain 2025 will be launched from November 26 to 30, 2025, at ADNEC Al Ain Centre. -
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
11 - 20 April 2026
10:00AM-8:00PM
The 35th annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, where engaging speakers, diverse themes, and thought-provoking sessions await. This event aims to enhance its global presence with outstanding professional and cultural content. It fosters collaboration between regional publishing sectors and creative industries, supporting the growth of a culture that embraces readable, visual, audio, and interactive media. Experience the future of publishing at this dynamic fair.
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Dubai World Art 2026
23 - 26 April 2026
10:00AM-10:00PM
The 2026 edition of World Art Dubai, the region’s largest art fair, will showcase over 10,000 artworks from 400+ renowned galleries and solo artists representing 65+ countries. The fair will welcome more than 14,000 art enthusiasts and feature a non-stop program of live art performances, workshops, and talks, fostering a vibrant environment of creativity and inspiration.
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Maritime Heritage Festival
14 - 23 November 2025
04:00PM-10:00PM
The 4th edition of the Maritime Heritage Festival returns to Abu Dhabi and invites you to experience Abu Dhabi’s most cherished living history.
The festival will take you back in time to when Abu Dhabi’s ancestors lived in harmony with the sea, building a sustainable and prosperous way of life, and cultivating skills that have passed down through the generations, such as fishing, trading and pearl diving.
Throughout the festival, visitors will experience the intimate setting of a local coastal village, bringing to life the bustling markets and traditional social gatherings, as well as seafaring stories and skills shared by traditional sailors, tradespeople, and craftspeople.