Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation appoints two new directors

The new appointments reflect the Foundation's strategy to empower young leaders and involve them in the decision making process across its various regional programmes.

Dr. Rima Khalaf, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "We are keen to leverage the expertise of the country's young leaders to steer the Foundation's far-reaching programmes. Actively involved in culture, both Al-Shaali and Al-Shehhi bring to the Foundation their in-depth knowledge of the Arab world's cultural heritage.

"Developing culture is a sophisticated process that requires profound competencies. We are confident our new departmental heads will contribute significantly to the Foundation's efforts in enhancing the region's cultural landscape."

Al-Shehhi holds a Master in Education professional Development and a bachelor's degree in Anthropology the University of Wisconsin, US.

An active member of the Emirates Writers' Union, Ali Al-Shaali is recognized as one of the UAE's most promising young leaders possessing literary as well as business development skills.

A graduate of the UAE University, Al Shaali holds an MBA in Business Administration from George Washington University.

He is a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Young Leaders Progrmme.

Jamal Al-Shehhi said: "I feel privileged to be a team member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, which works towards stimulating culture development across the Arab world. I look forward to working with the rest of the team to achieve the Foundation's strategic objectives for promoting the region's cultural excellence."

Ali Al-Shaali said: "I feel empowered with my new role that will channel my contribution to the development of the cultural pillar in the Arab world. My responsibilities will include coordinating with various entities of the publishing industry and allocating necessary budgets to implement the Foundation's programmes including Oktub, Tarjem, and Turjuman, as well other future initiatives."

While 'Oktub' focuses on encouraging and promoting aspiring young Arab writers, Turjuman and Tarjem aim to enhance the quality and quantity of translation works across the Arab world.