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H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim
Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC)
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim holds the position of Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. In parallel to his current role, he serves as Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, and Editor-in-Chief of Al-Markaz: Majallat al-Dirāsāt al-ʿArabiyya (The Centre: Journal of Arabic Studies), the first peer-reviewed journal that is completely published in Arabic by Brill publishing house.
Prior to his current role, H.E. bin Tamim held various positions related to the cultural and heritage sectors in the UAE. He served as Chairperson of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Member of the Jury for the ‘Prince of Poets’ television programme, and jury member in several prominent cultural awards in the UAE, most notably the Dubai Culture Award and the Khalifa Award for Education.
H.E. bin Tamim also managed the Kalima Project for Translation; he was the General Manager of Abu Dhabi Media Company from 2016 to 2019, as well as Chairman of the Executive Committee and Member of the Board of Directors of the National Library and Archives from 2015-2018.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim received his Doctorate Degree in Literary Critique from Yarmouk University in Jordan in 2005, as well as a Master’s Degree in Arabic Language and Literature from the University of Jordan in 2001. H.E. contributed to a range of media and cultural initiatives in the United Arab Emirates.
H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al-Tunaiji
Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al-Tunaiji is a distinguished cultural leader with over two decades of experience shaping the UAE’s publishing, literary, and cultural landscape. Since 2003, he has spearheaded flagship initiatives under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi that place the Arabic language at the heart of cultural, creative, and educational development, while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global cultural influence.
Appointed Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) in 2022, Al-Tunaiji has steered the Centre’s strategic agenda to deliver strategic impact. Under his leadership, the Centre has witnessed growth at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, revitalised the Al Ain and Al Dhafra Book Festivals with a contemporary format, and launched pioneering initiatives such as the Kanz Al Jeel Award for Nabati poetry and the Sard Al Thahab Award, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering innovation.
He has also strengthened the international standing of ALC’s cornerstone programmes—including the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, the Kalima Project for Translation, and the Esdarat Publications Project—positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for literary excellence, research and cross-cultural dialogue.
Al-Tunaiji’s career spans journalism and senior leadership, notably serving as Director of Media and Public Relations at DCT Abu Dhabi, he is a published author of several works, including From and to the Depths of the Nation, Mosaic, Her Majesty’s Mistakes, Inspired by Emirati Poetry, and Immortal Despite Being Absent.
Through his leadership and commitment to cultural innovation, Al-Tunaiji continues to shape Abu Dhabi’s role as a global leader in Arabic language promotion, cultural exchange, and the creative industries.
