The Manara Center is chaired by His Excellency Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi – a leading international expert on combating extremism and promoting acceptance.

He brings over 30 years of experience in education and anti-extremism to the role.

As a pioneer of educational reform and policy in the UAE, Dr. Al Nuaimi served as the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in his capacity as a Member of the Executive Council of the Government of Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Al Nuaimi is also currently serving as the first Chairman of the International Steering Board of Hedayah, the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, based in Abu Dhabi. He also founded and currently Chairs the World Council of Muslim Communities and was the first Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

In addition to his role at the Manara Center, Dr. Al Nuaimi is also a Member of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the FNC Committee on Defense Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs