The Manara Center is chaired by His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashed Al Nuaimi, a leading international expert in combating extremism and promoting acceptance. Dr. Al Nuaimi is a member of the UAE Federal National Council and serves as the Chairman of the Defense Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee at the Council. With over 30 years of experience in education and anti-extremism, he plays a key role in fostering coexistence and dialogue both within the UAE and internationally
He has been a pioneer in educational reform and policy in the UAE, having served as the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), as well as a Member of the Executive Council of the Government of Abu Dhabi. Dr. Al Nuaimi is also the first Chairman of the International Steering Board of Hedayah, the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, based in Abu Dhabi.
He founded and currently chairs the World Council of Muslim Communities. Dr. Al Nuaimi has authored several notable books, including: The National State: Imagining A World Without Narrow Nation States and Diversity and Coexistence: Fostering Acceptance in a Diverse and Open Society.
