Hoor Al Qasimi, President of Global Studies University, has been named the most influential figure in contemporary art for 2024 by ArtReview magazine’s prestigious Power 100. This accolade recognizes her visionary leadership and significant contributions to the global cultural and creative sectors.
Al Qasimi has been instrumental in shaping Global Studies University, building on the foundation of The Africa Institute, established in 2018 to foster Afro-Arab cultural and scholarly exchange. Her leadership reflects the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and dialogue in the humanities and social sciences, while embracing its role as a catalyst for intellectual and cultural exchange on a global scale.
Beyond GSU, she serves as President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation and President of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. Her recent appointments as Artistic Director of the 2025 Aichi Triennale and the 2026 Biennale of Sydney further underscore her global influence.
This recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, inclusion, and dynamic exchange within both the arts and the academic community.