Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi: TIME100 Art 2026

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, president and director of Sharjah Art Foundation, has been named to TIME's 100 most influential people in art for 2026, acknowledging her significant contributions to international contemporary art and cross-cultural dialogue. Since first organizing the Sharjah Biennial at age 22, Al Qasimi has been instrumental in elevating the event into a globally recognized exhibition.

Al Qasimi's curatorial approach emphasizes bridging cultural divides through art. Her work at the Sharjah Art Foundation, where she champions diverse artistic voices, has projected an intellectually progressive image for the emirate. A notable initiative under her leadership is the annual March Meeting, which convenes artists, curators, and theorists for discussions and debates.

In recognition of her efforts in promoting international understanding, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization appointed Al Qasimi as an “ambassador extraordinary” in November. She views this role as vital in an unstable region, stating, “the more we can try to connect, the better.”

Beyond her curatorial work, Al Qasimi holds numerous institutional positions. In July, she assumed the presidency of the Sharjah Museums Authority, tasked with developing a unified strategy for the emirate's 16 museums and heritage sites. This adds to her existing responsibilities, which include stewardship of four cultural institutions and two universities. This year, she also served as the artistic director for the Sydney Biennale, where she highlighted works by Indigenous, Palestinian, and Iranian artists, a decision that garnered critical acclaim for focusing on often-marginalized narratives. Al Qasimi's expansive public work and her commitment to platforming diverse ideas have positioned her as a key figure in contemporary art discourse.