Schooled in the U.S. and Canada, Ali has called various countries home, including Hungary, France, Spain and the UK. By sampling and celebrating this broad spectrum of different cultures, he has developed a deeper appreciation for and pride in his Emirati heritage. With a university degree in Hospitality Management & Tourism and a Master's in Brand and Cross-Cultural Management, Ali augmented his formal training with a natural flair for communication and an undeniable sense of showmanship. He is a member of the Professional Speakers Association of the Middle East and a pioneer in the culture and tourism field in the Gulf.
Ali wanted to apply the lessons he learned abroad to improve his hometown's burgeoning tourism industry. He joined the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultulre Authority in 2005, and helped develop the city's first Meeting, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) department. His strong knowledge about his country's history and culture made him the perfect choice to deliver special city tours and presentations to VIP guests of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. His guests have included Antonio Banderas, Frank Gehry and dignitaries and celebrities from around the world.
Ali bravely struck out on his own and formed his own holding company, Maestro Enterprises. which created and introduced the 2010 Khalifa Fund Business Award "Embrace Arabia" Cultural Tourism Consultancy www.EmbraceArabia.com, the online information platform and fame of "Ask Ali" www.askali.com which answers questions on all things Emirati, from the country's working hours to best places to experience and much more.
