Our Trustees
The Mansoojat Foundation is a UK registered charity founded by a group of Saudi women with a passionate interest in the traditional ethnic textiles and costumes of Arabia.
The trustees of The Mansoojat Foundation play a pivotal role in the governance and success of our organisation. Their unwavering dedication, strategic oversight, and diverse expertise ensure that we stay true to our mission of preserving and promoting cultural heritage and the arts. Through their visionary leadership and commitment to ethical practices, our trustees help us navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive impactful initiatives. Their contributions not only strengthen our foundation’s governance but also inspire confidence and trust among our stakeholders, enabling us to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
Our Trustees
The trustees of The Mansoojat Foundation ensure exceptional governance, driving our mission to preserve and promote cultural heritage and the arts.
Deema al-Sulaiman Kabbani
Deema al-Sulaiman Kabbani has a varied background in international relations, French literature, Islamic studies, and interior decoration. She completed her studies in International Relations and French Literature in the United States and later pursued Islamic[...]
Richard Wilding
Richard Wilding is a strategic consultant, writer, photographer and film producer, specialising in international cultural relations, community engagement, and the promotion of heritage and tourism. Richard has been working in the Middle East since 2004,[...]
Nadia Alireza
Nadia Alireza is a highly motivated and skilled professional with a proven track record of leadership, project management, and cultural preservation. As the Managing Director of the Mansoojat Foundation since 1999, Nadia has spearheaded initiatives[...]
Mona Khashsoggi
Mona Khashoggi is a theatre and film producer, writer and prominent patron of the Arts. She specialises in reviving cultural stories from the Middle East and bringing them to international audiences. After completing a Masters[...]
Recent Articles
Explore & Discover
Hijaz boys’ two piece embroidered velvet suit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' two piece embroidered velvet suit dating to c.1930. This style was restricted for the use of young boys. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few[...]
Hijaz outfit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz outfit comprising the inner silk zaboon under the fine organza thobe. Casual day outfits were made in the same way except that the fabric was plain or printed cotton. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most[...]
Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region thobe of fine Indian silk
Najd and Central Region Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region thobe of fine Indian silk embroidered with sequins and gold thread. The sleeves are voluminous and are brought around to cover the head. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation[...]
Qassim thick wool woman’s aba
Qassim, Northern Region Qassim thick wool woman's aba (cloak) embroidered with gold thread and having elaborate gold thread tassels. This type of aba is for the bride to wear on her wedding night. The mountains of Jabal Shammar shield northern Najd from the sands of the Great Nafud desert. Grazing is good and the area was famed for its Arabian[...]