Partner | amar@aazartadvisory.com

Amar A. Zahr is a cultural practitioner and art consultant based between Amsterdam and Dubai.

In 2021, Amar founded AAZ Art Advisory, a consultancy that works with both established collectors and emerging art enthusiasts. One of the key aspects of Amar’s work is art education, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with her clients. Additionally, Amar curates exhibitions and non-profit residency programs on an international level.

In 2015, Amar established the Beirut Art Residency (BAR), which serves as an interdisciplinary platform focused on providing opportunities for both local and international artists through residencies, exhibitions, and public interventions. BAR aims to foster collaboration and cultural exchange within the art community.

Before founding BAR, Amar participated in key artist residencies as a visual artist. Concurrently, she held positions at Art Dubai and the Jalanbo Collection in New York. In 2017, Amar co-founded CUB Gallery, a student gallery that specializes in showcasing the work of emerging artists from fine art university programs across Lebanon.

Portrait by Mohamad Abdouni

Partner | nathalie@aazartadvisory.com

Nathalie Ackawi is a passionate curator and dedicated art advisor based in New York. She boasts a rich background steeped in the art world, including valuable experience in the Chelsea gallery scene, where she organized exhibitions and collaborated closely with artists, curators and scholars.

Her artistic journey has spanned both the bustling landscapes of New York and the culturally vibrant city of Beirut. Nathalie co-directed the Beirut Art Residency (BAR) and orchestrated various independent art projects, ranging from auctions to large-scale international exhibitions.

In a more recent role, Nathalie led fundraising and members events for FIAF in New York, notably the annual Galas, with a sharp focus on high-quality auctions.

She holds a B.A. from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and an M.A. in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. Her passion extended to teaching roles at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts – ALBA and The École supérieure des affaires (ESA).

Corporate Partnerships

Karim Kobeissi is a strategic advisor and corporate consultant based between Amsterdam and Dubai.

He has an accomplished history of developing valuable relationships with leading corporate, financial and sovereign institutions and implementing complex strategic solutions on behalf of partners and clients across multiple verticals and geographic regions.

Karim spent more than 10 years in investment banking where he established himself as a trusted expert on socially responsible investment and lending strategies. During this time he had the privilege of advising some of the major global institutions, such as the Africa Development Bank, the World Bank and the Bank of Japan on their highly impactful environmental, social and cultural lending programmes.

Karim holds a B.A. in Finance & Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University, as well as an M.B.A. from IE University. As an alumni he has held several lectures and round tables on social impact investing.

Head of Sales KSA | asliala@aazartartadvisory.com

With over eight years of experience in art curation, interior styling, concept development, and brand management across projects in New York, Istanbul, the Maldives, the UK, Lisbon, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, Ala Onur specializes in blending art and design to create visually dynamic and functional spaces.

Her work focuses on advising clients, curating art, and styling interiors to craft environments that inspire, evoke emotion, and reflect unique visions. Passionate about supporting emerging artists, she guides them in effectively showcasing their work in exhibitions and diverse settings, helping their art reach wider audiences.

Ala thrives on creating personalized, thoughtful solutions that elevate interiors and tell compelling stories through curated art. Whether designing private residences, commercial spaces, or art-centric events, she aims to harmonize beauty, functionality, and artistic expression. Inspired by diverse cultures and trends, she continually innovates to bring creative visions to life while fostering new artistic talent.