Manuel Rabaté is Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in the global museum sector. He served as Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, a role he held from 2016, where he led the development of the museum following its opening in 2017. Recognised as the Arab world’s first universal museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed more than eight million visitors under his leadership, establishing itself as a globally influential cultural institution known for its ambitious exhibition programme, expanding permanent collection, and strong focus on education and capacity-building.

Rabaté has been closely associated with the creation of Louvre Abu Dhabi since its early development. From 2008 to 2016 he served at Agence France-Muséums as Chief Financial Officer, then Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, contributing to the museum’s development following the 2007 intergovernmental agreement between France and the UAE. He later joined the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to support the museum’s institutional launch. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac and the Musée du Louvre, and has taught arts and cultural management in Paris and Abu Dhabi.

Rabaté is a graduate of HEC Paris and Sciences Po. In recognition of his contributions to culture, he has been named a Knight of France’s National Order of Merit and of the Order of Arts and Letters.

At KNMA, Rabaté leads the institution as it enters a new phase of growth with the development of its flagship campus on National Highway 8 in Delhi, envisioned as one of India’s largest art and cultural centres. Conceived as a multidisciplinary space for visual and performing arts, the new museum will expand capacity for exhibitions, commissions, performances, and public programmes. Working closely with KNMA’s senior leadership team, Rabaté leads the institution’s development while strengthening its national and international presence.