Omniya Abdel Barr

Omniya is an architect and a specialist in cultural heritage conservation, working between Cairo and London. She has worked on some landmark projects in the region, and now divides her time between the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation (EHRF) in Cairo and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. Omniya was also one of four co-curators of the Islamic Art Biennale in Jeddah.

Omniya shares her on the effort that goes into maintaining our historical sites, including raising funds from across the region’s benefactors and institutions. My conversation with Omniya is a reminder that cultural heritage is as important to a nation’s foundation and economy as tangible industries like manufacturing or oil.