Ali Alsaloom is one of the fastest rising media stars and public speakers in the Gulf. He has delivered his intercultural awareness talks to hundreds of business groups. His TV show, Ask Ali, reaches thousands, as does his column in the weekly magazine M. For his work as a cultural ambassador, Time Out Dubai even recognized him as one of their 40 Local Heroes in 2008.

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 Brad 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 one of the Gulf’s few experts in the cultural tourism field.

Ali wanted to apply the lessons he learned abroad to improve his hometown’s burgeoning tourism industry. He joined the Abu Dhabi Tourism 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 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 communication company, Maestro Enterprises. His portal www.ask-ali.com answers questions on all things Emirati, from the country’s working hours to best places to experience National.