When Zaina Kourki was nine years old, she already knew her future would be shaped by creativity and curiosity. While other children were still discovering their interests, she confidently told her teacher that she wanted to paint, study languages, travel the world, and learn about different cultures so she could represent her own. These early dreams, though ambitious for a young child in Damascus, became the guiding force of her life and career.
Today, Zaina Kourki is the Founder and Creative Director of Zein Zone, a creative consultancy that supports art, culture, and tourism across the Middle East. Her work reflects a lifetime of dedication to storytelling, cultural exchange, and creative empowerment.
A Childhood Rooted in Culture and Curiosity
Zaina Kourki was born and raised in Damascus, a city rich with history and artistic expression. Growing up in such an environment shaped her understanding of identity and belonging. Culture was not something she learned from books alone. It was something she lived every day through language, architecture, music, and people.
From an early age, she believed that culture had the power to connect people and open doors to understanding. This belief led her to study English Literature, graduating in 2005. Her academic background gave her a strong foundation in storytelling and communication, skills that would later define her professional journey.
Early Career and the Power of Cultural Exchange
After graduating, Zaina Kourki began her career at the Italian Embassy in Syria, where she worked as a public relations coordinator for the cultural attaché. This role gave her direct exposure to international cultural programs and taught her how art and communication could build bridges between nations.
She later joined the cultural arm of the Syrian Development Organization, where she supported creative and educational initiatives. These projects used music, theater, and artistic expression to engage communities and encourage dialogue. Through this work, she realized that art was not just a form of expression but a powerful tool for connection and social change.
Starting Over in a New Country
In 2012, Zaina Kourki made a difficult but transformative decision to move to Dubai. Leaving her home meant starting her life and career again from the beginning. She entered a competitive professional environment where she had to rebuild her network and prove herself once more.
As an Arab woman working in a global market, she faced challenges that tested her confidence and resilience. However, living in Dubai also exposed her to new cultures, new ideas, and new ways of thinking. The city became a place of growth and discovery.
While working full time, she pursued a master degree in media and communications management. This experience strengthened her strategic thinking and expanded her professional opportunities. Over the next decade, she worked with regional and international organizations across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, gaining experience in both agency and in house roles.
Career Milestones and Meaningful Impact
Throughout her career, Zaina Kourki worked on communication strategies and creative campaigns that focused on human connection. One of her most meaningful achievements was leading a research project that explored how people emotionally connect with urban spaces. The study examined how elements such as greenery, art, and human activity shape people’s experiences of their surroundings.
The project showed how creativity and science could work together to improve everyday life. It reinforced her belief that art and culture should be part of how communities are designed and experienced. For Zaina Kourki, this was a turning point that clarified her long term vision.
The Creation of Zein Zone
After nearly two decades of experience, Zaina Kourki launched Zein Zone in 2025. The consultancy was created to support the sustainable growth of art, culture, and tourism in the Middle East. Zein Zone brings together her background in public relations, cultural management, and storytelling with her personal passion for travel and cultural exchange.
Through curated programs, creative experiences, and strategic communication, Zein Zone helps brands, institutions, and creative communities tell their stories in meaningful ways. The goal is to create awareness, encourage dialogue, and bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
Zaina Kourki works across languages and borders, using her fluency in Arabic, English, and Italian to connect ideas and audiences. Her solo travels to more than forty countries have shaped her global perspective and strengthened her ability to understand different cultures while staying rooted in her own identity.
Supporting Artists and Building a Creative Ecosystem
Today, Zaina Kourki is focused on building long term opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners in the region. She is working on strategic initiatives in fine and performing arts, integrating technology and creative solutions to support emerging talent.
Her goal is to create an ecosystem where artists are not only seen but supported in building sustainable careers. By connecting partners, institutions, and creative leaders, she is helping shape a future where regional talent can thrive locally and globally. These efforts reflect Zein Zone’s long term vision of contributing to the growth of the creative economy in the Middle East.
The Strength of Staying Rooted While Staying Open
Through years of travel and professional growth, Zaina Kourki has learned that staying open to different perspectives while remaining connected to one’s roots is essential. This balance has shaped her approach to leadership and collaboration.
She believes that meaningful cultural exchange happens when people listen to each other with respect and curiosity. Her work is driven by shared values rather than differences, allowing her to create genuine connections across communities and industries.
Advice to the Next Generation
If Zaina Kourki could speak to her younger self, she would tell her to trust her voice and believe in her ideas, even when they feel too bold. She believes courage grows with practice and that every meaningful achievement begins with a small step forward.
There will always be setbacks and moments of doubt, but each experience brings clarity and strength. What matters most is showing up, staying true to one’s values, and continuing to move forward.
A Legacy of Culture, Courage, and Connection
Zaina Kourki hopes to leave behind a meaningful impact by contributing to the growth of the creative economy in the Middle East and by championing Arab culture on a global stage. She wants to be remembered as an Arab woman who challenged stereotypes, navigated obstacles with resilience, and used her voice to connect people rather than divide them.
From a young girl with big dreams in Damascus to a cultural leader shaping the future of creativity in the region, Zaina Kourki’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that when passion is guided by purpose, it can create lasting change.
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