Telling the World’s Stories
Designing Experiences that Empower, Inspire and Connect.
LumaTerra is a consulting firm dedicated to transforming knowledge spaces such as museums, science centers, art galleries and cultural hubs. We bring strategy, creativity and purpose together to design experiences that empower and inspire communities.
OUR STORY
LumaTerra is a consulting firm dedicated to transforming knowledge spaces such as museums, science centers, art galleries, cultural and community hubs into vibrant platforms for connection and discovery. We bring together strategy, creativity, expertise and purpose to design experiences that empower and inspire communities.
Knowledge centers are more than places of learning; they are spaces where information is transformed into insight and collective stories become cultural legacies. Through exhibitions, programs, performances and engaging experiences, they spark curiosity, enable learning, nurture empathy, drive innovation and strengthen the bonds that connect communities. At LumaTerra, we believe knowledge has the power to illuminate lives and transform societies for the better. Our name reflects this vision: “Luma” for light and inspiration, “Terra” for the Earth we all share.
Grounded in Arab identity, LumaTerra draws on the enduring significance of the Middle East and North Africa region as a geographic and cultural nexus. From the first human settlements to the rise of great civilizations, this region has given birth to some of the most diverse cultures in the world, made richer by a living exchange of ideas and innovations among peoples and places. We see it as our responsibility to carry this legacy forward by helping our institutions preserve their past, celebrate their present and imagine their future.
Our role is to work with knowledge spaces so they can tell their own stories with authenticity and vision. By blending global best practices with the rich narratives of our region, we create experiences that celebrate heritage while engaging with global conversations in science, culture, art and technology. Our purpose is to empower these spaces to become platforms of innovation and dialogue. Places where communities recognize themselves in the global story and where cultures meet to shape a resilient, more connected future.
OUR STRATEGY
Vision
To empower knowledge spaces to become platforms where science, culture and innovation shape resilient and connected communities.
Vision
To empower knowledge spaces to become platforms where science, culture and innovation shape resilient and connected communities.
Our Values
Respect
What it means: Honouring all cultures and shared humanity.
How we practice it: We embed cultural stewardship and empathy into every project, ensuring voices are represented authentically.
Inclusivity
What it means: Celebrating diversity and accessibility.
How we practice it: We create welcoming spaces and programs where every community feels seen, heard and included.
Mission
We partner with knowledge spaces to create strategies and experiences in science, culture, art and technology while honouring local narratives and redefining global benchmarks.
Innovation
What it means: Creative solutions that push boundaries.
How we practice it: We design bold strategies and experiences that spark curiosity, inspire audiences and open new possibilities for the sector.
Impact
What it means: Serving both people and planet.
How we practice it: We measure success by outcomes that strengthen communities, foster sustainability and enable knowledge creation.
OUR PEOPLE
Mijbel Saad Al-Faraj
GENERAL MANAGER
Mijbel Al-Faraj is a Kuwaiti filmmaker, arts executive, and cultural strategist, with more than two decades of experience in media, corporate strategy and the performing arts. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait National Theatre Company, where he has expanded the company’s portfolio of production services and directed a range of creative projects.
He is particularly recognized for his work as a documentary filmmaker, producing films that preserve Kuwait’s fading oral histories. His projects capture the voices, traditions, and cultural memory of communities and socio-political events at risk of being forgotten, safeguarding intangible heritage through cinema and making it accessible to future generations.
Alongside his film work, Mijbel has built extensive expertise in developing operations and programming for performing arts centers, with a special focus on community and national theaters. His leadership has guided program design, public engagement and marketing to ensure theaters remain inclusive spaces for cultural dialogue. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles in marketing and communications across the financial and corporate sectors, developing strategies and branding initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, with a minor in Business Administration, from California State University, Fresno.
Sarah Al-Karmi
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Sarah Al-Karmi is a consultant with over 20 years of experience leading knowledge center operations, educational programming, visitor engagement and exhibition development across museums, science centers and cultural institutions. She is the Co-Founder and Principal Consultant of LumaTerra, an advisory dedicated to strengthening the impact of knowledge institutions in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
Sarah has led organizational transformation initiatives, designing strategies, governance frameworks and capacity-building programs that position institutions for long-term sustainability and relevance. Her career includes senior leadership at The Scientific Center of Kuwait, where she led strategic planning, exhibition development, and visitor engagement systems, and at the Kuwait National Cultural District, where she helped plan and launch one of the world’s largest cultural complexes.
An advocate for community-driven approaches in the Global South, Sarah’s work blends inclusive design, co-authorship, responsive planning, systems thinking and sustainable cultural strategies that honor local narratives. Her portfolio spans governance design for regional networks, benchmarking and policy research and large-scale public engagement projects.
Fluent in English and Arabic, Sarah holds degrees in Anthropology from the University of Toronto and Bournemouth University and is a Certified Human Resources Manager. A dual Canadian–American citizen of Palestinian heritage, she is dedicated to advancing knowledge centers as platforms of innovation, dialogue and cultural connection.
PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships are central to our identity. We believe knowledge institutions thrive when connected to regional and global networks. By aligning with leading cultural organizations, professional associations and knowledge communities, we amplify impact and ensure our work is responsive and informed.
Our Affiliations:
ICOM (International Council of Museums)
ASPAC (Asia Pacific Network of Science & Technology Centres)
AMAC (Arab Museums Association)
ICEE (ICOM Committee for Exhibition Exchange)
Smithsonian Affiliations Program
Arab Theatre Institute
UNESCO Creative Cities
National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (Kuwait)
OUR APPROACH
At LumaTerra, we believe knowledge spaces thrive when strategy, operational proficiency and community intersect. Our methodology blends global best practices with local narratives, ensuring every project is both globally relevant and deeply rooted in place.
We approach each engagement through four guiding principles:
Co-creation. We work alongside institutions and communities, ensuring their voices shape the outcome.
Contextualization. We honor heritage, culture and identity while integrating science, art and technology.
Sustainability. We design solutions that are not only impactful but adaptable and sustainable.
Synthesis. We connect insights holistically, from multiple disciplines, weaving stories and knowledge into experiences that inspire and empower.
Our process moves from listening and research to strategic design, collaborative development and guided implementation. Whether developing a masterplan, an exhibition or a training framework, we see each project as an opportunity to empower institutions to tell their own stories, strengthen their operations and redefine global best practices from a MENA perspective.
LOOKING AHEAD
LumaTerra was founded on the belief that knowledge institutions in the MENA region have extraordinary potential to shape resilient and connected societies. As we look to the future, our focus is on growing as a trusted partner for cultural and educational organizations that honour local narratives while engaging with global best practices.
Our vision for growth is anchored in three priorities:
Expanding Regional Impact
Supporting emerging museums, science centers and cultural hubs across the Arab world with strategies and experiences that strengthen communities.
Deepening Global Partnerships
Building new collaborations with international institutions and networks that bring innovation and expertise to the region.
Innovating Through Practice
Designing new frameworks for multi-lingual learning, visitor engagement and exhibition development that combine cultural authenticity with resilient approaches.
Upcoming projects include the development of Kuwait’s first Children’s Museum, advisory on multidisciplinary exhibitions and capacity-building programs that strengthen institutional resilience across the MENA Region. Beyond Kuwait, we are exploring opportunities to support cultural initiatives throughout the MENA region, positioning LumaTerra as both a regional leader and a global contributor. Above all, we aspire to meaningfully contribute to global knowledge ecosystems, ensuring the stories and innovations of our region help shape a more connected and inspired world.
OUR SERVICES
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Clarity creates confidence. We guide institutions from vision to action by developing strategies, frameworks and roadmaps that align purpose with long-term impact.
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Stories shape understanding. We transform ideas into interactive exhibitions and immersive experiences that inspire learning, connect audiences and celebrate cultures.
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Learning never stops. We create educational and community programs that spark curiosity, build skills and connect institutions with the communities they serve.
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Strong systems build strong institutions. We design governance frameworks, operations, organizational structures and development programs that make organizations effective and ready for sustainable growth.
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Insight drives action. We provide the evidence, analysis and foresight institutions need to make impactful decisions and meaningfully shape cultural and knowledge ecosystems.
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Stories live through the lens. We craft media that amplifies culture and resonates with audiences. Whether on stage, on screens or within exhibitions we develop content from concept to final cut that will inform and entertain.
STRATEGY & PLANNING
Clarity creates confidence.
We guide institutions from vision to action by developing strategies, frameworks and roadmaps that align purpose with long-term impact.
Deliverables:
Strategic Plans
Stakeholder Mapping, Value Assessment & Engagement Planning
Sector Benchmarking
Feasibility Studies
Master Plans
Annual Work Plans
Project Charters
Business Cases
Governance Frameworks
Implementation Roadmaps
Monitoring & Evaluation Tools
EXHIBITION & EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Stories shape understanding.
We transform ideas into interactive exhibitions and immersive experiences that inspire learning, connect audiences and celebrate cultures.
Deliverables:
Exhibit Concepts
Interpretive Master Plans
Visitor Journey Maps
Storylines and Narrative Frameworks
Graphic (Content) Development and Localization
Interactive and Multimedia Design
Prototyping and Usability Testing
Detailed and Technical Design Packages
Fabrication Oversight
Design-Build Management
Installation Supervision and Reporting
Pre-Operational Planning
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
LEARNING & PROGRAMS
Learning never stops.
We create educational and community programs that spark curiosity, build skills and connect institutions with the communities they serve.
Deliverables:
Curriculum-Linked Workshops
Educator Training and Professional Development
Community Outreach Programs
Family-Based Programming
Digital / Virtual Learning Modules
Public Lectures and Community Events
Summer Camps and Seasonal Programs
Youth Leadership Programs
Evaluation and Impact Assessment Tools
Integrated Annual Visitor Engagement Plans
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFICIENCY
Strong systems, build strong institutions.
We design governance frameworks, operations, organizational structures and development programs that make organizations effective and ready for sustainable growth.
Deliverables:
Governance Frameworks
Authority Matrices
Process Mapping and Optimization
Policies and Procedures Development
Operational Risk Assessments
Job Analysis, Descriptions and Evaluation
Competency-Based HR Systems for Knowledge Centers
Performance Management Systems
Succession Planning Frameworks
Career Development Pathways
Capacity-Building Programs
Staff Training and Professional Development
Leadership Coaching
Executive Search
KNOWLEDGE ADVISORY
Insight drives action.
We provide the analysis and foresight institutions need to make impactful decisions and meaningfully shape cultural and knowledge ecosystems.
Deliverables:
Full-Scale Institutional Audit
Research Reports
Policy Recommendations
Sector Benchmarking Studies
Comparative Analysis Reports
Audience and Market Research
Visitor Studies and Impact Assessments
Knowledge Landscape Mapping
Best Practice and Case Study Reviews
Strategic Foresight and Trend Analysis
Cultural Policy and Strategy Guidance
White Papers and Position Papers
Research Partnerships and Academic Collaborations
Data Dashboards and Performance Metrics
Publications and Thought Leadership Development
PROJECTS
Though newly established, LumaTerra carries a legacy of expertise shaped by decades of experience in the cultural and knowledge sectors. Before founding the firm, our consultants contributed to the development of leading institutions across Kuwait and the wider region. These collaborations shaped our methodology and reflect the kind of impact we strive to create today. The projects below highlight some of the landmark initiatives our team has helped bring to life.
The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK)
Advancing Science Education and Community Engagement
In partnership with TSCK, we developed the Strategic Framework (2025–2029), rebuilt the education department, and launched the region’s first bilingual, curriculum-linked school programs. Together, we supported expansion projects, delivered the center’s first in-house exhibition and designed frameworks for visitor engagement and capacity-building across functions.
Al Shaheed Park Museums (Habitat & Memorial Museums)
Connecting Nature, History and National Identity
We collaborated with the Amiri Diwan to deliver Al Shaheed Park Museums to shape education and engagement strategies that connect biodiversity, natural history conservation and national identity. By integrating interactive programming and inclusive storytelling, the museums were positioned as vibrant cultural spaces for reflection, learning and stewardship of Kuwait’s heritage.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre (ASCC)
Launching a Global Museum Complex
Working with The Amiri Diwan under the lead of Cultural Innovations, we helped deliver ASCC, one of the world’s largest museum complexes. On this project we contributed to operational planning, localized exhibition content, and staff readiness programs. Outputs included visitor journey frameworks, gallery commissioning and capacity development programs.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC)
Positioning a National Theater for Accessibility
With JACC, Kuwait’s national performing arts complex, we developed programming and audience strategies that balanced world class productions with accessibility. By creating frameworks for inclusive participation and outreach, we helped position JACC as both a cultural landmark and a community hub deeply connected to its community.
Kuwait National Cultural District (KNCD)
Building a Coherent Cultural Ecosystem
As partners in shaping KNCD, we contributed to education, engagement and governance strategies that tied multiple institutions into a unified cultural ecosystem. Our collaboration included operational models, workforce development, and partnership frameworks that strengthened resilience and advanced Kuwait’s cultural leadership across the region.
Kuwait Children’s Museum (under development)
Inspiring Learning Through Play
This one is dear to our hearts. We are working with The Scientific Center, supporting the creation of Kuwait’s first Children’s Museum by partnering on the strategic concept, interpretive vision, supervision of design and fabrication as well as the development of operations planning. This collaboration, enabled by Huttinger Interactive Exhibitions, will deliver an inclusive space where children explore science, culture, art, and technology through play, strengthening curiosity, creativity, and school readiness in Kuwait.
North Africa and Middle East Science Centers Network (NAMES) (under development)
Reimagining a Regional Knowledge Alliance
Working with the North Africa and Middle East Science Centers Network, we are helping guide the revision of its new strategic framework. Through collaborative stakeholder engagement, benchmarking and framework development, this partnership will reposition NAMES as a dynamic, cross-disciplinary alliance for lifelong learning and cultural innovation across the MENA region.
The National Theater, Kuwait
Preserving Cultural Memory Through Film
We partnered with The National Theater to develop documentaries that safeguard Kuwait’s cultural memory and political history. Among them, Days of Terror, a four-part series on the Kuwait Airways hijackings, used oral histories to preserve regional memory, reached the premier spot on MBC Shahid -the Middle East’s most popular on-demand streaming platform -and earned regional acclaim. The project combined archival restoration, on-location interviews, and rigorous fact-checking, with bilingual subtitling to broaden access. It strengthened public discourse, supported educational use in classrooms and established a replicable model for documenting contested histories.
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL)
Documenting Theater and Cultural Heritage
In partnership with NCCAL, we developed a series of documentary films that preserve Kuwait’s rich theater traditions and cultural heritage. Together, we documented the evolution of performing arts in Kuwait- celebrating the artists and milestones that shaped national identity and safeguarded cultural memory for future generations.
Our portfolio is continually growing, shaped by new collaborations and stories that reflect the evolving knowledge landscape of our region. We invite you to return often to discover the projects we are developing, the partnerships we are building and the ways in which we continue to connect science, heritage, innovation and communities across the MENA region.
COMMUNITY
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Insights.
We scout ideas that challenge conventions and spark progress. This section curates the field’s most innovative thinking. Fresh perspectives, methods, toolkits and experiments. Happy reading!
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Research & Reports.
We believe in sharing data and open-source thinking. Our reports are available for download to help move industry policy, practice and performance forward.
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Al-Majlis.
Al-Majlis is LumaTerra’s online magazine, a gathering place for ideas, stories and dialogue shaping the future of knowledge and culture in the Arab world and beyond.
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The Souk.
Connecting people, projects and possibilities worldwide. Post and browse job opportunities, projects, upcoming conferences and training as well as collaboration opportunities.
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The Forum.
Looking for some quick advice? The Forum is your space to swap questions, share solutions, and trade ideas with peers shaping the global knowledge community.
Contact us.
info@luma-terra.org