Zain's diverse experience spans the commercial and not-for-profit arts and culture sector in the Middle East, having worked as a practitioner, project manager, and researcher. She was previously Director of Ayyam Gallery, a commercial gallery with art spaces in Dubai and Beirut, and held several positions at Sharjah Art Foundation, where she worked as a curatorial assistant for the Sharjah Biennial, coordinated exhibitions, and managed the Foundation’s collection.

Zain holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics (first class) from City University London. She periodically contributes essays, interviews, and articles to several publications, and she speaks Arabic and intermediate French.