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Monday, February 05, 2018
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has directed the launch of the “UAE Cultural Development Fund”, which will be overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
The Fund’s key objectives include providing necessary funds to support cultural activity within the country and encouraging projects and initiatives aimed at promoting the development of the UAE cultural product. The Fund will also ensure the participation of all segments of UAE society in the implementation of cultural development plans, which is one of the main components of comprehensive development. The fund will additionally encourage the role of the private sector in the process of cultural and knowledge development.
Sheikh Mohammed has also directed the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development to work on the launch of the “Creative Industries Contributions Index”, which will reflect an unambiguous structure of the economic returns of cultural activities and highlight the role of the cultural sector in supporting economic development within the country.
“Our culture represents the identity of our generations, and reflects the depth of our history. It is our message that we want to convey to the world in the most creative way. Our Emirati culture promotes the spirit of love, tolerance, and calls for openness to other cultures. The spirit and identity of our culture is inspired from the Arabic and Islamic Civilizations,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Highlighting the importance of Arabic language, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Arabic language is the backbone of our culture. Preserving our language is an pivotal prerequisite to develop our knowledge, instill our identity and develop our culture.”
“UAE’s drive towards leadership of the future, and its pursuit to be among the most advanced countries in the world won’t be realized unless we enhance our cultural heritage. The future of our cultural development should be based on creativity and innovation,” His Highness said. “Economy, culture and politics are components that interact to create a nation, and build a state… The development of our country depends on a well-established and forward-looking culture.”
His Highness comments came as he attended the “Future of Culture Retreat” organized by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The retreat was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Retreat brought together a number of cabinet ministers and senior government officials, in addition to some of the most prominent politicians, diplomats, cultural leaders, business leaders and media figures to work on the implementation of a comprehensive developmental plan for innovative cultural initiatives and projects.
Promoting Community Awareness
Speakers during the 9 sessions of the one-day retreat included: His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, His Excellency Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Hessa Eissa Bu Humaid, Minister of Community Development, His Excellency Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, His Excellency Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, His Excellency Mohammad Al Murr, Head of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, His Excellency Mohamed Kalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations.
In her keynote speech announcing the beginning of the retreat, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, has expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his ongoing support and acknowledgement of the role of culture, knowledge and intellectuals.
“The Future of Culture Retreat marks the start of a new phase in the future of culture in line with the role of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development in realizing the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision. The Ministry is taking an active role in the development of a cultural and intellectual society to keep pace with the rapid cultural and technological developments witnessed within the UAE”, noted Noura Al Kaabi.
Her Excellency underscored the Ministry’s keenness in cooperating with various ministries, governments, private bodies and institutions to develop capacities of the cultural sector and UAE society in line with global cultural development and the technological advancement witnessed within the UAE.
The Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development noted that this retreat marks the start of the activation and development of cultural work within the UAE. It marks the emergence of the future of culture and promotes the culture of innovation, carrying within its fold our genuine spirit, values and national identity, in line with modern intellectual industries.
“Today, we take pride in the UAE and its achievements, proving to the world that Emirati citizens are not only capable of keeping pace with global development in various fields and sectors but are at the forefront of such developments. Today’s retreat proved that the cultural sector falls in the heart of this development, enabling our dear nation to earn its international position and competitiveness. Through 9 different sessions, we brainstormed a wide range of visions, suggestions, initiatives and ideas related to the future of Emirati culture,” commented Her Excellency.
She added, “More than 17 recommendations and outcomes were derived from the 9 panel sessions: “The Future of Arts”; “Cultural Diplomacy”; “Funding and Cultural Longevity”; “National Identity, Values and Community Cohesion”; “The Arabic Language”; “Science and Technology”; “National Talents”; “The Infra-structure of UAE Culture” and “Cultural Innovation and Creativity”.
Recommendations and Outcomes
The “National Talents” session recommended proposing work agendas for “Creativity Leave”, “the National Orchestra” and the “Ministry’s Youth Council”. The “Creativity and Innovation in Culture” session recommended the development of a hub for cultural and creative work to ensure their development and promotion among UAE youth.
The “Funding and Cultural Longevity” session suggested the implementation of work plans to support cultural work and creative industries within the country, in addition to creating a cultural developmental fund.
The “Science and Technology” session suggested undertaking a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development and the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence promoting community awareness and addressing the role of the latest technology and its use in cultural, community, intellectual and economic development.
In line with the directives of the UAE's wise leadership to support Arabic language, recommendations of the session entitled “Arabic Language” focused on initiatives to support Arabic digital content and promoting its position among the swift contemporary scientific progress.
The “National Identity, Values and Community Cohesion” session recommended the development of a plan to promote the culture of the UAE within UAE society through joint initiatives with the Ministry of Community Development.
Participants in the “Infrastructure of UAE Culture” session proposed a number of recommendations including the development of an Emirati culture project map and cultural open data.
The “Cultural Diplomacy” session recommended a number of initiatives to develop cultural diplomacy, such as cooperating with UNESCO and promoting the role of cultural attaché to strengthen ties with other countries.
The “Future of Arts” session proposed a number of suggestions, initiatives and projects to ensure the development of UAE art and its creative scene including developing an Art Works’ index according to specific criteria.
His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, led the session on “The Future of Arts”, which discussed the future of arts and culture in light of globalization and technological communication. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian and Scientific Affairs, Khulood Al-Attiyat from Salamah Bint Hamdan Foundation, Michael Giha from Christie's Auction House and Abdel Monem Al Serkal from Al Serkal Avenue all took part in the session.
In the session entitled “Cultural Diplomacy”, His Excellency Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, led the discussion about the future of cultural diplomacy and soft power in the UAE and its development. Her Excellency Mona Ghanim Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Government Media Office, Saeed Al-Attar, Director of the Public Diplomacy Office and Dr. Nawal Al Hosani, Deputy Director General of the UAE Diplomatic Academy took part in the session.
His Excellency Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, along with a number of the region’s most prominent business leaders, led in the “Funding and Cultural Longevity” session to work on the implementation of work plans supporting creative industries in the country.
Her Excellency Hessa Eissa Bu Humaid, Minister of Community Development, addressed during the session entitled “National Identity, Values and Community Cohesion” the most important factors affecting the promotion of UAE culture.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Murr, Head of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, spoke about the importance of the preservation of the Arabic language, the development of Arabic digital content and the promotion of translated works by local writers internationally during the session entitled “Arabic language”. In the session, His Excellency was joined by His Excellency Ali bin Tamim, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Media Company, His Excellency Jamal bin Huwairb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, Ali Al Shaali, President of the Arab Reading Challenge Jury and Bilal Al Bodour, Chairman of the Arabic Language Protection Association.
In line with the retreat’s efforts to support the role of UAE youth and innovation, Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, discussed the challenges of empowering young talents to reach international audiences in the field of culture during the session “National Talent”.
The future of culture and artificial intelligence was brainstormed during the session “Science and Technology”, led by His Excellency Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, in addition to a number of specialized speakers in technology and development.
The Infrastructure of the UAE Culture and Cultural Innovation and Creativity sessions were respectively led by His Excellency Mohamed Kalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations.
A Comprehensive Cultural Renaissance
On the sidelines of the sessions, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi asserted that the retreat is in line with the UAE’s wise leadership in reinforcing the pillars of the UAE cultural renaissance and increasing the presence of the UAE youth in the UAE cultural scene.
Her Excellency added that the choice of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to host this event stemmed from our willingness to highlight our Nation’s interaction with various cultures from around the world. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is without doubt one of the most important additions to the cultural scene, not only in the UAE but in the region.
Her Excellency underscored that organising this retreat in the beginning of the “Year of Zayed”, reflects our commitment of following in the footsteps of our founding father Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, who always prioritized cultural development as part of national work.
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