Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the emirate's dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, supported the UAE Embassy in London as a cultural partner to host this year’s UAE National Day celebrations.

The embassy celebration was attended by representatives of the UAE government and leading figures from the UAE arts and culture scene, as the UAE Ambassador to the UK, Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui delivered a short speech to mark the occasion.
 
The UAE National Day celebrations took place in one of the finest art galleries in the world - the prestigious National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. The event was attended by an official Dubai Culture’ delegation headed by Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. In addition, the celebrations witnessed the participation of a number of VIPs and members of the British community attended the high-profile event, with special guests from the UAE joining the festivities to shed light on the vibrant arts, culture and heritage scenes in the emirate.

The National Day celebrations in London also marked another milestone — highlighting the upcoming UK-UAE Year of Cultural Collaboration, announced in early November in the UAE and with co-patrons HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales. This collaboration initiative aims to develop and deliver a unique cultural programme that strengthens existing relationships and creates new ones between people, institutions and businesses.

Commenting on the UAE National Day celebrations in London, Almazroui said: “The cultural initiative is aimed at highlighting the role of the UAE as a society which attaches great attention to science and knowledge, and which is rich in culture and arts. This is important to improve the status and prominence UAE is enjoying in UK. Cultural activities convey positive messages about the country, given their emotional influence on different segments of the British society, thereby strengthening ties between the two countries."

Dubai Culture also showcased its centrepiece cultural and heritage initiative at the National Day festivities, the soon to be inaugurated Etihad Museum, which focuses on inspiring Emiratis and international visitors alike with the founding story of the United Arab Emirates. Through a unique visitor journey, the museum will present a 21st century exhibition which features advanced technology and educational programmes along with applications designed to inspire visitors.

Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “The UAE and the UK are interconnected with a long history of mutual cooperation across the culture, arts and heritage sectors. The UAE National Day celebrations in London helped to highlight our country’s rich national heritage, and raise the profile of the latest cultural projects in Dubai - including the Etihad Museum. This dynamic 21st century museum will inspire its visitors with the story of the founding of the United Arab Emirates and celebrate the dedication, commitment and patriotism of the UAE nation’s founders.”

Al Nabouda continued: “These National Day celebrations are the forerunner to a diverse programme of activities that will take place in the UK and the UAE which will feature key events in the arts, education and society, of which Dubai Culture will play a key role. All Dubai Culture initiatives are intended to contribute to cultural relations on an international and regional level.”

Dubai Culture aims to enrich the cultural scene of Dubai and draw attention to the emirate’s rich heritage through the various initiatives it carries out throughout the year. The authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures, achieved through constructive creative initiatives that benefit citizens and residents all across the emirate. - TradeArabia News Service