UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s love for art and culture has played an instrumental role in transforming Abu Dhabi into a global artistry hub. It was the vision of His Highness to revolutionise the art scene of the Emirati capital which led to the launch of several initiatives, projects, museums and exhibitions to develop Abu Dhabi into a melting pot of culture and innovation in the Arab world and beyond.
After being elected as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed led began hosting crucial international conferences, summits and exhibitions to put the city on the map as the leading art centre of the world.
Several initiatives to promote global art
In 2007, the Emirates hosted the first edition of Abu Dhabi Art under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed delivering various forms of visual art installations, exhibitions, and events as part of the annual fair.
Over the last few years, critical steps have been taken to underline Sheikh Mohamed’s art and cultural vision, including the launch of the world-class Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District. Other destinations, including Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim, Qasr Al Hosn and Louvre Abu Dhabi reflect the artistic vision and cultural mastery of the Emirati capital. The deep-rooted interest of the UAE President in modern and contemporary art is the driving force behind the noteworthy revamping of Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Inaugurated in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and French President Emmanuel Macron in November 2017, the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi was a luxurious achievement for the capital’s art and culture community.
In 2007, the UAE and France partnered to strengthen their cultural ties which resulted in the establishment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum is an embodiment of the UAE leadership’s goal to promote cultural progression and openness in collaboration with France’s expertise in the area of art and museums. Showcasing the cultural achievements of the world from prehistory to the present day, Louvre Abu Dhabi has massive historical, cultural and sociological importance for the art community.
Fostering UAE-China ties
In 2019, the newly-inaugurated UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, visited Beijing and held talks with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping with the aim of enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The two leaders also signed 16 agreements in the fields of economy, oil and environment to foster growth and development in the areas of mutual of interest. Taking to Twitter, Sheikh Mohamed had underlined that the deals are aimed “developing co-operation and a comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as opening new horizons for joint action in various sectors”.
China is one of the most prominent trading partners for the UAE, noting that the two countries are continuing to accelerate their 2,000-years-old relations. Even since merchants first travelled between the Arab world and China through the Silk Route, the two countries are cultivating trade ties with each other.
Notably, the UAE is an integral aspect of the Chinese Premier’s Belt and Road initiative. The initiative is aimed at developing trade routes with leading nations through infrastructure investments and trade links.