Abu dhabi: Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, emphasized the evolving role of museums as key players in cultural preservation and as centers for knowledge, creativity, and discovery.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Mubarak stated that museums are enhancing our understanding of humanity's shared narrative, highlighting their potential to serve as dynamic platforms for research, education, and dialogue. This vision is exemplified in the Saadiyat Cultural District and other institutions throughout the region.
Al Mubarak traced the UAE's commitment to museums back to the vision of the country's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who commissioned the nation's first museum in Al Ain in 1969. He stressed the importance of remembering the past to secure a present and future for the nation.
The UAE recently hosted the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Dubai. The event provided an opportunity for the UAE to contribute to global discussions on museology and culture, under the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities."
For more than five decades, the UAE has integrated cultural infrastructure into its communities, ensuring that cultural treasures remain a living part of the nation's future. Al Mubarak highlighted the UAE's absolute conviction in the value of museums, viewing them as catalysts for opportunity, societal transformation, and youth empowerment.
Al Mubarak noted that Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in cultural development, particularly with projects in Saadiyat Cultural District such as the Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. These join existing institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
Efforts have also been made to renovate heritage sites such as Al Ain Museum and Qasr Al Hosn, and to safeguard the UAE's intangible heritage, enhancing the UNESCO list honoring living traditions. A growing archaeology program continues to reveal discoveries that enrich understanding of the region's historic cultures.
Al Mubarak concluded by highlighting the role of museums in fostering a sense of belonging among the 200 nationalities living in the UAE. Museums offer socio-economic opportunities, support cultural industries, attract tourism, and inspire future generations, while helping young people understand their roots in a rapidly changing world.