Hatta: The United Arab Emirates witnessed a series of cultural and knowledge achievements in 2025, strengthening national identity, developing the cultural sector, and consolidating its position as a global destination for knowledge, creativity, and the arts. Federal and local efforts were marked by high-quality cultural initiatives, the opening of major museums, significant archaeological discoveries, and the strengthening of the UAE's presence on the global cultural stage.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE approved the Sheikh Zayed Farm in Al Khawaneej as the country's third national site, recognizing its historical significance. A federal law on cultural heritage was approved to protect and promote the UAE's cultural heritage. The Ministry of Culture launched the National Policy for Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage, while the Cabinet approved a general policy for the civilisation sector to enhance dialogue and reinforce shared values.
An Emiri decree established the Sharjah Creative Quarter, providing a platform for innovative projects and strengthening Sharjah's position as a hub for knowledge and creative work. The Emirates Council for Balanced Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, launched programmes to support creatives and artisans and develop cultural tourism, including support for 20 creative projects and training cultural ambassadors.
Several museums were inaugurated in 2025, including teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Dubai announced the Dubai Museum of Art, DUMA. Archaeological discoveries in the UAE were notable, with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi announcing the discovery of the first Iron Age cemetery in Al Ain and new findings on Al Ghallah Island in Umm Al Qaiwain.
In the realm of book fairs, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 attracted over 400,000 visitors, while the Sharjah International Book Fair concluded with over 1.4 million visitors, maintaining its status as the world's largest book fair in terms of buying and selling publishing rights. The UAE also participated in the rehabilitation of sites in Mosul under the Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative, allocating US$50.4 million for reconstruction efforts.
The Arab Reading Challenge continued to strengthen its global standing, attracting more than 163 million students since its launch. The initiative received new support from the Sobha Group through an endowment valued at AED500 million. The UAE succeeded in inscribing four new elements on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and was elected Vice-President of the General Conference of UNESCO, with the inclusion of Emirati poet Ahmed bin Sulayem and United Arab Emirates University in its commemorations programme for 2026-2027.