The UAE Cultural Week, an initiative driven by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, concluded in Paris today following a successful four days that witnessed Emirati-inspired design and art exhibitions, cultural talks, film screenings, culinary fusion experiences and a unique concert at the Sorbonne University. The event was attended by HE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan, Chairman of UAE Unlimited. The occasion was an opportunity for both the UAE and France to further demonstrate their close political cooperation, strong economic bonds and flagship projects in the fields of culture and education whilst celebrating their shared desire to promote collaboration in the fields of knowledge, creativity and innovation.

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, expressed her gratitude for the success of the UAE Cultural Week, noting its contribution to the development of cultural and artistic interaction between both countries, and opening new creative collaborations between writers, artists and creators. Al Kaabi said: “The UAE Cultural Week is an important platform that exemplifies a long-standing friendship between the UAE and France, showcasing creative energies of the young talents. It has established new avenues for collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors while exposing the French public to our rich heritage and culture. We truly believe that culture is a force that transcends borders and creates constructive intercultural dialogue and we look forward to building on this partnership to promote not only our bilateral ties but our human connections aw well.” His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of UAE Unlimited, also highlighted the importance of this event during his participation, saying: “Cultural dialogue is an integral part of the overall vision of the UAE Unlimited, which has created opportunities around learning through collaborations across the UAE.

Art has an important yet varied role in the evolution of the whole art scene in the UAE.” His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary, The Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi "Celebrating UAE Cultural Week in Paris was an important milestone for strengthening and promoting the contemporary design aesthetic of UAE artists and designers. Their contribution and the display of their works inspired by the UAE’s rich heritage was a powerful visual conversation about the value of cross cultural dialogue and identity". The week provided an opportunity for a number of cultural institutions from across the Emirates to come together and highlight a wealth of creativity from the region. Dubai Design District (d3) featured ‘UAE Design Stories: The Next Generation from the Emirates’, an exhibition displaying contemporary design from Emirati designers, which was showcased at leading international design fairs across the world.

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of d3 said: “d3 is delighted to be supporting the UAE Cultural Week with the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development. As a creative district, collaboration and cultural exchange are important parts of how d3 has evolved into the creative community it is today. It’s vital for the continued growth of Dubai’s creative scene to support initiatives like these and showcase the best of the region’s creative talents.” ‘Co-Lab: contemporary art and savoir-faire’ presented artworks by four artists based in the UAE and another four leading manufacturers in France. The collaboration was part of the Emirati-French Cultural Program between the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the Institut Français of the United Arab Emirates, celebrating the cultural relations between both countries. A Designed in UAE Concept Store of unique products by Emirati designers illustrated how far the nation’s artistic landscape has evolved, from accessories and stationary to jewellery and leather goods.

Discussions on graphic design and typography were also on the agenda during the UAE Cultural Week, with speakers including Salem Al-Qassimi, Principal and Founder of Fikra, and Director of the Fikra Graphic Design Biennal, and Léa Rolland and Redouan Chetuanfrom Radiographique. Other talks included the art movement in Abu Dhabi, democratizing art to the youth, by the Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation, the influence of cities on art by UAE Unlimited, Co-Lab: inspiration and creation, by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai: a thriving arts scene, which depicted how the UAE has become a regional arts and culture hub over the past two decades, by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. An evening was dedicated to a classical concert at the University of Sorbonne in Paris in the memory of the UAE founding father titled the Art of Zayed. It featured western classical compositions by Saint-Saëns, Chopin, Fauré with the voice of the opera singer and pianist Fatima Al Hashimi as well as contemporary Arabic music by Emirati pianist and composer Hamad Al Taee.