12 global cultural leaders, practitioners and experts will meet to identify ways in which culture can transform societies worldwide.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announces Culture Summit 2021’s theme – ‘The Cultural Economy and the Economy of Culture’, and it is already nearly upon us.
The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi is almost here and is in partnership with 12 global organisations.
These include UNESCO, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, the Economist Events, Google, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Design Museum London, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Institut Français, Image Nation, twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Film Commission.
The summit will take place virtually from 8-10 March this year, gathering global cultural leaders, practitioners and experts from the fields of art, heritage, museums, media and technology to identify ways in which culture can transform societies worldwide.
And YOU can be part of it! All you need to do is register here (It’s FREE)!
With all this talk of culture we invites you to embark on a journey to re-experience and engage with the capital’s history and cultural wealth through some of its iconic landmarks that we think you should visit.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Image source: Ail ahmad
Pay a visit to one of the world’s largest mosques is and rediscover the 82 domes, the largest of which sits presides over the main prayer hall. Stand in reverence and absorb the sheer scale of the design elements that include pure white marble cladding, onion shaped ‘crowns’ and crescent shaped finials decorated with gold-glass mosaic.
Online booking is obligatory. To obtain your day pass, go to visit.szgmc.gov.ae
Qasr Al Watan
Book your tickets online, and explore the Palace’s different zones that reveal the principles that have propelled traditional Arabian design to remarkable status. Gain a rare insight into Emirati governance and culture through the Palace’s exhibits. Explore the extensive selection of timeless books and manuscripts at House of Knowledge and Qasr Al Watan Library. To find out more, visit qasralwatan.ae
Qasr Al Hosn
The capital’s skyline suggests an ultra-modern metropolis and that’s true, yet among the testaments to modernity nestles Qasr Al Hosn. A vibrant homage to the nation’s past, you get to experience history in real time in the city’s oldest stone structure. To find out more visit, go to qasralhosn.ae
Louvre Abu Dhabi
You may have been before but Team Yalla says revisit again and again, if just for the architectural setting alone. Step inside and rediscover what this museum represents – the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world while celebrating the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Human creativity is laid bare and reminds us what unites us. Pre-booked tickets are a must. Find out what’s on by visiting louvreabudhabi.ae
Founder’s Memorial
This unique cultural attraction celebrates the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, known as the Father of the Nation. The opening of the Founder’s memorial coincided with 2018 being named the Year of Zayed, and the cultural landmark must be added to one’s Abu Dhabi itinerary when rediscovering this great city. For more information and opening times, visit, thefoundersmemorial.ae
Al Jahili Fort
This is Al Ain’s oldest fort was built in the late 19th century by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa, better known as ‘Zayed the First’. The fort was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves and was considered both a symbol of power and a royal summer residence. For further details, content 03 711 8311
Al Ain Palace Museum
Once home to the Founding Father and first president of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed lived here with his family until 1966 before moving to Abu Dhabi city. Built in 1937, the palace and private residence offer insight into the lives and culture of both the ruling family and the community before the discovery of petroleum. For further details, content 03 711 8388.
