Ministry of Culture signs pacts with Sea of Culture Foundation and Emirati Musicians’ Association at ADIBF
At the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair the Ministry of Culture sealed agreements with the Sea of Culture Foundation and the Emirati Musicians’ Association to expand training, events and community outreach.
Partnerships to broaden cultural participation and nurture talent
The Ministry of Culture signed two cooperation agreements at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 13 to 18 September. The memoranda were concluded with the Sea of Culture Foundation and the Emirati Musicians’ Association (EMA) as part of the ministry’s strategy to strengthen national cultural infrastructure and support Emirati creatives.
The agreements were formalised by Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, with Sheikha Rawda bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chair of the Sea of Culture Foundation, and composer Ihab Darwish, Founder and President of the EMA. The deals reflect a concerted effort to bring culture closer to society and to create sustained pathways for artistic and professional development.
The MoU with the Sea of Culture Foundation focuses on joint cultural and community-awareness initiatives. Planned activities include seminars, workshops, interactive sessions and awareness campaigns designed to reach young people, women, families, and students. The partnership also commits to supporting creative and media content born from these activities and to encouraging volunteering and active cultural participation.
Under the agreement with the EMA, the ministry will support the association’s plans to empower Emirati musicians and develop a comprehensive training and production ecosystem. The EMA will be able to use facilities at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre to implement its Music Centre project. That project is due to proceed in phases covering planning and design, preparation, the launch of academic programmes, and the expansion of creative and professional initiatives.
Officials described the collaborations as part of a broader push to build an integrated cultural ecosystem that delivers measurable social impact. Mubarak Al Nakhi said the partnerships align with the ministry’s strategic approach to sustainable cooperation with cultural and community institutions, leveraging expertise and resources to empower national talent.
Sheikha Rawda emphasised the role of culture in dialogue and community engagement, noting that the partnership aims to create spaces for learning and participation across a broad cross-section of society. Ihab Darwish highlighted the EMA’s ambition to position Emirati musicians at the heart of the UAE’s cultural development, offering education, training and production opportunities that adhere to international standards while preserving local musical identity.
The agreements are intended to enhance cultural awareness, foster social cohesion and establish long-term support structures for artists and communities in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Source: WAM