Dubai: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) supported the UAE Embassy in London as a cultural partner to host this year’s UAE National Day celebrations.
The embassy’s celebrations held at the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square was attended by representatives of the UAE government and leading figures from the UAE arts and culture scene, including UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui.
The National Day celebrations in London also marked another milestone — highlighting the upcoming UK-UAE Year of Cultural Collaboration, announced in early November in the UAE and with co-patrons His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
The UK-UAE Year of Cultural Collaboration aims to develop and deliver a unique cultural programme that strengthens existing relationships and creates new ones between people, institutions and businesses.
“The cultural initiative is aimed at highlighting the role of the UAE as a society which attaches great attention to science and knowledge and which is rich in culture and arts. This is important to improve the status and prominence the UAE is enjoying in the UK. Cultural activities convey positive messages about the country, given their emotional influence on different segments of the British society, thereby strengthening ties between the two countries,” said Al Mazroui.
Dubai Culture also showcased its centrepiece cultural and heritage initiative at the National Day festivities, the soon-to-be-inaugurated Etihad Museum, which focuses on inspiring Emiratis and international visitors alike with the founding story of the UAE. Through a unique visitor journey, the museum will present a 21st century exhibition, which features advanced technology and educational programmes along with applications designed to inspire visitors.
