Al Ain residents seek cultural body

People highlighted the need for a cultural institution in Al Ain city yesterday, saying it will help promote the cultural activities of the country.

The city has gained importance on the tourist map of the region and now demands an institution like Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation that can facilitate and promote Arabia, particularly the UAE, its culture and heritage to attract tourists.

Walid Abdul Rahim, a Jordanian expatriate, said "we need a dedicated cultural organisation, which can host arts exhibitions, shows and other activities, to boost the city's image. It will be a very important step and the authorities should consider it."

He said the city has all the other required ingredients that a world-class tourist destination has. An institution like Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation will facilitate not only nationals but others to contribute to government efforts to promote and preserve the UAE's culture and heritage, he added.

Munir Ahmed, a long serving Pakistani expatriate, said the need for such a public institution to promote creativity and culture is being strongly felt by the people of the city.

"Al Ain is getting a lot of attention as a centre of Arabian culture, traditions, tourism and education. People from different parts of the world are taking interest in the city which could offer much more through an 'Al Ain Cultural Foundation'.

"I am inspired by the activities of the Abu Dhabi foundation that has been serving as a link between the country's culture and its society."

He said the foundation is a well-established organisation and its usefulness is time-tested. "I think they can open a branch in Al Ain to extend their programmes and activities to the second most important city of the Abu Dhabi Emirate," he suggested.

Ahmed Saif Al Kaabi, a national businessman, said Al Ain needs such a dedicated institution or organisation that can streamline various aspects of culture.

"I would like to suggest that the authorities concerned should pay their attention to this on a priority basis, since it is the only thing the city is short of."

He said such a facility will also encourage interest in literature and other intellectual activities among the country's youth. It will also provide an excellent venue for holding seminars, lectures, conferences and other shows.

Rajan Kumar, an Indian expatriate, said Al Ain, like other cities of the UAE, also has a multi-cultural population and an institution like foundation will help in establishing a link with other cultures and societies.

"Various shows and activities will encourage people from other nationalities to understand the local culture and heritage, creating a better and a harmonious atmosphere."

Abdul Aziz Sayah, an Egyptian expatriate, said culture and heritage are the most important elements of a society and the UAE authorities are paying a lot of attention to it.

In Al Ain and other cities there are many sites of cultural heritage such as the museums, heritage villages, and the cultural clubs. But an organisation on the lines of the foundation can play a major role in further promoting the culture of the UAE.

"The authorities should consider the establishment of such a dedicated organisation that can benefit both the nationals and the expatriates living in Al Ain," he added.