Nahyan bin Mubarak opens Global Encounters Festival 2025
DUBAI (WAM) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, today inaugurated the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a unique gathering of more than 4,000 young artists and athletes from over 50 countries, uniting in the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared humanity.The opening ceremony, held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan, alongside over 25,000 visitors from around the world.Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the Global Encounters Festival 2025 takes place from July 20-27 across multiple venues in Dubai, featuring an engaging programme of sports competitions, art showcases, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive cultural experiences.During his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said, 'I am pleased to express our country's great pleasure in welcoming so many festival participants from around the world. I am especially pleased to warmly greet and welcome His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan. Their respected world view, and their strong commitment to preserving our Islamic heritage and traditions, are well known. Their presence will certainly enrich this festival.'He added, 'You have assembled in Dubai under our country's welcoming Arab tent that has sheltered a peaceful and innovative population at this global crossroads. This city and this country are showing the world that people from different nations, different ethnicities, different religions, and different cultures can live and work together in peace and harmony, in an environment marked by understanding, respect, and shared values.'He emphasised the UAE's national ethos of coexistence and the role of sports and arts in building bridges across cultures, 'Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we in the UAE cherish the bridges that sports and the arts build between peoples and nations.'Reflecting on his past attendance at the Jubilee Games 2016, he said, 'I am glad to see how much the festival has grown. The festival's focus on arts and sports reminds us that accomplishment comes from effort and persistence, and that these fields promote joy, friendship, and goodwill. They are important catalysts for peace, coexistence, and harmony in the world.'Sheikh Nahyan also praised the hosts, saying, 'I congratulate the hosts of the festival – the Prince Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates. They give us an opportunity to express our admiration for the strong commitment and success of the Ismaili community, under the leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan, to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding in the world.'He concluded his remarks with a message of encouragement and gratitude, 'I commend all of you for being here and for taking up the particular challenge that this Festival represents. I share in your hopes and expectations that this festival will be a valuable contribution to promoting dialogue and establishing lasting friendships. My best wishes for successful games, exhilarating competition, and an outstanding artistic and cultural experience.'
A Lasting Legacy of CollaborationThe Festival reflects long-standing engagement between the Ismaili community, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Gulf region through collaboration with public and private institutions. 'The Global Encounters Festival is not only a celebration of artistic and athletic talent – it is a testament to the enduring values that unite us as a global community,' said His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan.'Throughout our history, the Ismaili community has sought to cultivate knowledge, foster mutual respect and encourage young people to lead lives of purpose and integrity. In today's interconnected yet fragile world, the role of youth as bridge-builders is more critical than ever. This Festival reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation not only to succeed, but to serve - to uplift the societies in which they live, and to be champions of peace, pluralism and a shared humanity,' added His Highness.Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said, 'Youth development, talent mobility, and cross-border collaboration are essential drivers of long-term economic growth. Hosting the Global Encounters Festival aligns with Dubai's wider economic agenda, reinforcing our role as a global platform for innovation, cultural exchange, and human capital development. "As we look to future-proof our economy, events like this provide an opportunity to engage tomorrow's leaders, strengthen knowledge ecosystems, and advance Dubai's position as a magnet for talent, enterprise, and ideas.'Celebrating diversity across more than 200 nationalities, the Festival aligns with the UAE's Year of Community 2025, promoting inclusion, sustainability and innovation as universal values.Mahir Julfar, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said, 'We are proud to host the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a large-scale, purpose-driven event that reflects our enduring commitment to operational excellence and global collaboration. With over 25,000 visitors expected, DWTC is well-positioned to deliver a world-class experience that matches the ambition and energy of this remarkable youth-led gathering,''The Global Encounters Festival exemplifies the spirit of unity, service and excellence that the Ismaili community aspires to worldwide,' said Malik Talib, Chair of the Ismaili Leaders' International Forum (LIF).'It offers young people a powerful platform to express their talents, build lasting friendships across borders and deepen their commitment to improving the societies in which they live.'The Festival aims to empower the next generation of changemakers - nurturing artists, athletes and civic leaders who are not only pursuing excellence but also driving social impact, climate action, and intercultural understanding.'This is more than an event. It's a living example of what's possible when young people from around the world come together with purpose,''Dubai, with its visionary leadership and unmatched cultural energy, is the ideal home for this global celebration.' Concluded Talib.
From electric rideshares to zero-waste venues and a global tree-planting campaign, sustainability remains a cornerstone of the Festival. Thousands of participants are supporting the Roots for Change initiative, pledging to plant 1 million trees globally in alignment with Net Zero 2030 goals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
13 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Abdulla Al Hamed explores avenues of cooperation with global media, entertainment leaders in Osaka
27 July 2025 17:37 OSAKA (WAM)Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the NMO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council, held a series of bilateral meetings in the Japanese city of Osaka with top global media and entertainment industry leaders. These meetings were part of efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships for the development of the film and creative content discussions focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration with international companies in areas such as film production, visual storytelling technologies, and the development of modern media Al Hamed emphasised that the current wave of technological transformation compels media institutions to be proactive in adopting artificial intelligence tools and data added, 'Our vision in the United Arab Emirates is centred on building a flexible and innovative media ecosystem that can anticipate audience needs and produce content that reflects our national ambitions and deep-rooted identity.'He noted that these meetings represent a new step in the UAE's media strategy, which aims to open up to international expertise and form impactful alliances that enhance the country's presence on the global media map. He also highlighted that the meetings served as an opportunity to introduce international partners to the upcoming 'BRIDGE' Summit in Abu Dhabi this December, which seeks to promote global partnerships and expand dialogue around the future of global Al Hamed met with Courtney LeMarco, Chairman of the Political Action Committee for the Entertainment Industry in Washington State, and Founder and CEO of LeMarco Global, a firm specialising in brand management and media content development in collaboration with major global corporations such as Amazon and Disney. He is also the executive producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary series 'Hoarders,' and a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington. He also met with Taiki Sakurai, CEO of Salamander Pictures Co., Ltd., a company known for its innovative approach to filmmaking that combines traditional cinematic techniques with the latest technologies and high-quality visual production.
Middle East Eye
a day ago
- Middle East Eye
Ziad Rahbani, icon of Lebanese music and theatre, dies at 69
Ziad Rahbani, one of Lebanon's most influential cultural figures and the son of Arab music legend Fairuz, has died at the age of 69. A playwright, composer, and political commentator, Rahbani shaped the landscape of Lebanese theatre and music with his biting wit, leftist and secular politics, and sharp portrayals of his country's fractured society. "On Saturday at 9:00 am [6am GMT], the heart of the great artist and creator Ziad Rahbani stopped beating," said a statement from the Beirut hospital where the artist, who has long suffered from health problems, was being treated. The son of Fairuz, who turned 90 last year, and the late composer Assi Rahbani, Ziad first rose to prominence in the 1970s. He broke away from the romanticism of his parents' work to create art rooted in social critique and everyday struggles. Tributes poured in for the enfant terrible of Lebanese music, whose theatre productions and songs left an enduring mark on generations of Lebanese - many of whom know his lyrics and playscripts by heart. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Rahbani was a versatile composer and a pioneer of oriental jazz. He mixed traditional Arabic melodies with jazz, funk and classical influences, creating a unique and instantly recognisable sound. Rahbani composed for Fairuz in her later years, bringing political depth to her repertoire. Throughout Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990) and in the decades that followed, Rahbani's plays became spaces where Lebanese audiences confronted their harsh realities. He often highlighted the hardships of Lebanon's working class. His characters were disillusioned citizens, ex-revolutionaries or everyday people caught in the complexities of Lebanon's political and sectarian struggles. Lebanese diva Fairuz talks to her son, Ziad Rahbani, and Armenian conductor Karen Durgarian during rehearsals prior to their concert in Dubai on 23 January 2003 (AFP) One of his most influential plays, Nazl el-Sourour (Happiness Hotel), is a political satire set in a run-down hotel, where two laid-off workers take the guests hostage in a failed attempt at revolution. Through humour and absurdity, the play critiques class divisions and the hollowness of political slogans in pre-war Lebanon. Another one of his landmark works, the 1980 production Film Ameriki Tawil (A Long American Film), is a satirical portrayal of the civil war, set in an asylum where the patients represent different segments of society. Rahbani articulated a collective frustration and longing for change. For many in Lebanon and across the Arab world, his death marks the loss of a singular voice that never stopped asking uncomfortable questions.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Ziad Rahbani, iconic Lebanese musician and playwright, dies at 69
A legacy of rebellion and innovation Often described as the enfant terrible of Lebanese culture, Rahbani left a lasting impact on generations through his provocative theatre pieces and innovative music. His work addressed political and social themes, often preempting or responding to Lebanon's turmoil, including the civil war that began in 1975. Revolutionary theatre and satire Rahbani's 1980 satirical play Film Ameriki Tawil (The American Motion Picture) remains one of his most iconic works. Set in an asylum during the civil war, it used humor and allegory to critique Lebanon's fractured society and political chaos. Musical heritage and oriental jazz As the son of Fairuz and Assi Rahbani—two pillars of Arab music—Ziad Rahbani inherited a profound artistic legacy. His contributions modernized Lebanese music, blending jazz with traditional Arabic melodies in a style he dubbed 'Oriental jazz.' His compositions for Fairuz brought her renewed popularity among younger generations. A voice for the marginalised Rahbani's outspoken secular and leftist views shaped both his art and public image. He consistently challenged Lebanon's sectarian divides and championed justice, earning him admiration across political lines. Tributes from across Lebanon Tributes poured in following his death. Actress Carmen Lebbos, his former partner, wrote: 'I feel like everything has gone. I feel like Lebanon has become empty.' President Joseph Aoun hailed Rahbani as 'a voice that rebelled against injustice, an honest mirror for the oppressed.' Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon had lost 'a free voice who stayed faithful to the values of justice and dignity.' Culture Minister Ghassan Salame expressed grief, noting, 'We dreaded this day as we knew his health was worsening and that his desire for treatment was dwindling.' Ziad Rahbani's fearless voice, creative spirit, and deep influence on Arab culture will be remembered for generations to come.
