Culture Summit Abu Dhabi kicks off seventh edition
27 Apr 2025 12:37
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) kicks off the seventh edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi on Sunday, the leading global forum dedicated to culture, creativity, and cross-sector collaboration. Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from April 27 – 29, 2025, the summit brings together thought leaders, artists, policymakers, and innovators from around the world for three days of impactful dialogue and exchange.The theme of the seventh edition, Culture for Humanity and Beyond, will navigate the ever-dynamic relationship between culture and humanity in a period of transformation. Across the three days, the Summit will see attendees exchange new perspectives on reimagining the future, as traditional thinking gives way to newer approaches.Cultural figures and former ministers will engage in ministerial dialogues and sessions surrounding culture and global policy. These sessions will feature Jenny Shipley, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Iveta Radičová, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia. Other sessions, including panel discussions, case studies, and creative conversations will feature academics, authors, founders and directors such as Mo Gawdat, Author and Former Chief Business Officer at Google X; Glenn Lowry, The David Rockefeller Director, The Museum of Modern Art; Tim Marlow, Chief Executive and Director of the Design Museum in London, Awan Amkpa, Dean of Arts and Humanities at New York University Abu Dhabi, Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Design Director, Heatherwick Studio; Sir John Akomfrah, Film Director - Smoking Dogs Films; Maja Hoffman, Founder and Executive President at Luma Foundation and LumaArles; Hashim Sarkis, Dean at Massachusetts Institute for Technology; Colleen Atwood, Costume Designer; Susan Buck-Morss, Distinguished Professor - CUNY Graduate Centre and Cornell University; Sir William Sargent, Chair at Framestore; Professor Iyad Rahwan, Professor and Director, Max Planck Institute for Human Development; Koyo Kouoh, Executive Director and Chief Curator - Zeitz MOCAA, and many more.Three sub-themes will be explored in depth across the Summit's duration:Day one will tap into the power shifts in today's world, from the digital revolution to volatile geopolitical landscapes, and how these shifts are reshaping the cultural landscape.Day two will examine how culture and the creative ecosystem are adapting their policies and models to fully leverage these new possibilities.The final day will present a range of innovative solutions that could redefine new frameworks for the culture sector and humanity on a broader scale.Culture Summit Abu Dhabi is an annual global forum that brings together international leaders from the cultural and creative industries to explore ways in which culture can transform societies and communities worldwide.Hosted by DCT Abu Dhabi, the event's key global partners include UNESCO, The Economist Impact, the Design Museum, Google, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, and the Recording Academy.Additional partners include Image Nation Abu Dhabi, International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies, Cultural Foundation, The National, the Club de Madrid, the Abrahamic Family House, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Institut Français, Institut du Monde Arabe, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, TeamLab, Maktaba, House of Artisans, and Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute.
The Summit reflects DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving, protecting, and promoting Abu Dhabi's rich cultural heritage while fostering creativity and innovation to build a more inclusive and sustainable global cultural future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi inspires next generation of marine champions through SeaWorld's One Ocean mission
8 June 2025 23:43 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The UAE is emerging as a regional leader in marine conservation, research, and public engagement, with its environmental institutions spotlighting the ocean's vital role in sustaining life and advancing conversations on sustainability and youth year's World Oceans Day - marked on June 8 - was the largest in history, with events in more than 178 countries and a strong focus on youth leadership. From Abu Dhabi to Poland to Guam, young advocates raised their voices in a growing global call to protect the ocean. The theme, 'When Youth Lead, Our Ocean Wins', reflected the movement's drive to empower the next generation to act for a more just and sustainable the UAE, institutions like SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, are putting that vision into practice. Central to SeaWorld's mission is its One Ocean philosophy, which emphasises the deep interconnectedness between human life and marine ecosystems.'World Oceans Day is a moment to reflect on the responsibility we all share in protecting the ocean,' Rob Yordi, Zoological Vice President and General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad. 'At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, our mission is rooted in the One Ocean story and that all life on Earth is deeply connected to the ocean, and the ocean connects us all.'Through eight immersive marine-themed realms, SeaWorld invites guests into a journey of discovery guided by expert zoologists and educators. Alongside other institutions like the National Aquarium, it is taking on a leading role in educating the next generation about the importance of ocean habitats. At this marine life theme park, experiences are 'designed to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and raise awareness about the different marine species and the vital ecosystems they inhabit', Yordi addition to its public offerings, the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre plays a crucial role in marine science and conservation in the UAE. Yordi highlighted the centre's collaborative approach, believing it to be the cornerstone of the centre's success. 'We are always keen on conducting partnerships with educational institutions and universities. We already did so with NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), and with Miral's partnership with ADEK through the centre,' he said. 'With the support of these institutions, we are able to inspire and engage the next generation of marine advocates, expanding our reach and impact across the youth community,' Yordi the centre's recent achievements was the region's first Arabian Scientific Seagrass Workshop, which brought together researchers and conservationists to tackle the urgent and understudied issue of seagrass habitats. Another major milestone is the rescue and rehabilitation of over 500 marine animals, in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. 'We are extremely proud to have recently reached a major milestone of rescuing and rehabilitating over 500 injured and distressed animals … with many returned to their natural habitats,' Yordi Lasting Change World Oceans Day is not just about events or education, it's about shaping the future, a vision clearly echoed by the World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council. This council includes 25 young changemakers from 24 countries who organise clean-ups, policy campaigns, and year-round advocacy efforts.'Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow - we are leading today,' said Paulina Slawek, a council member from Poland. 'Our voices, perspectives, and solutions are already reshaping climate discourse.'The UAE's engagement with World Oceans Day aligns with its broader environmental goals and its positioning as a hub for sustainable development and innovation. With projects like SeaWorld Yas Island, robust public-private partnerships, and rising youth involvement, the UAE is creating a unique model of marine conservation that bridges education, science, entertainment, and advocacy. 'Protecting the ocean is not a one-day effort - it's an ongoing commitment. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, we hope to inspire lasting change that ensures the health of our oceans for generations to come,' Yordi said.
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Al Etihad
Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at local museums and experience culture, history and giveaways
6 June 2025 01:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Local museums are opening their doors to the public for free over the long historical and cultural sites will be hosting events where you can celebrate Eid Al-Adha with the are invited to come and experience the rich heritage of the UAE, as well as a variety of fascinating arts and Eid gifts also await following are mandatory stops on any Abu Dhabi museum tour: Al Hosn Site Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at Al Hosn with a lively three-day event, featuring joyful moments for children, Eidiya surprises, and fun-filled giveaways. Dates: June 6–8First day of Eid: 4pm to 8pm Second Day of Eid Onwards: 9am to 8pmEntry: Free House of ArtisansJoin House of Artisans for Fwalat Al Eid, an Emirati tradition during Eid, symbolising hospitality and honouring guests. This custom, passed down through generations, features an array of traditional snacks, reflecting the values of hospitality in Emirati culture and adornment. Date: June 7–8First day of Eid: 4pm to 8pmSecond Day of Eid Onwards: 9am to 8pmEntry: Free Manarat Al SaadiyaJoin the Eid Al-Adha celebrations at Manarat Al Saadiyat under the theme of palm trees. Bring the family and enjoy a vibrant day filled with art workshops and creative activities designed for all ages. While there, you might as well check out the following exhibitions: Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection"Layered Medium: We are in Open Circuits" exhibitionMawhibaty Student Showcase ExhibitionZayed University ShowcaseEach offers a unique perspective on artistic expression and local June 6–8Time: 10am to 8pmEntry: Free Al Ain Cultural SitesExplore Al Ain's cultural sites and discover the stories buried in their walls - stories that echo a living heritage. As part of the celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to receive thoughtfully designed gifts, each inspired by the spirit and essence of its location. Al Jahili Fort At Al Jahili Fort, a beautifully crafted pin bearing the falcon emblem - symbolising pride and strength - awaits June 6–7 First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 7pmBait Mohammed bin KhalifaAt Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, a delicate art piece portrays Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa alongside his sons, capturing the values of family and June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 8pmQasr Al MuwaijiAt Qasr Al Muwaiji, the elegance of tradition comes alive in a design inspired by the "bisht pattern" worn by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan - an honourable tribute to his presence and June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 7pmAl Ain OasisIn Al Ain Oasis, gifts reflect the generosity of the land with fresh nagal dates, celebrating the bounty of the June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 5.30pmAl Qattara Arts CentreThis centre offers a poetic touch with a sticker adorned with a verse from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed, expressing identity and emotion through June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 8pmDelma MuseumVisit Delma Museum and enjoy special Eid Al-Adha giveaways distributed for the June 6–7 First Day of Eid: 9am to 12pm Second Day of Eid Onwards: Daily 10am to 6pm | Friday 2pm to 6pm
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi announces fireworks displays to mark Eid Al Adha
4 June 2025 18:38 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi has announced fireworks displays across various locations in the emirate to mark Eid Al Adha. A total of seven locations - two in Abu Dhabi City, two in Al Ain Region, and three in Al Dhafra Region - will host the displays on the first day of Eid at 9pm. isplays will continue every day until the third day of Eid at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island, and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain Region. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
