Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak discusses upcoming plans for Saadiyat Cultural District and the commitment to supporting art and culture.
Canvas: What will be Saadiyat Cultural District’s impact to Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider region?
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak: Saadiyat Cultural District is set to cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a nexus of cultural innovation and dialogue, profoundly impacting the UAE and beyond. As a vibrant cultural centre, the District is instrumental in weaving the rich tapestry of our past with the dynamic promise of our future, celebrating a legacy of enlightenment initiated by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This visionary project cements Abu Dhabi’s position on the global stage, as a centre for cultural excellence and dialogue.
With its cultural institutions, Saadiyat Cultural District not only showcases our cultural heritage but also fosters global connections. It is designed to be a beacon of inspiration and a powerhouse of opportunity, utilising the transformative power of the arts to foster mutual understanding and appreciation.
To ensure the enduring impact of the Saadiyat Cultural District, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of cultural enthusiasts. Through a variety of educational initiatives—including informative workshops, guided tours, and continuous programming across our institutions—we ignite curiosity, enhance critical thinking, and cultivate creativity. These efforts are aimed at providing our youth and visitors from around the world with new insights and perspectives, thus enriching their understanding of the complex tapestry of global cultures.
During your tenure at DCT, multiple partnerships and collaborations have been established: how do they contribute to transforming Abu Dhabi into a capital for tourism, culture and creativity?
Collaboration is in our DNA at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and a foundation of our mission to establish Abu Dhabi as a global centre for culture and creativity. Through partnerships with world-renowned institutions across the culture and tourism fields, we have developed ties and connections that bind us all, regardless of our geographical boundaries.
Our urban development is brought to life by some of the world’s most celebrated architects who have created physical structures and dynamic venues for cultural exchange, dialogue, and learning. We have partnered with institutions, museums and education centres to transform Abu Dhabi into a beacon of innovation and intellectual exchange. Our collaborations serve as bridges connecting the UAE’s rich heritage with the world’s diverse cultures, to enhance mutual understanding and positioning Abu Dhabi as a vital player on the global cultural stage.
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What is the vision for Saadiyat Cultural District and how do the institutions contribute to this vision? Are there plans for additional developments?
The vision for Saadiyat Cultural District is a vivid testament to Abu Dhabi’s belief in the transformative power of culture and creativity. It aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global centre for culture and dialogue. This vision is brought to life through diverse and unique institutions, each contributing significantly to this narrative.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, as the first universal museum in the Arab world, showcases artwork from different cultures side by side telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking architecture and innovative narrative. Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, educational and performing arts programmes throughout the year.
Additionally, Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a centre for creative artistic expression and is home to two significant initiatives in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar: Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.
The current construction progress of the soon-to-open institutions in Saadiyat Cultural District stands at 76%. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will celebrate the nation’s rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Additionally, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi invites visitors on an ever-changing exploration that will transcend the limits of their imagination.
It will be joined by the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will include a research and teaching institution that will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through the story of our universe and our planet. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a pre-eminent museum for contemporary art and culture that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time.
Looking ahead, Saadiyat Cultural District is poised for further growth with robust plans for new developments that continue to advance our mission. These future initiatives will deepen the District’s impact as a source of cultural leadership and innovation, championing diversity, and equity. By supporting and encouraging talent from local, regional, and global communities, Saadiyat Cultural District will remain a beacon of hope and inspiration, an engine of education and opportunity, driving significant cultural dialogue and understanding across the globe.
Working in the cultural field requires persistent effort and patience because the results are seen in the long term, and Abu Dhabi has, historically, been an international enabler of cross-cultural exchange. In your opinion, has culture become an organic and integral part of the community?
Culture is deeply ingrained and fundamentally integral to the community in Abu Dhabi. This profound integration is embodied in the Saadiyat Cultural District, which represents a continuation of Abu Dhabi’s historical role as a crossroads of civilisations. The District not only highlights Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to cultural dialogue but also showcases the rich heritage of the UAE to a worldwide audience.
Central to the Saadiyat Cultural District is its dedication to preserving and celebrating Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural identity, while fostering global cultural connections. The institutions within the District, such as the Zayed National Museum, underscore this commitment. The museum pays homage to the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his visionary legacy. This legacy of cultural enrichment and education continues to grow, influencing the District’s development and its contributions to the global cultural landscape.
The Saadiyat Cultural District serves as a beacon of cultural hope and a powerhouse for education and opportunity, aligning with the founding vision of Sheikh Zayed. It acts as a centre for global dialogue, reinforcing the idea that culture in Abu Dhabi is not only a legacy of the past but also a dynamic and evolving force that continues to enrich and shape the community profoundly. Through its diverse and dynamic institutions, the District ensures that culture remains a vibrant, living element of daily life in Abu Dhabi, fostering an environment where local and global cultures converge and flourish.
For more information about Saadiyat Cultural District, visit scdabudhabi.ae
