The founder of Alserkal Initiatives, Abdelmonem Alserkal, has been awarded the inaugural UAE Order for Culture and Creativity in acknowledgement of his wide-ranging and ongoing contribution to the arts in the UAE.
Alserkal founded Alserkal Initiatives, which now encompasses Alserkal Avenue, Alserkal Arts Foundation and Alserkal Advisory. As a businessman and philanthropist, his leadership and vision have promoted and supported the rise of artists from the UAE and led to increased exchanges, both within the country and with international partners, as well as contributing to cultural strategy with the founding of Alserkal Advisory in 2022. Alserkal’s dedication to the arts and commitment to fostering a sense of artistic community have been instrumental in the flourishing of the UAE’s art scene in recent years and its promotion on the global stage.
The award was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court during the UAE Government’s Annual Meeting 2024, in Abu Dhabi.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated: “The UAE deeply values the contributions of intellectuals and inspiring individuals who foster the role of culture and creativity in development. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity is a well-deserved honour, recognising those whose exceptional work merits the highest accolades from us and our nation.”