Cultural Heritage MoU Signing

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 3 May 2025:  In a major step towards strengthening Arab intellectual and cultural exchange, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The agreement was signed on 2 May by Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival, and His Excellency Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, at ADMAF’s booth as part of its long-running Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab initiative. This year, ADMAF’s booth was held under the inspiring theme, ‘Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais: The Unforgettable,’ in celebration of the late poet’s centenary as designated by UNESCO for the year 2025 – whose profound cultural impact continues to shape the Arab literary landscape.

Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said:

“We gather today to commemorate UNESCO’s centenary celebration of the poet Sultan Al Owais, honouring his everlasting influence, his inspiring legacy, and his insightful vision. He was a businessman who gave generously, invested in minds and hearts, and contributed to the meeting of thought, wisdom, and words. He was a poet passionate about culture and identity, and a pioneer in strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ position as a beacon of renewal, dreams, and vision on the path to renaissance and civilisation.”

H.E. continued: “This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) does not mark the beginning of new cooperation, but rather complements an existing partnership, rooted in a shared vision and purpose. It is a pledge of commitment to the pioneering role both institutions play in enriching the Arab cultural landscape, advancing intellectual thought, and empowering knowledge.  Let history tell the stories of our achievements together, and let future generations recount the stories of our contributions to the journey of human civilisation through their creativity and their works, which we will never abandon and always care for.”

“Today, we celebrate the symbols of great creators: ‘The Unforgettable,’ poet Sultan bin Ali Al-Owais, and the ‘Badr of Poetry,’ Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen – may God rest their souls,” H.E. concluded.

His Excellency Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, stated:

“Through signing this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), we aim to emphasise the complementary roles played by cultural institutions. The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation seeks to strengthen and enhance the bonds of cooperation and consultation in ways that serve the causes of Arab culture and thought in general. The Foundation is convinced that establishing a framework for collaboration between our two institutions will help develop and solidify intellectual and scientific ties on matters related to culture, heritage, the arts, and other shared interests.”

H.E. continued: “At the Al Owais Cultural Foundation, we are always striving to expand partnerships that reflect the identity of our institution and enhance its presence in both local and Arab communities. The Foundation has signed numerous local and regional MoU’s which have led to joint events in Egypt, Jordan, and other cultural centres and institutions. This aligns with our goals, particularly as the Foundation celebrates the centenary of the birth of the poet Sultan Al Owais.”

“We hope that this agreement with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) will open new horizons for cooperation through the exchange of information and expertise, the organisation of joint events and activities, and other projects aimed at promoting cultural and social engagement,” H.E concluded.

In alignment with ADMAF’s Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab initiative, this agreement reflects the shared mission of both institutions to support Emirati and regional literary talent through joint academic and exchange programmes, including research publications, seminars, training workshops, cultural forums and resource sharing. The partnership also serves to honour the life and legacy of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, reinforcing the importance of preserving Arab language, cultural heritage and intellectual thought.

In celebration of this collaboration, and as part of the launch of 12 new titles the Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab initiative this year, ADMAF hosted a book signing for Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais: The Unforgettable, a publication that commemorates the influential late Emirati poet. This launch is particularly timely, as UNESCO has designated 2025 as the centenary year of the birth of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, born in 1925. The book offers a thoughtful exploration of his literary journey and cultural contributions, reaffirming his legacy as one of the most pioneering figures in modern Emirati poetry.

Also launched and signed at the booth was Badr of Poetry, a tribute to the late poet Badr bin Abdul Muhsin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The title is among the new releases supported by ADMAF this year as part of the initiative, continuing its commitment to providing a platform to local and regional literary voices.

ADMAF also hosted a rich programme of cultural events throughout the fair. Activities at the Foundation’s booth included book signings with Emirati authors in collaboration with the Emirates Writers Union, literary talks with leading intellectuals and scholars, creative workshops for Arabic language teachers and poetry recital sessions for students. Highlights also included a talk by Dr Jean Touma, discussions led by H.E. Ibrahim Al Hashemi and Dr Youssef Eid around “Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais: The Unforgettable” and a session with Dr. Fatma Al Maamari focusing on cultural strategies for the future.

Now in its tenth year, Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab continues to support and elevate the region’s publishing industry by spotlighting Arab authors and safeguarding the Arabic language in literature. Launched by ADMAF in line with its mission to nurture creativity and preserve cultural identity, the initiative remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s literary scene bringing together local and international voices in celebration of the written word.