Ministry of Culture, UAE MSF sign cooperation agreement

The signing of this agreement took place during the Sir Bu Na'ir Festival, which started on October 16, and was also timed with the Shawahif Heritage Race held the previous weekend. This race is a major maritime event that celebrates traditional Emirati heritage and draws interest from the public and those passionate about cultural and traditional sports.

Attendees at the signing included Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, the Minister of Culture, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the Chairman of both the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and the UAE Marine Sports Federation, along with other key figures in culture, heritage, and sports.

The agreement focuses on developing programs to digitally record traditional marine sports, create educational and outreach efforts for younger people, and organize an international festival that showcases the sea’s historical significance in Emirati identity. It also seeks to build partnerships with cultural and research institutions, including UNESCO and various marine heritage organizations in Asia and Europe.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi highlighted that maritime heritage is a key part of the UAE’s national identity and collective memory. Through this agreement, the goal is to turn this heritage into a bridge for cultural dialogue worldwide, promoting values such as courage, teamwork, and a sense of belonging that were important to the UAE's ancestors in their relationship with the sea.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan added that this agreement exemplifies a successful collaboration between culture and sports. It will help traditional marine sports represent the UAE’s values on the global stage.

Overall, this agreement is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to be a leader in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, which is an essential part of national identity and reflects the richness of Emirati civilization.