Noura al-Kaabi praises Al-Burda Festival at Expo Dubai 2020
The Al-Burda Festival, at the Dubai World Expo 2020, is part of the UAE's commitment to enhance the global role of arts and culture in promoting tolerance, H.E. Noura bint Mohammed al-Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said during a special ceremony at the bi-annual festival, which highlights Islamic arts and culture.
Her Excellency Al-Kaabi said: "The festival consists of 65 sessions and 64 speakers from various countries, aligning with the UAE's vision of playing a pivotal and influential role in the global dialogue of cultures and dedicating the principles of tolerance and human brotherhood. Today our aim is to make Islamic art and civilisation part of our present and future, and to present these arts to the world."
"Islamic arts are characterised by their diversity and multiplicity, including design, poetry, literature, food, fashion, music, advertising, tourism, film and heritage, as reflected in the richness, diversity and depth of the conversations we have: a powerful way to fight extremist ideologies, linking generations and beliefs to achieve the ultimate goal of enriching our human experience".
Culture gives rise to tolerance and promotes understanding and inclusion, Al-Kaabi added. He also praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its concerted efforts that led UNESCO to add Arabic calligraphy to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and also Dr Yannick Lintz for her work in the Islamic Art Department of the Louvre Museum.
His Excellency Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, Deputy Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia, said: "Since its origins in the Arabian Peninsula, the cradle of Islamic civilisation, Arabic calligraphy has given the Islamic arts inexhaustible aesthetic and spiritual values and influenced tradition, architecture and Design".
"After the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with 15 Arab countries, succeeded in adding calligraphy to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it consolidated its position as a global Arab cultural icon," he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed al-Khalifa, Director General of Culture and Arts at the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority, who said that culture could help find the best and most effective solutions to many of society's problems, that education and culture are the two main pillars of change and could spread knowledge of Islamic arts, values and identity around the world.
The Al-Burda Festival features artworks and performances by leading artists from the region and the world, presenting innovative and creative experiences related to Islamic arts. Highlighting the best, the festival also showcases the winning works of the Al-Burda Award 2021, with 30 winners in six categories.
Text, photos and videos: Expo Dubai 2020.