Cultural Exchange Between Abu Dhabi And Japan’s Tokyo National Museum Through Five-Year MoU

The Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi and Tokyo National Museum have entered a five-year Memorandum of Understanding that formalises cultural cooperation between the UAE capital and Japan. The agreement focuses on museum collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint public programmes that aim to deepen understanding between both societies.

The MoU is signed at the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi headquarters. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Makoto Fujiwara, Executive Director of Tokyo National Museum, sign the document. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, attends the ceremony.

Under the MoU, the two organisations set a structured framework for long-term cooperation in the museum sector. The partnership prioritises research, education and professional development for museum staff. It aims to expand curatorial skills, encourage joint academic work and support institutional learning across both museum systems.

The cultural cooperation between DCT Abu Dhabi and Tokyo National Museum also covers collection care and content sharing. Both sides intend to study and preserve cultural materials in their holdings, with options for mutual loans. Plans include training schemes, staff exchanges, exhibitions, educational courses and workshops in Abu Dhabi, designed to encourage dialogue and public participation.

Explaining the strategic intent, Al Mubarak said, "This partnership with Tokyo National Museum is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural cooperation and promote meaningful exchange between Abu Dhabi and Japan. It reflects our shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding and fostering the exchange and learning of culture through research, education, and museum collaboration. Through this MoU, we aim to build enduring ties between our institutions and peoples, reinforcing culture’s role as a bridge that connects nations and inspires future generations."

Fujiwara outlined the Japanese institution’s perspective on the cultural cooperation, stating: "We are pleased to collaborate with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to exchange expertise, enrich the global cultural landscape and present new visions for cultural and human creativity in the museum sector. Through joint exhibitions featuring artistic and heritage works from both our cultures, we will continue to introduce Japanese and Emirati audiences to the depth of our respective traditions."

The cultural cooperation between DCT Abu Dhabi and Tokyo National Museum supports Abu Dhabi’s position as an international platform for museum collaboration and best practice exchange. The MoU is described as a new phase in relations between Abu Dhabi and Japan, centred on culture, creativity and education, with benefits expected for current and future generations.

With inputs from WAM