Latifa Bint Mohammed Opens Third Cultural Season At Etihad Museum To Promote Cultural Dialogue

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has inaugurated the third Etihad Museum Cultural Season. This season highlights the museum's role in promoting cultural dialogue and showcasing Dubai's creative diversity. It aligns with Dubai's vision to be a global cultural centre, creativity incubator, and talent hub.

The season runs until May 2025 under the theme 'Future Echoes'. It includes public talks, workshops, and seasonal events. New initiatives like a media room, creative audio guides, and temporary exhibitions invite visitors to explore the UAE's founding journey through the museum's permanent collection.

During the launch event, Sheikha Latifa attended a discussion featuring Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dubai Abulhoul, CEO of the Fiker Institute. The talk emphasised the Etihad Museum’s influence on shaping the UAE’s cultural narrative by fostering leadership and openness.

Maha Gargash and Khalid Albudoor will share their experiences creating 'Echoes in Time', a docuseries exploring Emirati music and poetry. Segments will be screened in a new media room as part of temporary installations, enhancing visitor engagement with the museum's offerings.

A lecture performance by artist Hasan Hujairi will explore Gulf musical heritage influenced by seafaring communities. Reem Al Menhali will lead a playwriting workshop to inspire new perspectives on Gulf theatre's future.

Maryam Al Shehhi will offer a unique audio guide experience blending poetry and storytelling. This guide encourages visitors to connect deeply with the museum’s collection and its significant outdoor spaces.

Research Initiatives

Dubai Culture announced a new research grant positioning the museum as a knowledge hub for long-term cultural development. This initiative invites scholars to engage with the museum’s narratives and artefacts through critical inquiry.

The grant encourages intellectual exploration, allowing grantees to uncover untold stories that align with the UAE’s evolving identity. Muna Al Gurg highlighted this commitment to advancing cultural heritage research.

Engaging Community Events

An exhibition by Rashed Almulla will delve into UAE history using stamps as storytelling tools. Building on 'Treasures Kept Close', it showcases personal items curated by Salem Al Suwaidi from residents’ collections.

The museum will also host its second annual winter festival centred around Hag Al Laila in its garden. This event invites audiences to creatively engage with this cherished Emirati tradition.

The third season at Etihad Museum reflects Dubai’s dedication to nurturing its cultural landscape. It provides a platform for community engagement with UAE’s rich heritage and history through exploration and learning opportunities.

With inputs from WAM