Ministry Of Culture Celebrates Al Burda Award 2024 Winners At Louvre Abu Dhabi Ceremony

The Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, hosted a ceremony at the Louvre Abu Dhabi to honour winners of the 18th Al Burda Award 2024. This event marked the award's 20th anniversary, celebrating exceptional works in traditional Islamic art. The ceremony highlighted the UAE's commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and understanding globally.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, opened the event by emphasising that the Al Burda Award is a global platform inspired by Islam's tolerant values. He noted that Islamic arts serve as a unifying language connecting people and fostering cultural dialogue among civilisations. The award aligns with UAE's efforts to promote mutual understanding worldwide.

The Kingdom of Morocco was this year's Guest of Honour, recognised for its significant contributions to Islamic arts. This selection underscores the award's dedication to celebrating artistic excellence and preserving Islamic cultural heritage. The School of National Crafts and Arts in Tetouan received an appreciation award for its role in developing students' skills in sculpture, ceramics, and design.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Uzbek Art and Culture Development Foundation. This agreement aims to enhance cultural exchange between the two nations, focusing on reviving shared heritage in textile crafts while encouraging contemporary innovations.

This year's theme, "Light," drew inspiration from Surat Al-Ma’idah, verse 15: "There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book." Over 1,080 artists from more than 50 countries participated in this edition. Winners included Yassin Hizqar in Modern Standard Arabic Poetry and Awad Al-Awad in Nabati Poetry.

In Traditional Arabic Calligraphy, Maryam Norouzi Khalilani secured first place. Daoudi Abdel Qader won Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy. In Calligraphy - Traditional Ornament category, Afsaneh Mahdavi came second. New categories introduced were Freestyle Poetry, Contemporary Ornamentation, and Typographic Design.

An Immersive Cultural Experience

The ceremony featured a musical performance titled "Path of Light," which drew inspiration from Prophet Mohamed’s teachings. It included five chapters starting with "The Light of Revelation" symbolising a new era with the Prophet’s arrival. The performance celebrated unity through Emirati and Moroccan Mawlid sounds.

The exhibition "When the Sun Rises on the Horizon" accompanied the award ceremony. Attended by His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, it showcased 60 unique artworks across calligraphy, ornamentation, poetry, and contemporary art fields. Visitors experienced how Islamic art blends classical expression methods with modern creativity harmoniously.

This year’s Al Burda Award not only honoured outstanding artistic achievements but also reinforced cultural ties between nations through shared heritage appreciation and innovation encouragement.

With inputs from WAM