Museums In The UAE Redefine Their Role As Guardians Of Culture And Laboratories Of Knowledge

Museums are redefining their roles, evolving into hubs of knowledge and creativity. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasised this transformation. He noted that museums deepen our understanding of humanity's shared history, from life's origins to cultural forces shaping the future. This vision is evident in Saadiyat Cultural District's institutions, showcasing museums as platforms for research and dialogue.

Al Mubarak highlighted the UAE's commitment to museums, rooted in the foresight of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 1969, before the UAE's formal establishment, Sheikh Zayed commissioned the first museum in Al Ain. He believed that "a nation without a past is a nation without a present or a future." This foundational commitment continues to guide the UAE's cultural development.

The UAE hosted the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Dubai this month. The event was a milestone for the nation and region, offering an opportunity to contribute to global museology discourse. The conference theme, "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities," addressed museums' vital role amid social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Over five decades, the UAE has integrated cultural infrastructure into communities. Al Mubarak stated that museums transcend institutional walls when serving communities genuinely. They become catalysts for opportunity, fostering human connection and societal transformation while empowering future generations.

Abu Dhabi has accelerated its cultural development with clarity over the past decade. Major national museum projects are advancing in Saadiyat Cultural District, including Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will soon join Louvre Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi in this district.

Heritage institutions like Al Ain Museum and Qasr Al Hosn have been renovated and reopened. Cooperation with national partners safeguards intangible heritage through UNESCO listings honouring living traditions across all emirates. A growing archaeology programme uncovers discoveries enriching understanding of historic cultures on this land.

Museums as Spaces of Belonging

Museums in the UAE serve as spaces where diverse nationalities find common ground and shared experiences. They support creative careers, sustain cultural industries, attract tourism, and inspire future generations. These institutions help young people define identity while navigating a changing world.

The UAE continues building an ambitious museum ecosystem from scratch due to its belief in these institutions' power as critical infrastructure for cultural vitality and shared belonging. As Abu Dhabi advances its long-term cultural vision within a unified national ecosystem, it benefits from a dynamic creative landscape enriched by all emirates' cultural energy.

Al Mubarak concluded by noting that museums are becoming inseparable parts of dynamic ecosystems alongside communities. They offer socio-economic opportunities while supporting creative careers and sustaining cultural industries. Through these efforts, museums help define identity for young people seeking roots amidst rapid change.

With inputs from WAM