Culture
identity in the UAE is a rich Cultural blend of traditional Arab, Islamic and contemporary elements. Following the foundation of the state and the increased availability of educational opportunities private and public cultural centers and libraries began to spring up around the country, helping to promote cultural awareness and assisting in the preservation of the country’s rich heritage.
The main objective of the Ministry of Information and Culture is to promote and support the country’s cultural activities at home and abroad. The Ministry has under its administration 11 public libraries throughout the state’s seven emirates. This is in addition to 30 cultural groups, which perform dance, drama and music during festivals, exhibitions and ceremonies in the UAE or held outside the country. The Ministry’s Cultural Department also plays an important role, publishing books related to heritage, culture art and theatre, organizing lectures, seminars and other cultural activities and participating in international book fairs. The Ministry’s Exhibitions Department participates in international exhibitions which serve to introduce the UAE’s rich heritage to a global audience.
Cultural Organizations
Prominent cultural centers and organisations are: The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, the Cultural and Scientific Forum in Dubai, the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah, the Fujairah Cultural Organisation, the Studies and Archives Center in Ras al-Khaimah, and the Juma Al Majid Center. Significant too in the promotion of cultural activities are annual awards such as Sultan Al Owais Award, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Award and Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Award. Other institutions which continue to make meaningful contributions to cultural awareness include the Heritage Revival Organisation and the Marriage Fund National.
The Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi is made up of three major institutions. The Arts and Culture Establishment, the National Library and the National Archives. Recently, the Center for $$$$$$$$ation and Research, which was originally part of the Cultural Foundation, has transferred to the President’s Office. The National Library contains a large collection of books known as the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Library, a significant collection of manuscripts and an online database. Its publishing section has in recent times been very active, issuing a wide selection of books on science, art, heritage and historical subjects. There is also a section for the production of compact discs, audio and video cassettes of selected programs and publications
Tourism
Due to its location the UAE has been able to act as a connecting link between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since time immemorial. It is still playing the role of intermediary between these vastly different cultures. The only difference being that air travel has significantly increased the number of visitors who come to the UAE. Traditional Arab hospitality and a delightful winter climate complemented by a highly sophisticated infrastructure and crime- free environment, have also contributed in recent years to creating an ideal atmosphere for the development of tourism.
The UAE is also endowed with an extensive coastline, sandy beaches and varied landscape, where a wide variety of activities can be indulged, ranging from powerboat races to sand-skiing. Manicured golf courses provide ready enjoyment and for those less active, shopping opportunities are plentiful. In addition, the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, accessible in the various cultural centers and the traditional sports such as falconry, camel- racing and horse-racing, has been a powerful attraction for tourists. The UAE has also become a much sought after venue for regional and international conferences, exhibitions and major sports events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, World Powerboat Racing, Polo and Cricket competitions.
Federal Coordination
Tourism organisations in the individual emirates actively market their own special attractions, frequently attending international holiday fairs as well as encouraging travel agents and tour operators to visit the UAE to experience the rich seam of the
Arabian life for themselves.
Minister of Information and Culture Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced at the ATM 99 (Arabian Travel Market) that the Ministry is studying a plan to set up a federal body to coordinate the promotional activities carried out by tourism authorities in individual emirates in order to integrate tourism promotion in the UAE as a whole. Sheikh Abdullah called on local authorities to concentrate on developing elite tourism and to focus on the country’s heritage and culture. He noted that the selection of the UAE as one of the nine prominent destinations in the Middle East at the 1999 ITB Berlin travel and tourism show was an acknowledgement that the country’s tourism infrastructure and facilities were rated among the best in the world. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of promoting inter-Arab tourism and also mooted the idea of Arab countries coming together to form a pan-Arab tourism body in the Middle East.
