Ministry of Culture signs agreements to support Emirati talent and cultural engagement

The UAE Ministry of Culture has signed two cooperation agreements with the Sea of Culture Foundation and the Emirati Musicians’ Association (EMA) to support talent development, strengthen cultural participation and expand collaboration with national cultural and community institutions.

The agreements were signed by H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, with Sheikha Rawda bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sea of Culture Foundation, and composer and artist Ihab Darwish, Founder and President of the Emirati Musicians’ Association.

The agreements were signed during the Ministry’s participation in the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from September 13 to 18.

Supporting Emirati musicians

The agreement with the Emirati Musicians’ Association focuses on empowering Emirati musicians by supporting their creative work as well as their academic and professional development.

Under the agreement, EMA will be able to use facilities at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre to implement its Music Centre project and organise joint cultural events. The partnership will also support an integrated training programme aimed at developing musicians’ skills and capabilities.

The Music Centre project will be rolled out in phases covering planning and design, preparation, the launch of academic programmes and the expansion of creative and professional initiatives.

Al Nakhi said the partnership with EMA would contribute to developing the UAE’s music landscape by creating opportunities for learning, professional development and music production.

Ihab Darwish said the agreement would place Emirati musicians at the centre of cultural and creative development while providing pathways for education, training and professional opportunities.

Expanding community participation in culture

The memorandum with the Sea of Culture Foundation aims to strengthen cooperation in cultural and community awareness and develop programmes that encourage wider participation in cultural life.

Planned initiatives include seminars, workshops, cultural programmes, interactive sessions and awareness campaigns, along with support for cultural, creative and media content associated with these activities.

The partnership will particularly focus on young people, women, families and school and university students. It will also encourage volunteering and participation in cultural activities while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Sheikha Rawda said the partnership would create opportunities for dialogue, learning and creativity and help engage a broader section of society in cultural activities.

She added that the initiatives would seek to strengthen cultural awareness, community engagement, a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

Strengthening the cultural ecosystem

Al Nakhi said the agreements reflect the Ministry’s approach to developing sustainable partnerships with cultural and community institutions and combining expertise and resources to create wider societal impact.

He said the collaboration with the Sea of Culture Foundation would help bring cultural initiatives to diverse segments of society, while the partnership with EMA would contribute to developing national musical talent.

The agreements form part of the Ministry of Culture’s wider strategy to work with national institutions, build an integrated ecosystem for creatives and talents, and develop cultural initiatives with sustainable impact.

The Ministry said the partnerships are intended to reinforce the role of culture in development and support a society that actively participates in the UAE’s cultural landscape.