Manarat Al Saadiyat, transformed into a bustling arena of ideas and creativity, welcomed a diverse roster of speakers, performers and participants. The summit’s opening day featured musical showcases from around the world, alongside a series of thought-provoking panel discussions that addressed the intersection of culture, technology and policy. Audiences engaged with topics ranging from the impact of artificial intelligence on creative expression to strategies for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage amid globalisation.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, emphasised during her keynote that culture must be viewed as an essential pillar of sustainable development, not an accessory. Her remarks set a reflective tone, encouraging delegates to confront the challenges faced by cultural institutions and communities navigating rapid political, economic and technological change.
The summit’s programming, curated under the theme "A Matter of Time", aimed to dissect how culture can address urgent global issues while maintaining authenticity. A discussion led by Dr. Richard Kurin, Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large at the Smithsonian Institution, examined the critical role museums and cultural bodies play in times of crisis. He highlighted the rebuilding efforts after natural disasters and conflicts, drawing attention to culture’s resilience and restorative power.
Artistic performances proved equally compelling. Acclaimed Syrian singer Lena Chamamyan captivated the audience with a performance that fused traditional Arabic music with jazz and classical influences. Her music, which celebrates cultural hybridity, mirrored the summit’s broader message of bridging divides through art. Meanwhile, a contemporary dance troupe from South Korea delivered a visually arresting piece inspired by the tension between tradition and innovation.
The summit also brought technology into sharp focus. During a panel moderated by British cultural strategist András Szántó, artists and technologists debated the ethical implications of generative AI in the creative industries. Saudi Arabian artist Manal AlDowayan, representing Saudi Arabia’s growing contemporary art movement, stressed that technology should empower human creativity rather than supplant it. She called for frameworks that ensure technological advancements remain rooted in human values.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, the event’s organiser, underscored the summit’s objective to position the capital as a platform for urgent global conversations about cultural preservation and innovation. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department, asserted that the UAE’s investment in cultural infrastructure reflects a broader vision to foster cross-cultural understanding and peace.
A series of working groups convened experts to develop policy recommendations aimed at governments and institutions. These closed-door sessions tackled topics including the economic viability of the arts, cultural education reform, and strategies for decolonising narratives within museums. Participants voiced a collective desire to move beyond theoretical discussions and into actionable plans that can be adapted across different regional contexts.
Young voices were prominently featured. Students from the NYU Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi campuses participated in special workshops, where they presented innovative projects linking culture and sustainability. Their presence signalled a commitment to intergenerational dialogue and acknowledged that solutions for tomorrow must actively involve the youth of today.
The Culture Summit also highlighted the importance of indigenous cultures. A session dedicated to indigenous storytelling practices featured speakers from Australia, Canada and the Amazon region. They underscored the urgency of protecting linguistic and cultural traditions threatened by environmental degradation and economic pressures. The discussion reinforced that cultural diversity is as crucial to global sustainability as biodiversity.
The event’s exhibitions offered another layer of engagement. An installation by Emirati artist Farah Al Qasimi provided a vivid commentary on the relationship between material culture and personal identity in the Gulf. Across the venue, multimedia exhibits explored themes of migration, memory and belonging, creating a multi-sensory experience that complemented the summit’s intellectual programming.
Attendance at the summit included ministers of culture, directors of major international museums and prominent figures from the performing arts. Among them was Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, who participated in a roundtable exploring how institutions can foster greater accessibility without diluting the complexity of cultural narratives. His remarks emphasised a need for museums to move beyond Eurocentric frameworks and embrace a plurality of voices.
A major highlight was a fireside chat with Grammy Award-winning musician and activist Angélique Kidjo. She reflected on how artists bear responsibility for inspiring hope and unity, particularly during periods of political upheaval. Kidjo’s spirited call to action resonated strongly with the summit’s central theme, reinforcing culture’s role as both a mirror and a catalyst for change.
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