Culture

12.09.2026

35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opens tomorrow

ABU DHABI, 12th September, 2026 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026) opens tomorrow at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair will run from 13th to 18th September, featuring more than 1,500 cultural and knowledge events.This year’s edition welcomes exhibitors from 95 countries, including seven participating for the first time: Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Kosovo and Cuba. It will also bring together writers, thinkers, academics, publishers and creatives from around the world.Held under the theme “Turn the Page, Read the World,” ADIBF 2026 will feature Balkan Culture as Guest of Honour in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia. Renowned linguist Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi has been selected as the Focus Personality, while Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is the Book of the World.The fair will open with a ceremony celebrating the UAE through Emirati music and song, followed by the theatrical performance Al Khalil’s Metaphor: The Legend of Love and Survival, inspired by the legacy of Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi and his work on rhythm and metre.The programme will also include Poetry Nights, Podcast from Abu Dhabi and The Next Chapter, alongside musical performances and dedicated spaces celebrating prominent artists, including Abdel Halim Hafez.In line with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Family, the programme will place families at the heart of the cultural experience, with dedicated spaces for different generations to engage with books, the Arabic language and Arab heritage.The fair’s agenda includes seminars and panel discussions, alongside the Educational Programme, Children and Young Adults Programme and Professional Programme, as well as a specialised conference addressing quality education and the publishing industry.This year will also see the launch of Emirati Pioneers, an annual initiative documenting the experiences and contributions of leading UAE cultural and intellectual figures. Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, has been selected as the first personality to be honoured under the initiative.ADIBF will also host the ceremony honouring the winners of the 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) for 2026, recognising achievements in authorship, translation and research and supporting the international presence of Arab culture.The 35th edition further strengthens ADIBF’s position as a global cultural platform supporting publishing and the cultural and creative industries, while advancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for knowledge production and cultural dialogue.

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11.09.2026

Dubai Media Council launches film & gaming forums at Arab Media Summit 2026

DUBAI, 10th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Dubai Media Council will put the film and gaming industries at the centre of the Arab Media Summit 2026, through 2 dedicated forums organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, convening the people who make, fund and publish both industries across the region and the world.The Summit runs from 15 to 17 September under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.The Council's participation this year is built around a single question: how does media creativity in film and gaming move from content that is consumed to an economy that is built? The answer starts in Dubai, where global studios and platforms choose the city for the speed of its processes, its infrastructure and its access to markets, not for cost factors alone.Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, said: “Dubai is no longer just a backdrop. It is the city the industry works from: films are produced here, games are launched here and content streams from here to the world. What draws studios and platforms to Dubai is speed, infrastructure and access to markets, and what the emirate is choosing to own is content, intellectual property and talent, the capital of its next economy.”She added: “The Arab Media Summit is where that ambition meets the people who will deliver it: media leaders, creators and investors from across the region and the world. The 2 dedicated forums place film and gaming at the heart of the Arab media conversation, not on its margins.”Hesham Al Olama, CEO of the Media Development Sector at the Dubai Media Council, said: “We are bringing the industry conversation to the people it belongs to: producers, directors, game developers, publishers and investors, meeting in Dubai to turn co production, investment and interactive technology into real projects. Our goal is that a filmmaker or a game developer finds in Dubai the shortest route from idea to screen, and from studio to global markets.”The Games Forum will explore the future of the games sector, including investment and growth opportunities, content, talent development, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies. It will also highlight Dubai’s potential as a centre for game development and production, supported by its digital infrastructure and business environment.The Films Forum will bring together filmmakers, directors, producers, screenwriters and industry experts to discuss the future of film and television production. Discussions will cover co-production, investment, talent development, digital platforms and the impact of artificial intelligence across filmmaking.The Arab Media Summit 2026 is expected to attract around 10,000 media professionals and industry stakeholders, with more than 400 speakers from the region and the world taking part in over 175 sessions examining the future of media and the technological, economic and social shifts shaping the industry.

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09.09.2026

Abu Dhabi Festival’s 23rd edition opens October 10 with global artists

ABU DHABI, 9th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The 23rd edition of Abu Dhabi Festival will commence on 10th October under the theme “The Wisdom of Culture”, featuring an exceptional artistic and cultural programme bringing together a select group of leading international artists and Emirati talents.This edition coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, celebrating its journey in supporting creativity and promoting cultural dialogue and exchange.The festival will open with a concert by the UAE National Orchestra, conducted by Maestro François López-Ferrer, while world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer will present an exceptional performance in Abu Dhabi as part of his world tour.The programme will feature a series of musical, operatic and ballet performances by international artists and ensembles, alongside a prominent presence by Emirati artists. It will also launch the Children’s Biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park from 6th November to 6th December, as the first outdoor biennial dedicated to children in the Middle East, in celebration of the Year of the Family in the UAE.The festival continues its mission to support young talents and advance cultural diplomacy through educational and community programmes and international events, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for culture and the arts.

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04.09.2026

Japanese firm showcases 500-year-old Samurai armour at ADIHEX

ABU DHABI, 3rd September, 2026 (WAM) -- Japanese company Marutake Industry, which specialises in traditional armor manufacturing, showcased a traditional Samurai armour dating back approximately 500 years at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026.The armour highlights the fine craftsmanship, inherited traditional techniques, and cultural symbolism associated with Japanese armormaking throughout history.Yoichi Ueyama, Business Development Manager at Marutake Industry, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the armour dates back to the 16th century and carries deep cultural and symbolic value, adding that such pieces were crafted exclusively for kings, commanders, and generals.Ueyama emphasised that Samurai armour transcends its functional role as protective gear, serving as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and status, while representing a prized heritage item for families.Detailing the ornate features, Ueyama explained that the gold leafing symbolises luxury and high status. Three elements on the armour represent falcon wings, symbolising power and authority, while the number three signifies good luck in Japanese culture. The dragon motif symbolises good fortune, with its wings representing ascension, ambition, and prosperity.Crafted using traditional methods without machinery, the handcrafted suit weighs over 20 kilogrammes and incorporates iron plates, gold leaf, deer hide, silk threads, horsehair, and wood across its chest, sleeves, arms, and headgear.The iron face mask alone takes around a month to forge using high-level artisanal skills, silk threads, and horsehair. Samurai wore it in battle to conceal their age as a strategic protective measure. The iron and metal helmet weighs approximately 10 kilograms, reflecting the precision and heavy craftsmanship of traditional Samurai armour.

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03.09.2026

Abu Dhabi students explore Emirati heritage at ADIHEX 2026

ABU DHABI, 2nd September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026 (ADIHEX) continues to enrich the experience of its visitors, including Abu Dhabi schoolchildren who attended a varied programme combining heritage, culture, knowledge and entertainment. Day six of the event, featured a series of live shows, workshops and interactive activities that drew families, children, and enthusiasts of falconry, equestrianism and Emirati heritage.The 23rd edition of the exhibition, the largest in its history, is being held under the theme “A Legacy of Pride” at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club. The event runs until 6 September, offering diverse content that reflects the exhibition's role as an international platform bringing together heritage preservation, cultural exchange, and educational and entertainment experiences.On day six, several Abu Dhabi schools organised trips for pupils, giving them an educational experience to learn first-hand about various aspects of Emirati heritage and traditional practices. The pupils toured the exhibition halls and learned about activities related to falconry, equestrianism and the Arabian Saluki, as well as taking part in interactive events and workshops. Their attendance aims to help strengthen their knowledge of national heritage and connect younger generations with Emirati identity and culture.Equestrian and falconry displays topped today's agenda, with the audience enjoying Arabian horse shows and simulated falconry hunts, alongside equestrian performances held throughout the day. In the evening, the exhibition also presented a traditional Emirati display of horses and flags, combining equestrian skill, the beauty of the horses, and a celebration of national heritage.The Arabian Saluki, one of the most notable elements of the region's hunting heritage, featured prominently again, drawing crowds to two throughout the afternoon, giving visitors the chance to learn about its characteristics and its place in Emirati heritage. The agenda also included K9 police dog displays, demonstrations of how guard dogs and police dogs are trained to obey and carry out commands, and a showcase of dogs that have been rescued in the UAE.The activities also offered experiences tailored to different groups within the community, including pony rides for People of Determination and visitors, reflecting the exhibition's commitment to inclusive activities that engage all sections of the public.Day six's programme was not limited to Emirati heritage alone; it also gave visitors a window into diverse world cultures and arts, with a drumming and dance performance featuring African acrobatics, while the Shoten Dobai Taiko drummers performed a Japanese drum show later in the day, reflecting the exhibition's cultural dimension and its role in bringing different cultures together.Alongside the live shows, the exhibition hosted a series of workshops and educational activities. These began with a youth workshop as part of the Learning Majlis Youth Workshops. The Emirates Entrepreneurship Association delivered an educational session titled My Time is Wood, exploring the enduring connection between people and nature and how trees served as one of the earliest ways of measuring time before the invention of the clock. The session also highlighted the role of biophilic design in reconnecting people with their roots through the use of wood, water, natural light, ventilation and natural surroundings, fostering a greater sense of tranquillity, focus and belonging.The activities continued into the evening, with the audience enjoying further equestrian shows and displays of riders' skills in various formats, a question-and-answer session on endurance racing and a prize draw announcement.The variety of day six's programme reflects the exhibition's vision of presenting heritage through interactive formats that appeal to all generations, giving visitors the chance to discover authentic Emirati heritage and traditions, alongside cultural, educational and entertainment experiences that reinforce its standing as a leading family and cultural destination and a global platform for celebrating heritage and connecting people.

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02.09.2026

SIFF 2026 announces dates for its 13th edition

SHARJAH, 2nd September, 2026 (WAM) -- The countdown to the 13th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) has begun, with the festival confirming its dates from 25 October to 1st November 2026 at City Centre Al Zahia, Sharjah, and House of Wisdom, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council.This year, Italy will take centre stage as the Country of Honour, bringing its celebrated cinematic and cultural heritage to children and young audiences in the UAE.Organised by FANN, SIFF 2026 will officially start on 25 October, kicking off eight days of cinema, creativity and cultural exchange. Building on more than a decade of championing cinema for and by younger generations, the festival will bring audiences together through international and Arab films, interactive experiences and opportunities to connect with filmmakers, storytellers and diverse perspectives from around the world.A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the celebration of Italy as Country of Honour, shining a spotlight on a nation whose influence on world cinema spans generations. The festival will offer children and young audiences the opportunity to discover Italian storytelling and culture through film, while creating a platform for deeper creative exchange between the UAE, Italy and the international filmmaking community.Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, said, “The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth is privileged to receive the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. Their support reflects Sharjah’s longstanding belief in the importance of investing in children and youth, empowering them with the tools of knowledge and creativity, and opening new horizons for them to express themselves and discover the world around them”.She added, “Cinema gives children and youth the opportunity to see the world through different eyes, opening windows onto new cultures, ideas and experiences, while encouraging them to think creatively and tell stories of their own. With every edition of SIFF, our ambition is to create a space where young audiences can discover, question, imagine and be inspired. As we prepare to launch our 13th edition, we are delighted to celebrate Italy as our Country of Honour and introduce a new generation to its extraordinary cinematic and cultural legacy.”The 13th edition will continue this mission, transforming City Centre Al Zahia & House of Wisdom into a meeting point for cinema, culture and young creativity for eight days, further strengthening Sharjah’s position as a leading regional destination for arts, culture and initiatives that celebrate and empower younger generations.

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01.09.2026

Inpex showcases Japanese-Emirati falconry ties at ADIHEX 2026

ABU DHABI, 1st September, 2026 (WAM) -- Japan Oil Development Co., Ltd. (Inpex) highlighted the cultural parallels in falconry and raptor conservation between Japan and the United Arab Emirates during its participation at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2026).Masato Kamiya, Country Chair Abu Dhabi, Managing Director of Inpex, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the event serves as a platform to deepen ties by celebrating shared values, noting ongoing collaborations with local entities such as the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Falconers' Club.The company's pavilion features traditional Japanese crafts, including samurai katana swords, armour, falconry gloves, and traditional tea, alongside cultural performances.

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01.09.2026

Strong visitor turnout for heritage activities, Arabian Saluki Shows, educational workshops at ADIHEX 2026

ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2026 (WAM) – Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club, The fourth day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2026), taking place under the theme "A Legacy of Pride", attracted strong visitor turnout from the early hours of the day. Family attendance increased significantly during the evening, with the exhibition welcoming visitors daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.The 23rd edition of the exhibition, the largest in its history, continues to deliver a diverse programme that brings together heritage, culture, entertainment and education, alongside equestrian, falconry and Arabian Saluki displays, as well as interactive activities. Designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, the programme offers a comprehensive experience and further reinforces the exhibition's status as a leading family and cultural destination.The fourth day's programme featured a variety of live performances, beginning in the morning with an Arabian horse showcase, followed by police dog obedience demonstrations, pony riding experiences and trained dog displays that attracted visitors of all ages.Activities continued throughout the afternoon with falconry-inspired demonstrations, alongside performances by African drum, dance and acrobatic groups, as well as Japanese Taiko drum performances, adding further cultural diversity and entertainment to the exhibition's daily programme.Equestrian and Emirati heritage performances attracted significant visitor interest. The programme included a traditional Emirati horse and flag display, Arabian horse showcases and a variety of equestrian performances. Arabian Saluki demonstrations also drew considerable attention, highlighting the breed's important place in Emirati heritage and its historic association with the daily lives and traditions of previous generations.The evening programme combined horse-riding performances with falconry demonstrations, in addition to traditional maritime-themed performances. Visitors also enjoyed the heritage-inspired Tshouleeb performance before the evening programme concluded with additional equestrian and falconry displays.As part of the exhibition's educational and awareness activities, the Learning Majlis hosted a youth workshop alongside interactive visitor activities. Abu Dhabi Police also delivered a series of awareness initiatives through the Community Police Department, including a workshop highlighting the dangers of drug abuse.The programme additionally featured a specialised session on pre-purchase horse examinations, which explored the importance of veterinary assessments prior to purchasing horses, as well as a session dedicated to free diving.The strong attendance recorded on the fourth day reflected the diversity of the exhibition's audience. Morning activities attracted enthusiasts, specialists and professionals from the hunting, equestrian sports, heritage and outdoor adventure sectors, while the evening programme welcomed increasing numbers of families and children following the first day of the new academic year, allowing them to enjoy the exhibition's live performances, interactive activities and heritage experiences.ADIHEX 2026 continues to offer a rich programme of experiences and activities throughout its ten-day run, combining the preservation and promotion of Emirati heritage with cultural, educational and interactive experiences designed to engage all segments of society. Through its diverse programme, the exhibition continues to advance its mission of passing the values of heritage on to future generations and strengthening their connection to national identity.

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30.08.2026

'Emirates Loves Palestine' participants celebrate UAE success stories

DUBAI, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Members of the Palestinian community celebrated their culture, heritage, and success stories in the UAE during the "Emirates Loves Palestine" event at Expo City Dubai, which drew more than 50,000 visitors.Abeer Al Ramahi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UAE, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the event represents a message of love and solidarity from the UAE to Palestine and its people.She affirmed that the Palestinian community holds deep appreciation and loyalty to the UAE, where they have found opportunities to work and succeed, adding that Palestine reciprocates the love and commitment shown by the Emirates.Hamood Al Afari, Director of UAE Relief Operations, expressed delight at attending the event alongside members of the Palestinian community, emphasising that the gatherings reflect the strong ties of brotherhood between both peoples.Zahr Al Najjar, manager of the "Emirates Loves Palestine" digital community platform, expressed pride at seeing thousands gather for the inaugural event. She noted that the occasion provided a comprehensive cultural experience featuring Palestinian heritage, art, theater, and traditional markets, creating an atmosphere that made attendees feel at home.Majd Naji, Founder and CEO of Liberty Dental Clinic and a strategic partner in the Dubai Health Tourism Council, shared his happiness at participating in the event. He highlighted the presence of attendees of various nationalities, as well as visitors from outside the UAE, who came together to express their support and celebrate Palestinian culture.

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30.08.2026

Old Kingdom tomb, 100 Ushabti figurines found at Egypt's Saqqara

CAIRO, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Egyptian archaeologists excavating Sector A west of the Bubasteion necropolis in Saqqara have discovered an Old Kingdom tomb belonging to a high-ranking official named Sekhentyu-Ptah, along with a complex network of interconnected burial shafts.According to a statement from Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy, the find highlights the ongoing cultural and funerary importance of the site across multiple historical eras, providing key insights into its long-term development.The mission unearthed the chapel's false door preserved in situ, alongside a complete set of inscribed alabaster ritual tools—including an offering table, purification basin, ewer, and disc—bearing Sekhentyu-Ptah's name and title as Royal Chamberlain. Finding these artifacts intact in their original context offers invaluable data on Old Kingdom mortuary practices.Excavations also yielded human remains within linked burial shafts, numerous pieces of painted cartonnage, over 100 faience ushabti figurines, three untouched stone sarcophagi, a wooden falcon statue, and various pottery items.

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30.08.2026

13th Al Maleh and Fishing Festival introduces younger generations to UAE maritime heritage through interactive workshops

SHARJAH, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The 13th edition of the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival continues to deliver a diverse programme of heritage, cultural, and interactive activities aimed at preserving the UAE’s maritime heritage and supporting local industries.Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality, the festival will run until August 30 at Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn. The festival’s agenda includes educational workshops highlighting the age-old maritime crafts, complemented by the commercial activity at the Maleh Market showcasing the traditional Emirati method of salting and preserving fish, alongside the productive families and local agricultural produce sections.This year’s edition features an extensive programme of educational and awareness workshops focused on the marine environment and Emirati maritime heritage, in addition to creative activities that present heritage-inspired practices through innovative formats.Highlights include the “Valuable Fishing” and “Fish Tank” workshops, which pay homage to the Al Maleh and fishing industries, as well as the “Jahal” Workshop, which introduces participants to the traditional craft of making marine pottery.The programme also introduces creative activities that combine heritage crafts with contemporary design, including “Bag Printing” and “Talli Keychain Making”, alongside “Doll Tank” and “Happy Family Marina” experiences. Together, these initiatives create an interactive learning environment that enables participants to acquire practical skills rooted in the local environment while exploring new ways to reinterpret traditional crafts.Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said the interactive workshop programme reflects the Sharjah Chamber’s vision of evolving the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival beyond its role as a seasonal economic and heritage event into a sustainable platform that transfers the maritime knowledge and expertise of grandfathers to younger generations through practical and hands-on learning.The festival’s training programme also includes a workshop titled “Al Samaj Bag” to introduce visitors to traditional seafaring tools and fish-preservation techniques. The programme concludes with the “Precious Pearl” Workshop, which explores the UAE’s rich history of pearl diving.With each session lasting 30–60 minutes, the workshops are structured to suit the learning needs and age profiles of the target participants. Registration is available daily through a dedicated online platform, enabling participants to select the date and workshop that best suit their interests and schedules.The workshops are structured around complementary themes designed to deliver a diverse range of learning and development outcomes. One stream focuses on preserving traditional maritime crafts, featuring the rich coastal heritage embodied in “Jahal”, “Al Samaj Bag”, and “The Precious Pearl”, helping pass down the maritime skills of forefathers to younger generations through practical, hands-on learning.Others blend heritage with modern creative industries, including “Talli Keychain Making” and “Bag Printing”, encouraging younger generations to explore ways of incorporating traditional heritage into contemporary craft practices.The festival remains open to visitors today with activities continuing until its closing tomorrow, Sunday, 30 August.The organisers called on the public to explore the festival’s diverse programme of folkloric performances, cultural competitions, and maritime and heritage products, creating an engaging experience that combines entertainment with learning and cultural enrichment.

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23.03.2026

Art Dubai 2026 Postponed Due to War

The 20th edition of Art Dubai, which was postponed due to regional conflicts, has been rescheduled from April to May following disruptions in flights and cargo. This year, the fair is set to take place in a new format that is more flexible and curatorially focused.

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23.03.2026

Sharjah Culture will organize 25 festivals in the coming months.

SHARJAH, March 23, 2026 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Department of Culture, in accordance with the directives of His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, will organize 25 festivals and cultural forums as part of its annual program in the coming months. The events will feature local...

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