Linked by literature and legacy: Cultural ties between UAE and Germany go back to Zayed the Great and beyond
One of the earliest photographs of a leader from the Emirates is on display at a museum in Berlin. Taken in February 1904 by German traveller and photographer Hermann Burchardt , it shows Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, known as Zayed the Great, seated at a majlis outside Qasr Al Hosn and surrounded by members of his court. The image is regarded as the first known photograph of a ruler of Abu…
A photograph from 1904 captures Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the Great, seated with his court in Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi. This image, taken by German traveler and photographer Hermann Burchardt, is considered the earliest known photograph of an Emirati ruler. The original glass-plate negatives reside at Berlin's Ethnological Museum, while digital copies are accessible via the UAE's Arabian Gulf Digital Archive.
UAE-German relations have thrived for over a century, with President Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Germany marking a significant milestone. Since 1972, strategic agreements have covered trade, industry, and culture. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, showcasing a 35-year history, has benefited greatly from Germany's involvement, leading to its 2021 and 2022 Guest of Honour status. German writer Stefan Weidner will receive the 2026 Sheikh Zayed Book Award for his translations of Arab literary figures.
Cultural exchanges extend beyond literature, as seen at Abu Dhabi Classics, where the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra performed Wagner's music in 2008 and 2017. Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation has also promoted Emirati artists at Berlin Art Week, while the Cultural Foundation, designed by Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius, stands as a testament to the emirate's architectural heritage.
Archeological collaborations between UAE and Germany have uncovered significant evidence of early human occupation in the region. Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape has been a joint site of investigation between Emirati and German researchers, while the University of Tubingen in Germany has been working with Sharjah Archaeology Authority since 1995.
Despite the many strands of cultural connection, German influence can also be felt in the smaller, recurring events like the Gulf German Film Festival and children's film festival Schlingel. These cultural bonds, forged by the shared legacies of Zayed the Great and beyond, continue to enrich both societies.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
