Culture is Abu Dhabi's 'superpower', says Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
Sitting inside Zayed National Museum, with Guggenheim Abu Dhabi rising nearby and a 4,000-year-old Magan boat recreation on display just metres away, it becomes hard to separate Abu Dhabi’s past from its future. It also becomes clear that this is a place built for meeting: a crossroads where cultures, generations and ideas are meant to encounter one another. That, it turns out, is precisely the…
Abu Dhabi has become a symbol of cultural significance, according to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Surrounded by modern structures like the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the city showcases a blend of its rich history and forward-thinking vision. Al Mubarak has dedicated the past decade to shaping how the emirate defines culture, extending from museums, heritage sites, libraries, and artists to areas like Formula One and a forthcoming Disney resort.
He believes culture connects communities, opens conversations across generations, and gives voice to regional contributions in the global arena. At the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, this belief manifests in an institution that is deeply rooted in Abu Dhabi's identity while being open to the world, emphasizing that everything related to culture has long-term implications.
From museums as civic spaces fostering human connection to sports instilling values like teamwork and sportsmanship, every aspect of Abu Dhabi's cultural and creative ecosystem is designed to enhance quality of life, foster opportunity, and strengthen social cohesion. Despite skepticism, Al Mubarak remains resolute, pointing to the resilience of Abu Dhabi's tourism industry and the forthcoming Disney resort as proof of the city's forward-looking approach.
Central to this vision is the idea of happiness, with Al Mubarak highlighting how people from diverse backgrounds connect and learn from each other, creating a shared human experience that enriches the city.
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