New Islamic art, culture fest in Capital next week

abu dhabi — The UAE Capital will host the first Al Burda Festival, a celebration of Islamic art and culture and a global platform for artists and performers to share their talent with the community, the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development has announced.

Taking place on November 14 at Warehouse421 in Abu Dhabi, the festival brings together international calligraphers, poets, designers and other artists who will showcase their works and take part in discussions centred around the values in the heart of Islamic culture.

On the sidelines of Tuesday’s Press briefing on Al Burda, Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, told Khaleej Times that the UAE is blossoming into a hub for creativity, arts and culture, and will continue to provide a platform for unique talents and ideas.

“I believe that with all the programmes happening here at the same time, as well as the various local and international institutions based here, the UAE has become a vibrant place that is completely different from anywhere else,” she said. The festival is an expansion of Al Burda Award, which was launched in 2004 to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The minister pointed out that through such a celebration, the UAE aims to shed light on the true meaning of Islam.

“With what’s happening around us — with some using religion as an excuse for any horrible act — it is our job to say that this is not our true religion,” Al Kaabi said.