Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development wows Paris with Emirati inspiration

The UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development wrapped up a successful week in Paris on Sunday. Its four-day programme included Emirati-inspired design and art exhibitions, talks, film screenings, culinary fusion experiences and a concert at the ParisSorbonne University. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, said the UAE Cultural Week was an important platform that highlighted the long-standing friendship between the UAE and France, and showcased the creative energies of young talents. “It has established new avenues for collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors while exposing the French public to our rich heritage and culture,” she said. Emirati designers displayed their products, from accessories and stationery to jewellery and leather goods. Talks on topics such as graphic design and typography were also on the agenda, as was the art movement in Abu Dhabi. Discussions also focused on democratising art and the influence of cities on art, as well as Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s thriving creative scenes. A concert at the Sorbonne – dedicated to the memory of the UAE’s Founding President and titled the Art of Zayed – featured western classical compositions by Saint-Saens, Chopin and Faure with the voice of opera singer and pianist Fatima Al Hashimi as well as contemporary Arabic music by Emirati pianist and composer Hamad Al Taee.