UAE Records Major Cultural and Knowledge Achievements in 2025
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates recorded a series of prominent cultural and knowledge achievements in 2025, reinforcing its strategic approach to strengthening national identity, developing the cultural sector, safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage, and consolidating its position as a global destination for knowledge, creativity and the arts.
Federal and local authorities continued their efforts through the launch of high-quality cultural initiatives, the opening of major museums, the announcement of significant archaeological discoveries, and the enhancement of the UAE’s presence on the global cultural stage.
In recognition of its historical importance as the site of pivotal meetings during the establishment of the Union, the UAE approved Sheikh Zayed Farm in Al Khawaneej as the country’s third national site, alongside Dar Al Etihad and Argoub Al Sedirah.
The Cabinet also approved the drafting of a federal law on cultural heritage, aimed at protecting, documenting, preserving, managing and promoting the UAE’s cultural heritage, encouraging research and study, enhancing cultural exchange and diversity, and ensuring the sustainability of heritage resources.
The Ministry of Culture launched the National Policy for the Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage, establishing a unified national vision to protect modern architectural landmarks and reinforce national identity. In addition, the Cabinet approved the general policy for the civilisation sector to enhance civilisational dialogue and strengthen shared national values.
An Emiri decree establishing Sharjah Creative Quarter marked a qualitative addition to the cultural landscape, providing a new platform for innovative projects and reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a hub for knowledge and creative industries.
The Emirates Council for Balanced Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, announced a comprehensive package of programmes to support creatives and artisans and promote cultural tourism. These initiatives included support for 20 creative projects, the training of cultural ambassadors, and the development of markets for traditional crafts.
Several landmark museums were inaugurated in 2025, including teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, which chronicles the UAE’s journey from its deep historical roots to its modern renaissance, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Dubai also announced the establishment of the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA).
Archaeological discoveries continued across the country. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced the discovery of the first Iron Age cemetery in Al Ain, comprising more than 100 burial sites and funerary artefacts that illuminate a previously unknown period of the region’s history.
In Umm Al Qaiwain, excavations on Al Ghallah Island revealed that the archaeological site extends to four times earlier estimates. Discoveries included a unique stone platform made of dugong bones, pearls, and evidence of advanced economic and social activities dating back to the Neolithic period.
In the field of publishing and literature, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 attracted more than 400,000 visitors, while the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair concluded with over 1.4 million visitors, maintaining its status as the world’s largest book fair in terms of buying and selling publishing rights.
Internationally, the UAE participated in the inauguration of several rehabilitated heritage sites in Mosul, Iraq, under the Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative. The country allocated US$50.4 million for the reconstruction of Al-Nuri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, as well as Al-Tahera and Al-Saa’a Churches, reaffirming its commitment to protecting global heritage.
The Arab Reading Challenge continued to strengthen its global impact, attracting more than 163 million students since its launch and contributing to higher reading rates and a stronger connection between generations and the Arabic language. The initiative received further support through an endowment valued at AED500 million from the Sobha Group to expand its reach.
In the area of intangible heritage, the UAE successfully inscribed four new elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. These included Al Ayyala as a national file, as well as Al Bisht, the bridal procession, and kohl as joint Arab heritage files.
At the international level, the UAE was elected Vice-President of the UNESCO General Conference. UNESCO also announced the inclusion of Emirati poet Ahmed bin Sulayem and United Arab Emirates University in its commemorations programme for 2026–2027, further underscoring the UAE’s growing cultural and intellectual influence worldwide.
