UAE and Azerbaijan event explores role of museums in preserving heritage and strengthening cultural exchange

The Embassy of the UAE in the Republic of Azerbaijan organised a cultural event under the theme, Museums of the UAE and Azerbaijan… A Story Told Between a Rich Past and a Promising Future, in coordination with and participation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The event was attended by Her Excellency the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a representative of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, a number of members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to t Azerbaijan, as well as a distinguished group of senior officials and specialists in the fields of culture, museums, and tourism in Azerbaijan.

The event was held as part of efforts to strengthen cultural cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Azerbaijan and to highlight the role of museums in preserving heritage and national identity, introducing generations to their civilizational history, supporting the tourism sector, and fostering cultural exchange and communication among peoples.

During the event, His Excellency Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a speech in which he underscored the depth of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and their continued development across various fields. He highlighted the role of museums in building bridges of knowledge and facilitating cultural exchange between the peoples of the two countries.

His Excellency also emphasised the importance of continuing to develop joint cooperation in the cultural and tourism sectors, as well as exchanging expertise and experiences in the fields of museums, heritage preservation, and the promotion of cultural heritage. He noted that such efforts contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries and open new avenues for institutional and cultural cooperation.

Fatima Al Hammadi, Curator of the Zayed National Museum and a member of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Youth Council, also delivered a speech highlighting the importance of museums as cultural platforms that bring together the preservation of heritage and openness to the future. She noted the role of museums in promoting tourism destinations and enhancing visitors’ cultural experiences, as well as their contribution to showcasing the historical and civilizational assets of countries.

Her Excellency Saadat Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a speech emphasising the importance of cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UAE and the role of joint initiatives in promoting cultural dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. She praised the growing bonds of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

Shirin Malikova, Director of the National Museum of Art of Azerbaijan, also delivered a speech in which she highlighted the importance of museums in preserving Azerbaijan’s artistic and cultural heritage and their role in introducing visitors to the country’s history and the development of its artistic movement. She underscored the importance of exchanging expertise and experiences between specialised museum institutions in the two friendly countries.

As part of the event, a video was screened showcasing Abu Dhabi’s heritage and modern museums, featuring significant sites that preserve chapters of the UAE’s history, as well as institutions dedicated to contemporary art. The video illustrated how the work of museums extends beyond their walls through preservation, research, learning, community engagement, and cultural exchange. It also told the story of a nation proud of its roots and history, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage as it moves confidently toward the future.

The event also featured artistic performances by both sides. Emirati musician Ahmed Al Hashemi performed a selection of musical pieces on the piano, while an Azerbaijani musical ensemble performed Azerbaijani national and traditional songs and musical pieces drawn from the country’s heritage.

The event reflected the commitment of the UAE and Azerbaijan to broadening the horizons of cooperation in the cultural and tourism sectors and to benefiting from their respective experiences and expertise. These efforts further reinforce the role of culture as an important pillar in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The theme of the event, Museums of the UAE and Azerbaijan… A Story Told Between a Rich Past and a Promising Future, embodied the shared vision of the importance of preserving heritage and drawing upon it to build new bridges toward the future. It also highlighted the role of museums as living spaces for knowledge, dialogue, and cultural exchange, as well as platforms for showcasing the civilisational heritage of both countries and promoting cultural tourism in the two friendly nations.