Abu Dhabi, UAE - In a visit underscoring the growing importance of cultural institutions in the Emirate, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently toured the newly opened Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) within the Saadiyat Cultural District. The BFAF, a non-profit organization, aims to enrich the local cultural landscape by showcasing a diverse range of global art collections.
His Highness' visit included a comprehensive tour of the BFAF's galleries, where he engaged with the foundation's impressive collection of artworks. He expressed his admiration for the distinguished five-decade-long cultural and artistic career of Bassam Saeed Freiha, particularly commending Freiha's dedication to collecting rare paintings and artworks. This dedication, His Highness noted, exemplifies a steadfast commitment to fostering creative and cultural movements across various disciplines.
Recognizing the significant role of art foundations, His Highness emphasized their contribution to enriching the local cultural scene. He sees BFAF and similar institutions as crucial platforms for nurturing emerging talent, inspiring dialogue, and promoting arts education and public engagement with the arts.
Joining His Highness on the visit were Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, and Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The BFAF's inaugural exhibition, titled "Echoes of the Orient," features a curated selection of 25 artworks displayed alongside 19th-century photographs and pieces by renowned contemporary and modern Arab artists. Free and open to the public, the BFAF's galleries, designed by architect Rasha Gebran, offer a compelling journey through history, culture, and creativity.
The BFAF's establishment further strengthens the Saadiyat Cultural District's position as a premier cultural hub. It joins esteemed institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and Berklee Abu Dhabi, with the upcoming Sheikh Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi poised to complete the district's impressive collection.
