ADMAF and Al Owais Cultural Foundation Sign MoU to Deepen Arab Cultural and Literary Cooperation

Photography: Courtesy of WAM

Abu Dhabi, May 5, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – In a significant step toward enhancing Arab intellectual and cultural exchange, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The agreement was signed on May 2 by Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi Festival, and Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Al Owais Foundation, at ADMAF’s booth as part of its long-standing Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab initiative. This year’s booth was themed “Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais: The Unforgettable,” in honor of the late Emirati poet’s centenary, a milestone recognized by UNESCO for 2025.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo stated that the MoU reaffirms an existing partnership rooted in a shared cultural mission. “This is not the beginning, but a continuation of our collaboration—one that champions Arab creativity, nurtures thought and heritage, and ensures our literary contributions are preserved for future generations,” she said.

She paid tribute to Sultan Al Owais, describing him as a visionary poet and philanthropist who invested in minds and contributed to the UAE’s cultural renaissance. Her remarks also honored the late Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, referred to as the “Badr of Poetry,” whose legacy was similarly celebrated at the event.

Ibrahim Al Hashimi affirmed the strategic value of the collaboration, emphasizing the complementary roles played by both foundations in promoting Arab cultural identity. “This agreement represents a practical framework to intensify cooperation in literature, heritage, and the arts,” he said, noting the Al Owais Foundation’s expanding regional partnerships in Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab countries.

The MoU outlines joint initiatives in academic publishing, literary research, cultural forums, and training programmes, with a focus on supporting Emirati and regional literary talent.

Also unveiled at the ADMAF booth was Badr of Poetry, a commemorative title honoring the literary contributions of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin. The book is one of several new releases supported by ADMAF this year under the Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab initiative.

The agreement underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing cultural dialogue, preserving Arabic heritage, and promoting literary excellence in the Arab world. It also reflects the legacies of Sultan Al Owais and Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin, whose contributions continue to shape the region’s cultural landscape.