Latifa bint Mohammed Inaugurates Etihad Museum’s Third Cultural Season

Post by: Elena Malik

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), inaugurated the Etihad Museum’s Third Cultural Season, which will run under the theme "Future Echoes" until May 2025. This highly anticipated event not only underscores the museum's integral role as a hub for cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange but also aligns with Dubai's vision of solidifying its status as a global centre for culture, creativity, and talent.

A Space for Learning and Exchange During the opening ceremony, Her Highness highlighted the significance of the Etihad Museum in promoting a deeper understanding of the UAE’s history and its evolution. The museum is a focal point for showcasing the country’s cultural heritage, and this season aims to strengthen the connection between the present and future generations through immersive experiences and educational programmes.

Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Culture and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the museum's mission, stating: "The Etihad Museum serves as an open space for learning, education, and cultural exchange, connecting future generations to their heritage and history. Through this third cultural season, the museum continues to play a vital role in raising awareness about preserving intangible heritage and reinforcing national identity."

New Initiatives and Cultural Experiences This third cultural season promises to offer visitors a range of innovative public programmes, interventions, and cultural experiences, designed to engage diverse audiences. From workshops and public talks to temporary exhibitions and installations, each initiative is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Emirati culture and its role in shaping the nation’s identity.

A key highlight of the season is the introduction of a media room, featuring audio guides and interactive installations that encourage visitors to engage with the museum’s permanent collection. This collection chronicles the UAE’s journey toward union and its founding story. Another notable initiative is a creative listening experience led by Emirati poet, performer, and writer Maryam Al Shehhi, who presents an audio guide blending poetry, open letters, and storytelling, offering visitors an intimate connection with the museum’s spaces and artefacts.

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Cultural Leadership and Insight The launch ceremony featured an engaging discussion between Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dubai Abulhoul, CEO and Founder of the Fiker Institute. They explored the Etihad Museum’s role in shaping the UAE’s cultural and historical narrative and its impact on leadership, fostering openness, and promoting a sense of belonging within the community.

The discussion also highlighted the museum’s importance in encouraging a deeper understanding of heritage through innovative cultural practices and intellectual engagement, further enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a cultural incubator.

Notable Figures and Artistic Contributions Throughout the season, renowned figures such as Maha Gargash, former Director of Dubai Television and Radio, and Emirati poet Khalid Albudoor will contribute to the rich cultural offerings. They will present segments of the docuseries Echoes in Time, which delves into the traditional music and poetry of the UAE, giving visitors unique insight into the region’s artistic heritage. These screenings will take place in the newly created media room, as part of the museum’s temporary exhibitions.

In addition, artist, composer, and writer Hasan Hujairi will present a lecture performance on the musical heritage of the Gulf, focusing on its connection to seafaring communities. The season will also feature a playwriting workshop led by performance artist and theatre practitioner Reem Al Menhali, which will explore new approaches to Gulf theatre.

Research Grant for Cultural Exploration One of the most exciting developments of the third cultural season is Dubai Culture’s announcement of a new research grant, aimed at fostering intellectual exploration and contributing to the UAE’s cultural discourse. The grant is designed to empower scholars, researchers, and cultural practitioners to delve into the Etihad Museum’s extensive archives and collections, exploring narratives that align with the UAE’s evolving identity and heritage.

This initiative positions the museum as a centre for knowledge production, encouraging critical inquiry into untold stories, fresh interpretations, and new insights into the country’s cultural legacy. Muna Al Gurg elaborated on the importance of this grant, noting: “The Research Grant empowers researchers to delve into national identity, heritage, and culture, enriching the broader field of UAE-related studies.”

Engaging the Community Visitors to the museum can look forward to a variety of events and activities, including public talks, seasonal celebrations, and creative engagements. The second annual winter festival, centred around the Emirati tradition of Hag Al Laila, will take place in the museum’s garden, inviting audiences to connect with this beloved cultural celebration through creative exploration.

The exhibition by Dubai urban researcher Rashed Almulla, which explores the UAE’s history through stamps as storytelling tools, is another key highlight. This exhibition builds on the earlier Treasures Kept Close exhibit, curated by Salem Al Suwaidi, which featured personal items from residents’ collections.

A Season of Exploration and Connection With its focus on cultural dialogue, intellectual inquiry, and the celebration of Emirati traditions, the third Etihad Museum Cultural Season is set to be a memorable journey for all visitors. The museum invites the community to explore the UAE’s heritage, engage with its evolving identity, and experience a range of cultural practices through the innovative and thought-provoking programmes on offer.

Running until May 2025, Future Echoes offers a platform for reflection, creativity, and learning, embodying Dubai’s ongoing commitment to nurturing its cultural landscape and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their rich and diverse heritage.

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