Event Marks Award’s 20th Anniversary with Morocco as Guest of Honor
The Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted an illustrious ceremony at the Louvre Abu Dhabi to honor the recipients of the 18th Al Burda Award. This edition coincided with the award’s 20th anniversary, commemorating its role in showcasing outstanding contributions to traditional Islamic art.
The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, including Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, and His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, alongside numerous ambassadors and cultural leaders. Morocco was celebrated as this year’s Guest of Honor for its enduring legacy in Islamic arts.
A Tribute to Islamic Art and Culture
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, emphasized in his opening remarks that the Al Burda Award serves as a testament to the unifying power of Islamic art. “The award celebrates the greatness of Islamic arts as a unifying language that connects peoples and fosters cultural dialogue among civilizations,” he said. Morocco’s selection as Guest of Honor, he added, reflects its pivotal role in advancing Islamic artistic traditions.
The ceremony also honored Morocco’s School of National Crafts and Arts in Tetouan, recognizing its efforts in nurturing talent in sculpture, ceramics, and design while preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Highlighting Cultural Exchange
During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Uzbek Art and Culture Development Foundation. This agreement, represented by His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi and Mr. Aziz Bek Manobov, aims to enhance collaboration in textile crafts, blending heritage preservation with modern innovation.
Showcasing Exceptional Talent
The winners of the Al Burda Award were celebrated across multiple categories. In Modern Standard Arabic Poetry, Yassin Hizqar took first place, while Awad Al-Awad secured the top spot in Nabati Poetry. Other categories included Traditional Arabic Calligraphy, Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy, and newly introduced disciplines like Freestyle Poetry and Typographic Design. Artists such as Maryam Norouzi Khalilani, Ahmed Al Hattab, and Yasmine Naeem stood out for their exemplary work.
Immersive Performances and Artistic Exhibition
The ceremony featured a mesmerizing musical performance, “Path of Light,” that intertwined the themes of revelation, brotherhood, mercy, knowledge, and faith. Highlights included Qawwali renditions by Pooja Gaitonde and the Emirati-Moroccan Mawlid collaboration. Simultaneously, an exhibition titled “When the Sun Rises on the Horizon” showcased 60 unique pieces blending classical and contemporary Islamic artistry.
The Ministry’s dedication to fostering cultural dialogue and artistic excellence was evident throughout the event, which underlined the enduring relevance of Islamic art in the modern era.
For further details, visit https://burda.ae.