The UAE Ministry of Culture has formalized four new cooperation agreements to support the country’s artisans and creative industries. The deals were announced during the fifth edition of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ (MIITE) event in Abu Dhabi, signaling a strategic government push to integrate national heritage with the modern economy.
Quick Facts
- Four strategic agreements signed at MIITE 2026.
- Partners include FBMI, Ghars Centre, Almandoos, and Al Khaznah.
- Focus on empowering artisans and promoting cultural industries.
A Strategic Push for the Cultural Economy
The agreements aim to strengthen the cultural sector’s contribution to the national economy and reinforce the UAE’s national identity. Signed in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, the partnerships involve the Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, Almandoos Trading, and Al Khaznah Leathers.
H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the initiative’s role in building a sustainable creative ecosystem.
“These agreements mark an important step in advancing our efforts to support Emirati artisans and creatives by fostering a conducive environment that allows them to showcase their creativity, market their products, and build a sustainable economy rooted in creativity and cultural heritage,” Al Nakhi stated.
He added, “We recognise that nurturing and empowering artisans and creatives is a shared responsibility, one that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders.”
Breaking Down the Collaborations
Each agreement targets a specific area of development for the UAE’s creative talent.
The partnership with the Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative will focus on nurturing artisans by providing training workshops every three months and creating platforms like art exhibitions to showcase their work.
The deal with Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment provides a dedicated, free-of-charge space at the Masafi Cultural Centre for training workshops in traditional crafts.
The agreement with Almandoos Trading aims to advance applied design in leather-based crafts, integrating traditional skills with modern industrial applications and facilitating participation in cultural exhibitions.
Finally, the collaboration with Al Khaznah Leathers will focus on developing heritage-inspired products, running live craft demonstrations, and creating specialized training programs to enhance the technical skills of local artisans.
Showcasing Talent at ‘Make it in the Emirates’
The Ministry’s participation at the forum included the Artisans Pavilion, which featured nearly 200 artisans from across the country. The showcase was supported by 21 major institutions and 18 creative companies, highlighting a coordinated national effort to promote local talent and national products.
About the Ministry of Culture
The UAE Ministry of Culture is a federal government body responsible for nurturing and promoting the country’s cultural and creative industries. It works to preserve national heritage, empower local talent, and strengthen the cultural sector’s role as a key contributor to the national economy, both locally and globally.
Source: Zawya
