Page 341 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/26/25, 5:08 PM Pillars of Arish: Exploring UAE’s Architectural Heritage and Future Innovation
architecture acts as a powerful medium of cultural storytelling. She noted that the event
aimed to celebrate the UAE’s unique architectural narrative while encouraging heritage to
inspire future innovation. Badri also highlighted Dubai Culture’s commitment to fostering
cross-cultural exchange and supporting creatives through enabling resources and global
platforms.

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Supporting this vision, the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme was spotlighted as a major
initiative dedicated to enriching the creative sector. With a substantial budget of AED 180
million planned over the next ten years, this programme provides vital funding to artists
and cultural institutions across multiple disciplines, including fine arts, design,
museology, and heritage preservation. By empowering these creatives, the programme
facilitates the sharing of Emirati culture on international stages, reinforcing the UAE’s
reputation as a cultural hub.

The symposium itself was curated by Emirati visionaries Salem AlSuwaidi, founder of
SWALIF Collective and co-founder of MamarLab, and Rashed AlMulla, founder of
MABNAI and also co-founder of MamarLab. Together, they crafted an immersive

experience through a series of ten sessions and panel discussions that explored the
dynamic interplay between sustainability, heritage, contemporary design, and global
influences on Emirati architecture. Among the themes examined were the influence of
Japanese modernist architecture from the mid-20th century on Gulf design sensibilities,
the continuing relevance of vernacular construction techniques, and the challenges faced
by architectural practices within the region.

The discussions delved deeply into how architects can navigate site-sensitive contexts by
integrating cultural values, local materials, and sustainable strategies. Educational
perspectives were shared on how institutions like Zayed University are reshaping

architectural pedagogy to emphasize both tradition and innovation. The event also
featured dialogues on the evolution of housing in the UAE, tracing a path from traditional
arish huts to modern villas, and paid tribute to historic irrigation systems like the aflaj,
which have long supported sustainable water management in the region.

Delegates had the opportunity to witness pioneering solutions for designing grand spaces
using local resources and were introduced to Dubai Culture’s efforts in reshaping
historical districts such as Al Shindagha through heritage conservation and storytelling.
This revitalization work demonstrates how preserving cultural narratives can complement
modern urban development.

Beyond the symposium sessions, the Dubai Culture delegation embarked on an enriching
cultural tour throughout Japan. Led by Hala Badri and accompanied by senior officials
including Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Khulood Khoory, Sara Al Pachachi, and Maryam
Mudhaffar Ahli, the group visited notable landmarks such as the National Museum of Art

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