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10/23/25, 1:58 PM Ministry of Culture and UAE Marine Sports Federation Partner to Preserve Maritime Heritage and Elevate its Global Profile

Ministry of Culture and UAE Marine

Sports Federation Partner to Preserve

Maritime Heritage and Elevate its Global

Profile

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2025-10-22 03:10:09

(MENAFN- Orient Planet Group) Abu Dhabi, October 21, 2025: The Ministry of Culture and the UAE Marine Sports
Federation signed a cooperation agreement to preserve the sustainability of the nation’s maritime heritage and
promote it on global scale. The partnership will drive joint research, cultural projects, and training programs, in line
with the UAE’s vision to safeguard its intangible cultural heritage and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for
culture and heritage.
The signing ceremony was held during the Sir Bu Nair Festival and the third round of the Traditional Wooden
Powerboat (Shawaheef) Racing Championship - one of the nation’s most prominent maritime events celebrating
Emirati heritage. The festival attracts wide public participation, drawing heritage and traditional sports enthusiasts
from across the country.
The event was attended by H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed
bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, along with a distinguished group of
senior officials and experts in culture, heritage, and marine sports.
The agreement supports the Ministry’s efforts to safeguard traditional sports by documenting authentic practices,
developing mechanisms to ensure their protection and sustainability, and empowering communities to actively
participate in their preservation.
It outlines strategic programs including the digital documentation of traditional marine sports, educational and
awareness initiatives for youth, and the development of an international festival for traditional marine sports,
highlighting the sea’s historical role in shaping Emirati identity.

The agreement also promotes international collaboration with organizations such as the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and leading maritime heritage centres across Asia and Europe.
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said: “Maritime heritage is a cornerstone of the UAE’s
national identity and an integral part of our collective memory. Through this agreement, we aim to transform this
heritage into a bridge for global cultural dialogue—connecting people through the values of courage, cooperation,
and belonging that our forefathers exemplified in their relationship with the sea.”

His Excellency added: “The Ministry of Culture remains committed to building local and international partnerships
that preserve our shared human heritage while opening new avenues for research, education, and cultural
innovation, in line with the UAE’s vision of a sustainable cultural economy.”
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, said:
““This agreement represents a pioneering model of cooperation between the cultural and sports sectors, opening
new avenues to position traditional marine sports as ambassadors of Emirati values and authentic heritage on the
global stage.”
He added: “Signing this agreement during Sir Bu Nair Festival and the Traditional Wooden Powerboat Race reflects
the seamless connection between past and present. It highlights the Emirati spirit of authenticity that we proudly
share with the world, guided by the vision of our wise leadership to preserve heritage and ensure its lasting presence
in the hearts of future generations.”

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