Page 27 - MOC PR REPORT - OCT 2025

10/22/25, 11:39 AM Ministry of Culture and UAE Marine Sports Federation partner
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.”

This agreement reaffirms the UAE’s leadership in safeguarding shared human heritage and its
commitment to nurturing cultural identity as a cornerstone of sustainable national development. It

reflects the nation’s enduring civilizational legacy and forward-looking cultural vision.

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