Page 39 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

“In the UAE, this day holds special meaning, grounded in our firm belief that our responsibility
toward the planet is an integral part of our identity and national values.”

He highlighted the UAE’s growing emphasis on embedding environmental awareness across
various sectors, particularly through the cultural and artistic fields. “At the Ministry of Culture, we
are committed to harnessing the power of culture and the arts as a soft tool for positive impact –
fostering environmental consciousness and encouraging sustainable practices through artistic
expression and cultural engagement.”

The Minister noted that the Ministry is undertaking a wide range of initiatives aimed at embedding
environmental consciousness within cultural and artistic activities. “We support artists and
creatives whose work addresses environmental and sustainability issues and encourage the
production of cultural content that underscores the importance of preserving natural resources and
biodiversity, especially among younger generations.”

On the heritage front, he added that the Ministry places strong emphasis on preserving traditional
sustainable practices passed down from ancestors—such as the use of natural materials in
construction, artisanal crafts, and traditional water irrigation methods. “Reviving and passing on
these practices is crucial, not only as a testament to our national and cultural identity but also as
viable solutions for modern-day sustainability challenges.”

He also highlighted the UAE National Pavilion’s exceptional participation in the 18th International
Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia through the exhibition “Wetland,” curated by
Emirati architect and researcher Azza Aboualam.

“This exhibition offers a profound exploration of the relationship between architecture and food
production in arid climates, with a particular focus on the UAE as a living model,” he said. “It
presents an innovative vision blending tradition and modernity, drawing on our legacy of adaptation
to desert environments and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to propose practical solutions to
pressing challenges in food and water security.”
The Minister noted that the exhibition offers alternatives to centralised technological solutions,
advocating for community participation and accountability. It reflects on the UAE’s food production
landscape within a global context and explores local design approaches developed over time in
response to food scarcity.
“This project aligns perfectly with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy, which aims to make
the country one of the top-ranked globally in the Global Food Security Index by 2051,” he added.

Sheikh Salem concluded, “The UAE’s participation in the Venice Biennale was not merely a
showcase of architectural creativity, but a clear message to the world – affirming our unwavering
commitment to sustainability and food security. It reflects our efforts to embed environmental
awareness across all aspects of cultural work and highlights the ability of UAE talent to craft
innovative solutions rooted in our national heritage, leveraging arts, creativity, and innovation as
powerful tools to advance sustainability, environmental stewardship, and food security.”

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minister-of-culture/