Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation takes vital step in fostering Arab-German Cultural ties

Yasser Hareb, Vice President for Culture, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, and Professor Claus-Peter Haase, Chairman of West-East Diwan Cultural Association and Director of the Islamic Museum in Berlin, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new avenues for enhanced Arab-European cultural cooperation.

Held at the headquarters of Berliner Festspiele (Berlin Festival), Berlin's main centre for festivals and cultural activities, the signing ceremony was attended by the UAE Ambassador to Germany, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Mahmoud, and leading cultural personalities from Germany and the Arab world.

The agreement is in line with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish close cultural ties with Germany.

During his visit to Berlin in February, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed met an elite group of Germany's leading cultural figures and urged Arab and German intellects to pave the way for wider dialogue between Europe and the Arab world through encouraging sustained links between cultural organizations in both countries.

During the signing ceremony, Yasser Hareb elaborated on the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's mission and strategic objectives, and outlined its initiatives that aim to develop the knowledge capabilities of the Arab world.
His Excellency Mohamed Ahmed Al Mahmoud stressed on the UAE's determination to play a pivotal role in facilitating constructive Arab-Western dialogue.

Applauding the Foundation's proactive approach, he said: "The MoU lays the basis for a new phase of Arab-European cultural interaction that is driven by mutual understanding. The strong and enduring relations between the UAE and Germany firmly guarantee the success of this joint initiative".

Collaboration between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the West-East Diwan Cultural Association will cover the translation of best-sellers, protection of intellectual property rights (IP), development of intellectual skills and competencies, as well as organizing inter cultural events including seminars, workshops and forums.

Professor Claus-Peter Haase said:

"Unprecedented economic growth has not diverted the UAE's attention from focusing on the creation of a robust cultural environment. On the contrary, the remarkable development strongly reflects a genuine determination to promote the core essence of Arab culture and a sincere will to engage in concerted efforts for bridging the East-West gap. Our aspirations for this partnership extend beyond the translation of works from German to Arabic and vice versa. It includes collaborating on scientific research and encouraging academic exchange between the universities of both countries".

Joachim Sartorius, Director of Berliner Festspiele, a member of West-East Diwan Cultural Association, said: "We acknowledge the Foundation's swift action to realise the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to foster cultural relations between the two countries. We are privileged to add Arab cultural activities to Berlin Festival's agenda".

Amal Jabouri, Chairperson of West-East Diwan Cultural Association, said: "We commend the UAE's efforts to bridge the East-West cultural divide. The MoU will unleash joint initiatives that will increase awareness on the true essence of the Arab and German cultures. We are confident our cooperation will significantly bolster inter-cultural collaboration between the two nations".