Abu Dhabi Art, Talks & Sensations stimulates debate on art in Arab world today

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Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is the institution in charge of conserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi. Established in October 2005 as an authority of the Government of Abu Dhabi, it is administered by a board of directors chaired by H. E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan.

The creation of ADACH was a direct result of the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Heritage Management Strategy, a 5-year strategy prepared by a UNESCO-led team working closely with local experts. The Strategy identified the principal issues affecting the development of Abu Dhabi's culture and heritage and laid down goals for its activities.

ADACH is an organisation with far-sighted aspirations - to harness the pride of the people of the UAE through the development of its cultural heritage, and to be the leading cultural development organisation in the region. Internationally it is contributing to the strengthening of intercultural dialogue and the appreciation of different cultures by developing projects that encourage the sharing of cultural traditions and experience.

ADACH has a holistic vision of culture, which embraces both tangible and intangible heritage. It is committing all its resources to the preservation of architectural and archaeological assets as well as to the development of Emirati and international arts, music, literature and cinema. This vision is open to everyone - in the Arab world and beyond.

The initiatives outlined on this website reflect ADACH's vision for the cultural development of Abu Dhabi. Together they constitute a programme rich in symbolism and importance to the people of the UAE, and provide a unique representation of what Abu Dhabi has to offer the rest of the world.

Tourism Development & Investment Company
Formed in 2006, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is the privately operated development arm of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. It is a master developer of major Abu Dhabi tourism destinations and a key contributor to the emirate's economic and cultural progress.

TDIC offers significant investment opportunities in the residential and commercial real estate, hospitality, sports & leisure and tourism related sectors. It actively pursues strategic partnerships with local and international brand leaders, which deliver quality driven best practice, services and products. Its commitment in helping to establish Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination for tourists, businesses and residents, is creating sustainable growth and employment opportunities.

TDIC encourages sustainable development projects that respect the environment. In line with its commitment to promoting sustainability, TDIC was a founder member of the Middle East Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the highly respected international research and education organisation which advocates the responsible use of land and the development of sustainable communities.

Through the transparency of its business approach and its ability to deliver on its promises, TDIC has built a strong reputation within the regional and international tourism industry. The company is also committed to developing and creating employment and vocational training opportunities for Emiratis.

TDIC has a number of iconic projects designed to live up to the company's core values of environmental sustainability, progressive partnerships, cultural stewardship and enhancement and socio-economic viability. These projects include:

Saadiyat Island:
TDIC is creating Abu Dhabi's flagship development, Saadiyat Island, which translates as 'Island of Happiness', and epitomises the emirate's focus on culture and arts, sports & leisure, natural environment and heritage.

Due for completion by 2018, Saadiyat Island occupies 27 square kilometres and lies to the north east of Abu Dhabi city. It has been developed with an eco-sensitive philosophy and will eventually be home to 150,000 people.


Cultural District - Saadiyat Island

This area will be home to some of the world's most prestigious museums including the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and a maritime museum, making Abu Dhabi a world-class cultural destination.

Saadiyat Island will also feature six other distinct districts - Saadiyat Marina, Saadiyat Beach, South Beach, Island Lagoons, The Wetlands and Eco Point.

Desert Islands
This is a nature-based destination off Abu Dhabi's western coastline . At the core of the destination, which comprises eight islands, is Sir Bani Yas Island, the rich natural heritage and environmental legacy of the UAE's late President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sir Bani Yas Island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, with the world's largest herd of Arabian oryx and the soon-to-open, 64-room Desert Islands Resort & Spa, which offers a range of adventure activities. The destination will also consist of Dalma Island and the Discovery Islands.

For more inquiries please contact:
Kelly Smith, Action UAE
Doha Al Wazany, Action UAE
mobile: +971 50 498 3085
mobile: +971 50 662 7930