Abu Dhabi – Morocco has been chosen as the guest of honor for the 18th edition of the Al Burda Prize, an initiative aimed at celebrating the Kingdom’s remarkable contributions to Islamic culture and arts.
During a ceremony held on Tuesday, December 17 at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, in the presence of Moroccan officials from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, as well as eminent personalities from the worlds of arts, culture and of diplomacy, the theme of light (An-Nur) was highlighted to evoke the life of the Prophet Mohammed. The Al Burda Prize takes its name from a classic poem, written during the time of the Prophet, which pays homage to him.
A showcase for Moroccan art
The presence of Morocco as guest of honor offered a unique opportunity to highlight the growth of Islamic arts within the Kingdom. Bringing together Andalusian, Arab and Amazigh influences, Moroccan art is distinguished by a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
This event was enhanced by the presence of the Emirati Minister of Culture, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, and the Moroccan Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Ahmed Tazi. The ceremony was marked by the presentation of the Al Burda Awards in various categories, including poetry and calligraphy.
Distinctions for talents
The School of Arts and Crafts of Tetouan received an honorary distinction, saluting its exemplary role in the preservation of authentic Islamic arts. This distinction illustrates the cultural heritage shared between Morocco and Andalusia. Furthermore, Moroccan poet Yassine Hazkar won the Classical Poetry Prize.
In his speech, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi praised Morocco for its exceptional contributions to Islamic culture and arts. He stressed that the Kingdom, thanks to its rich heritage, embodies a model of creativity and a source of inspiration for future generations. The Moroccan exhibition, organized as part of the event, offered a unique window on the diversity of Moroccan Islamic arts.
He also recalled that the Al Burda Cultural Prize, established in 2004, has become a global platform promoting the values of Islam and the greatness of Islamic arts, which serve as a universal language to bring people together and strengthen dialogue.
Cultural cooperation between Morocco and the Emirates
For his part, Ahmed Tazi, Ambassador of Morocco, transmitted a message on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid. He expressed his gratitude for the honor done to Morocco, testifying to the mutual esteem between the two peoples and the solidity of cooperation between the two nations.
This dynamic of cooperation, he added, is perpetuated and strengthened by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in all its human, cultural and development dimensions.
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