The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture hosted the AlUla Future Culture Summit from 25-27 February 2024 in Daimumah, AlUla. The summit brought together 150 cultural leaders, policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and artists to address culture's most pressing issues. Keynote speakers included His Excellency Rakan AlTouq, Klaus Biesenbach, Ronald Rael, Laurent Le Bon, Nicolas Bourriaud, Bose Krishnamachari, Akiko Miki, Lina El Ghotmeh, Emanuele Coccia, Fatima Albanawi, and Mohammad AlFaraj. The summit focused on three core pillars: Fertile Terrains, Creative Grounds, and Impact Harvests. The event featured panel discussions, performances, workshops, and exploration of AlUla's cultural and physical landscape. The summit also included performances by Balqis Alrashed and Inua Ellams, as well as excursions to Wadi AlFann and the Maraya exhibition. Attendance was by invitation only. [69d692f7]
The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi began in the UAE capital with participants from 90 countries under the theme of 'A Matter of Time'. The first day of the three-day event explored the role of culture in creating collective memories and alternatives to the linear concept of time. Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), highlighted the importance of the summit in bringing together thinkers, artists, changemakers, and leaders to discuss and find solutions for global communities. World-renowned poet and philosopher Adonis gave the first keynote speech, discussing the relationship between people and time and the impact of technology. Emirati celebrity singer Hussain Al Jassmi and Egyptian Talk Show host Mona Al Shazly discussed the role of time in shaping an artist's journey and the impact of artificial intelligence on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Nobel Prize Literature winner Wole Soyinka discussed African culture and issues around identity with Manthia Diawara. The summit also featured a session on First People's knowledge on living in the everywhen, exploring an alternative perspective on time. The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi is organized by DCT Abu Dhabi in collaboration with global partner organizations and runs until March 5th. [a0dd6c70]
On 12 March 2024, the Research Centre for Culture and Health hosted an online seminar exploring the connections between culture, health, and illness. The seminar aimed to deepen understanding of how cultural factors influence health outcomes and foster interdisciplinary research in health and cultural studies. Presentations were given by Keith Meadows on patient-reported outcomes data, Luis de Miranda on philosophical health, and Katerina Filatova on biomaterials in regenerative medicine. The seminar provided valuable insights into the interplay between culture and health, shedding light on the multidisciplinary nature of well-being. [71758a83]
In Sharjah, the Al Seyouh Council, affiliated with the Department of Suburbs Affairs, organized a Ramadan lecture titled 'Family Cohesion' to promote unity and solidarity within families. The lecture, delivered by Dr. Abdullah Abdulqadir Al Kamali, emphasized the importance of building trust, effective communication, and understanding individual needs within the family. His Excellency Yousuf Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, the Chairman of Al Seyouh Council, highlighted the significance of such lectures in improving family relationships and promoting social safety and stability. The lecture is part of a series of Ramadan initiatives organized by suburban councils and departments in Sharjah. [64134b38]
The Three Cultures Foundation is collaborating with Scholas Occurrentes to offer a social transformation workshop for young Moroccan immigrants and young Andalusians living in Andalusia. The workshop aims to promote different skills and create a culture of encounter, communication, critical thinking, empathy, creativity, teamwork, and solidarity. It will include training in art, play, and thought, as well as experiential experiences in local environments. The participants will then develop a community intervention project based on their experiences. The workshop will take place from May 6 to May 10 at the Three Cultures Foundation. [af44ecee]