Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making significant investments in Egypt's cultural and real estate sectors, leading to mixed reactions [49c39365] [f4fda470]. Turki al-Sheikh, head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, has become a patron for Egypt's cultural elite, collaborating with Cairo's top talent to produce films [49c39365]. A three-way agreement between al-Sheikh, Culture Minister Nevine al-Kilany, and United Media Services will promote cooperation in theatre, cinema, and music [49c39365]. Some view this as an opportunity for collaboration and mutual benefit, while others see it as a form of cultural conquest and unequal power dynamics [49c39365]. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia is acquiring Egyptian art, stars, and music for a price, rather than fostering true collaboration [49c39365]. Despite some tensions, Saudi Arabia's growing film festival circuit has attracted Egyptian artists, and the kingdom has bestowed Saudi citizenship on a few Egyptian celebrities [49c39365]. Saudi Arabia's investment in Arab cinema, including a four billion Egyptian pound fund, is seen as a boost to Egypt's film industry [49c39365]. However, there are concerns that this funding may come with the imposition of ideas and control over Egyptian artists [49c39365].
Meanwhile, the UAE has made a $35 billion deal in Egypt's real estate market, joining the trend of Gulf powers buying prime property in the country [f4fda470]. The UAE has been acquiring crown jewels, including resorts and a gas station chain, and Saudi Arabia is also considering making purchases [f4fda470]. The Old Cataract hotel in Aswan, which has hosted famous personalities like Winston Churchill and Jimmy Carter, was the venue for a private dinner attended by high-level UAE officials [f4fda470]. The growing interest of Gulf powers in investing in Egypt's real estate market highlights the potential for economic growth and development in the country [f4fda470].
In a related development, the UAE Ministry of Culture is accepting applications for the second cycle of the national grant for culture and creativity [14b8feeb]. The grant provides financial support for the production of artistic and creative works in film, music, performances, and video games [14b8feeb]. There are different types of grants available, including creation and production grants up to Dh100,000, promotion and local participation grants worth Dh80,000, capacity development grants up to Dh50,000, and international travel and mobility grants worth Dh50,000 [14b8feeb]. The program is open to emerging and established Emirati creative professionals with an academic background or at least three years of work experience [14b8feeb]. The deadline for online applications is June 1 [14b8feeb].
The investments by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Egypt's cultural and real estate sectors have sparked debate [49c39365] [f4fda470]. While some see these investments as opportunities for collaboration and economic growth, others view them as forms of cultural conquest and unequal power dynamics [49c39365]. The UAE's national grant for culture and creativity provides further support for the development of artistic and creative works in the country [14b8feeb].
In Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, has announced the opening of entries to participate in the fifth annual initiative 'Al-Sharqiya Gets Creative' [be8acc02]. The initiative aims to leverage the rich heritage of culture and arts in the Eastern Province and will be held from November 1-23 [be8acc02]. It seeks to create a qualitative shift in the creative culture and make the Eastern Province a destination for creativity and creative tourism in the Kingdom [be8acc02]. Interested local leaders in the creative space can apply via the online portal on the Ithra website [be8acc02]. Registration will remain open for the next month [be8acc02].
Saudi Arabia's 'Al-Sharqiya Gets Creative' initiative in the Eastern Province aims to promote culture and arts, making the region a hub for creativity and creative tourism in the Kingdom [be8acc02] [49c39365].
Qatar's Centre for Music Affairs (CMA) participated in Uzbekistan's second International Maqom Art Forum, showcasing maqom styles through six songs [bcafd6cc]. The head of the Qatari delegation emphasized the importance of promoting Qatar's musical heritage internationally [bcafd6cc]. Maqom is recognized on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is described as a treasure trove of the Muslim world's spiritual history and culture [bcafd6cc]. The forum, held under the auspices of UNESCO and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, included competitions, seminars, and performances [bcafd6cc]. The top prize for the competitions amounted to $10,000 [bcafd6cc].
The King of Thailand has praised the efforts of the Al-Azhar Muslim Council of Elders in promoting values of dialogue, peace, tolerance, and human coexistence [bcc02b92]. The King expressed his appreciation during a meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, at the Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo. The King commended the Council's role in countering extremist ideologies and promoting the true teachings of Islam. The meeting also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Thailand and Al-Azhar in various fields, including education and cultural exchange. The King expressed his desire to strengthen ties with Al-Azhar and invited Sheikh Al-Tayeb to visit Thailand. The Al-Azhar Muslim Council of Elders is an international body that aims to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence among different religions and cultures.
In another development, the Grand Imam Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, visited Thailand as a guest of the Royal Thai Government to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Egypt [566c42b8]. During his visit, the Grand Imam held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister, paid courtesy calls on the President of the National Assembly and the President of the House of Representatives, met with the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, and delivered a special lecture to Thai Muslim communities. He also joined Muslim Thai communities for Friday Prayer at the Central Mosque of the Foundation of Islamic Centre of Thailand and was granted a royal audience with their Majesties the King and the Queen [566c42b8].
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, emphasized the role of religions in advocating peace and harmony during a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Sultan Faisal Al-Remeithi. They discussed the importance of promoting tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue among different religious communities. Sheikh Al-Tayeb highlighted the need to counter extremist ideologies and promote the true teachings of Islam. Dr. Al-Remeithi praised the efforts of Al-Azhar in promoting interfaith dialogue and its initiatives to combat extremism. The meeting took place at Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.