New Islamic art, culture fest in Abu Dhabi on November 14

The one-day festival will also bring together international calligraphers, poets, designers and artists to showcase their works.

The UAE Capital will host the very first Al Burda Festival, which celebrates Islamic art and culture, while providing a unique international platform for artists, performers and exhibitors to share their talent with the community.
The UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development announced the programme of the inaugural edition festival, which will run on November 14 at Warehouse42 and aims to position the nation as an incubator for creativity.
On the sidelines of Tuesday's press briefing held at Warehouse421, Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, told Khaleej Times that the UAE is blossoming into a hub for creativity, art and culture, and will continue to provide a platform for the birth of unique talents and inspirational ideas.
"What makes the UAE a special place is its legacy and its focus."
"I believe with all of the efforts happening together, as well as the various institutions based here, whether they are local, regional or international - it makes the UAE a completely different and vibrant place from anywhere else," added the Minister.
The festival is an expansion from the Al Burda Award, which launched back in 2004 to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Al Burda derived from a title of a poetry piece about Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
The one-day festival will also bring together international calligraphers, poets, designers and artists to showcase their works, while also exchanging invites and participate in talks and panel discussions that aim to raise awareness about the values and virtues of Islamic art and culture.
"Al Burda Festival celebrates Islamic art and culture to highlight its aesthetics and reinterpret its pillars in a contemporary context."
She added that the event reinforces the country's contribution towards the preservation of artistic heritage and its sustainability for future generations.
"With what's happening around us - with some using religion as an excuse for any horrible act - it is our job to say that this is not our true religion."
She thus pointed out that the UAE aims to shed light on the true meaning of Islam, through culture and art.
"We need to remember what brings us all together, whether it is music, art, culture or architecture."
"The festival will play a pivotal role in engaging the young generation in ambitious artistic projects that leverage new technologies to redefine Islamic art and culture," added the Minister.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Knowledge Development at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, told Khlaleej Times that there is a growing interest in Islamic art and culture by the Western expats and tourists in the UAE.
He pointed out that recently, 380 Islamic artworks and calligraphy pieces were showcased in the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, which witnessed a large number of expats visiting.
Some of the popular artworks will also be showcased at Al Burda Festival.
"The festival mainly looks at new techniques and how innovation influences the future of islamic arts and culture," he added.
"It's important for us to have students learn about the Islamic culture and islamic art, but more importantly, we are looking at taking them back to the roots and origins."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi