UAE celebrates Islamic art at 18th Al Burda Award with Prince Rahim Aga Khan
Al-Noor: A celebration of cultural pluralism in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI: Prince Rahim Aga Khan attended the 18th edition of the prestigious Al Burda Award ceremony this week, held at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi.
This year’s event spotlighted Islamic art and culture while reinforcing the commitment shared by the UAE and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to advancing pluralism through creative expressions.
The Al Burda Award, established in 2004, takes its name from the renowned “Poem of the Mantle” (Qasida Al Burda), written by the 13th-century Egyptian mystic Al-Busiri in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It has since become one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural awards, focusing on the excellence of Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and Islamic ornamentation.
Al-Noor: A tribute to Art’s power
The theme of this year’s award, Al-Noor (Light), illuminated the evening, echoing the idea that art serves as a beacon for understanding, peace, and innovation. The winners’ works will be added to the Al Burda Collection, further solidifying the Award’s role in preserving and promoting the depth of Islamic artistic traditions.
The event saw performances from Sufi and other musical traditions, offering a rich display of the pluralism within Muslim cultures. Workshops and discussions provided valuable insights into how traditional Islamic art can coexist with modernity, exploring its intersections with contemporary themes and techniques.
20 years of artistic excellence
Alongside the ceremony, a special exhibition marked the 20th anniversary of the Al Burda Award. Curated by three young Emirati museum professionals who had previously participated in a residency programme at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the exhibition showcased a fresh perspective on Islamic art. The residency programme, part of a partnership between the Aga Khan Museum and the UAE Ministry of Culture, continues to empower young professionals in the fields of curation, conservation, and Islamic art.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan shared his thoughts at the event, saying, “It is an immense pleasure to be back in the UAE, witnessing the creativity of artists brought together by the Al Burda Award. Today’s ceremony highlights the importance of pluralism and the role of art in bringing people together for peace and understanding.”
Strengthening ties
The ceremony also served as a platform for fostering further cultural collaborations. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, lauded the growing partnership between the UAE and the Aga Khan Museum, particularly the launch of the Al Burda grant programme, which aims to advance Islamic arts globally.
Prince Rahim also met with prominent UAE officials, including Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, to discuss various mutual interests and future projects in cultural diplomacy and development.