The seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit 2025 is currently underway, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This two-day event features a packed agenda that includes keynote speeches, cultural performances, panel discussions, workshops, creative talks, and case studies.
Held under the theme “Culture for Humanity and Beyond,” this summit brings together over 200 speakers, with more than 100 sessions and over 300 participants, drawing an audience of over 3,700 individuals from more than 90 countries across six continents. The goal is to explore the complex relationship between culture in its broad sense and humanity, especially in an era marked by rapid change.
On the first day, the summit delved into the significant shifts in global power dynamics, from the digital revolution to global changes, focusing on how these transformations reshape the cultural landscape. The theme of the day was “Reshaping the Cultural Landscape.”
Discussions highlighted the role of the cultural and creative sectors in guiding humanity through uncertainty as it prepares for the future with confidence. The second day of the summit shifted focus to the theme “New Frontiers for Humanity and Beyond.”
Participants discussed how cultural and creative systems can adapt their policies and models to maximize the potential offered by technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
In his welcoming address on the first day of the summit, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, stated: “We gather today at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit under the theme ‘Culture for Humanity and Beyond,’ inspired by the words of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, who urged us to reconsider the role of culture in times of unprecedented technological and societal change.”
In Abu Dhabi, culture is a cornerstone of our society, not merely an ancillary idea. Through strategic investments in institutions, talents, and policies, we embed culture into every facet of life.
He further emphasized: “The importance of these gatherings grows in our changing times, allowing us to shape a more sustainable and humane future where culture leads the way.”
The True Power
During his keynote speech, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, asserted that culture is the true force for fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and guiding societies toward a future rich in innovation and hope.
By connecting our past to the present, we build robust foundations for future generations and nurture the talent and imagination essential for sustainable development and economic growth. In an era reshaped by digital innovations and artificial intelligence, culture remains our steadfast guide, playing a vital role in transforming ideas into actions, inspiring communities, and ensuring that creativity remains central to human progress.
Initiatives such as the “National Policy for the Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage,” the national strategy for culture and creative industries, and new platforms supporting the arts and intellectual property reflect our commitment to a thriving cultural ecosystem for generations to come.
Among the significant events on the second day was the ministerial dialogue for Mondiacult 2025, organized by UNESCO and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This dynamic discussion explored how emerging technologies and artificial intelligence contribute to the arts and culture sectors and examined their impact on rights holders and human creativity.
Enrichment
During the dialogue, ministers discussed various topics, including cultural enrichment, economic opportunities arising from technological advancements, and the role of artificial intelligence in preserving tangible and intangible heritage. They also explored the contributions of youth within this context and more.
Additionally, culture was a central theme in discussions, highlighting how it can inspire both past and present generations while remaining a foundational pillar for any forward-looking society. Key discussions revolved around focusing on today’s youth, emphasizing that they are not just consumers but decision-makers of tomorrow, thus ensuring the vitality of cultural institutions.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak remarked during the dialogue: “When we launched the Cultural Summit in 2017, our ambition was to create a platform in Abu Dhabi for the global cultural and creative ecosystem.”
Today, we are honored to witness deepening cooperation between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and UNESCO, as we open the second ministerial dialogue at the Cultural Summit. The presence of culture ministers here in Abu Dhabi today sends a strong message that culture is a vital priority for governments worldwide. It transcends sectors and speaks directly to our agendas in social, economic, and human development.
He concluded his remarks stating: “Together, we can create a world where culture is not only preserved but empowered to lead; a world that celebrates diversity, with creativity driving sustainable development for our youth and future generations.”
Headlines
Given that artificial intelligence is a key topic of discussion, it captured full attention during both days of the summit. On the first day, Mohamed Joudeh, an author and former CEO of Google X, anticipated the immense challenges posed by artificial intelligence, despite its substantial advantages, and explored how the AI revolution can benefit humanity in today’s world.
In another discussion, featuring renowned jewelry designer Lama Hourani, Dubai Opera’s Artistic Director Paolo Pietrosanti, and creative director David Korins, the panel addressed the notion that artificial intelligence or any form of technology should not necessarily be seen as a negative force; rather, it possesses the capacity for exceptional innovation.
The summit continued discussions on artificial intelligence on its second day from a multidisciplinary perspective, with contributions from figures across academic, governmental, and scientific backgrounds. Participants including architect Riyad Jouqa, senior lecturer Stephen King, Spotify’s government affairs director Imad M. Assad, and Dr. Patrick Nowak, executive director at Dubai Future Foundation, examined how AI could enhance creativity when utilized as a tool rather than a replacement while agreeing that while AI can significantly boost efficiency and innovation, preserving human wisdom and originality is critical to avoid over-reliance on AI and ensure it acts as a facilitator of creativity, not a substitute.
The second day also emphasized the importance of museums and art institutions today. A thought-provoking panel highlighted museums and similar spaces as dynamic environments of urgent significance. Other insightful discussions throughout the day covered themes such as fashion and design as intellectual and cultural forces, and why design traditionally focused on humans when we coexist with countless other living beings.
The summit also featured enriching keynote addresses from notable personalities such as Susan Buck-Morss, senior professor at the City University of New York and Cornell University, Glenn D. Lowry, director of the David Rockefeller Center for Modern Art, Sir William Sargent, chairman of Framestore Studios, and Iyad Rahwan, professor and director of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, among others.
Throughout the two days, the summit showcased immersive cultural performances from distinguished artists, including Ibrahim Maalouf, Kinan Azmeh, Kyle Sanna, Angélique Kidjo, Qusai Al-Muharmi, and traditional performances showcasing Ayala and Azzawi arts.