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Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, on February 4, 2026, reinforcing the strong partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Dr. El-Enany is visiting the UAE to participate in the World Government Summit currently taking place in Dubai.
During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the UNESCO chief and extended his best wishes for success in his new role as Director-General of the organization. The Crown Prince emphasized the importance of UNESCO’s mission in promoting cultural dialogue among nations and protecting humanity’s heritage and civilization worldwide, according to the official Emirates News Agency.
Strengthening UAE UNESCO Cooperation
The high-level discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates, particularly through joint cultural, educational, and scientific programs and initiatives. Both parties explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing national identity values among current and future generations.
Additionally, the meeting addressed Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to supporting international efforts in safeguarding intangible and tangible cultural assets. The emirate has long been recognized as a regional leader in cultural preservation, with numerous sites and traditions inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage lists.
Cultural Heritage Protection Initiatives
The UAE has maintained a robust partnership with UNESCO across multiple sectors, ranging from education and science to cultural preservation. This collaboration has resulted in several landmark achievements, including the protection of traditional practices and archaeological sites throughout the Emirates.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi has invested significantly in establishing world-class cultural institutions that align with UNESCO’s mission. The emirate’s cultural infrastructure serves as a bridge connecting diverse civilizations and fostering mutual understanding across different societies.
High-Level Officials Attend Strategic Meeting
The meeting was attended by several prominent Emirati officials, underscoring its strategic importance for UAE UNESCO relations. Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, participated in the discussions alongside other senior government representatives.
Furthermore, the gathering included Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Head of the Crown Prince’s Office, also attended the session.
Regional Leadership in Cultural Diplomacy
The UAE has consistently positioned itself as a champion of cultural diplomacy and international cooperation in heritage protection. Through its partnership with UNESCO, the nation has demonstrated commitment to preserving humanity’s shared legacy while promoting intercultural dialogue on global platforms.
In contrast to purely diplomatic engagements, this meeting emphasized practical collaboration on cultural and educational programs. The discussions reflected both parties’ dedication to implementing concrete initiatives that protect heritage sites and promote cultural awareness among younger generations.
Meanwhile, Dr. El-Enany’s participation in the World Government Summit provides an additional platform for advancing UNESCO’s objectives in the region. The summit serves as an ideal venue for discussing innovation in governance, including cultural policy and heritage management strategies.
The timing of this bilateral meeting demonstrates the UAE’s strategic approach to integrating cultural cooperation with broader governmental innovation discussions. However, specific details regarding new joint programs or financial commitments were not disclosed in the official statement.
Both sides are expected to announce concrete collaborative initiatives following the conclusion of the World Government Summit, though no specific timeline has been confirmed by authorities. The partnership between Abu Dhabi and UNESCO will likely continue expanding across education, science, and cultural preservation sectors in the coming months.
