Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Arts and Heritage and Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Matroushi, UAE Ambassador to Bucharest, inaugurates the official week in Bucharest to strengthen bilateral cultural ties between the two nations

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development launched the UAE – Romania Cultural Week yesterday in the Romanian capital, Bucharest.  Organised by the UAE Embassy in Romania in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, the event focuses on introducing the UAE heritage and culture to Romania thus boosting bilateral cultural ties between the two nations. Spanning until 26th June, the UAE – Romania Cultural Week features a variety of traditional Emirati food, cultural performances, art around the city.

The Cultural Week opens following a recent visit to Bucharest by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, where he convened with Viorica Dancila, Prime Minister of Romania. His visit coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both nations, where the ministers lauded the bilateral cooperation and expressed keenness to develop ties in all fields, especially in economy and investments.

The UAE – Romania Cultural Week launch was attended by Sheikh Salem Khalid Al Qassimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Arts and Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Saeed Al Matroushi, The UAE Ambassador to Romania; in addition to a number of senior officials from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event highlights the bilateral relations between both countries, aiming to foster new cultural ties and strengthen regional and international issues of common interest. With a diverse range of activities, the Cultural Week public programme features traditional Emirati folk dances, a musical concert, traditional handicrafts and customs including henna art, and a selection of traditional Emirati cuisine including Qahwa, Arabic coffee which symbolises the generosity and hospitality so highly valued in Emirati society and is part of UNESCO’s ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.

The UAE – Romania Cultural Week also hosted an exhibition of rare photographs of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The opening ceremony included an exceptional musical evening in the Romanian theatre led by Emirati musicians Fatima Al Hashimi and Mohammad Al Jahouri along the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert included the national anthems of Romania and the UAE and a number of Romanian and Emirati musical compositions. This opening performance highlights on the importance in strengthening cultural and artistic interactions between both nations, and opening new fields for creative cooperation, establishing cultural integration and the sharing of knowledge and traditional customs.

Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Arts and Heritage, MCKD said, “The UAE – Romania Cultural Week establishes a new course of cooperation in the cultural and creative sector between the two countries. This week with its diverse public programme was created to encourage engagement in the exchange of cultural knowledge and shed light on the rich culture of the UAE in Europe. The week will continue until 26 June.”

Commenting on the UAE- Romania Cultural Week, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Saeed Al Matroushi, The UAE Ambassador to Romania said, “The cultural initiative is aimed at introducing the Romanian society to the UAE’s rich customs, traditions and heritage. This initiative also helps raise awareness of the intangible heritage assets of the United Arab Emirates; such as the folklore performances, handicrafts, and the traditional Emirati cuisine.  Giving the public a chance to learn about our cultural heritage comes in line with the values of the “Year of Tolerance” initiative which aims to solidify the UAE as the global capital for tolerance through a series of dialogues between cultures and civilisations.”

The UAE – Romania Cultural Week is held at from 22-26 June 2019, and is open to all, free of cost.