Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan attends 19th Al Burda Award ceremony

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 18 November 2025 – Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan attended the 19th Al Burda Award ceremony at Louvre Abu Dhabi, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Culture under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This year’s edition centred on the theme “Social Cohesion & Unity”, aligned with the UAE’s 2025 Year of the Community. The theme underscored that diversity is not a source of division but an opportunity for mutual understanding, respect, and unity among all peoples and communities.

The evening unfolded with the announcement of the award winners in Arabic calligraphy, poetry and ornamentation, followed by captivating Islamic musical performances that blended classical traditions with contemporary expression. The ceremony also provided moments of meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange, bringing together artists, poets and calligraphers from around the world.

The event highlighted and further emphasised the growing partnership between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum. Under their Memorandum of Understanding, three Emirati museum professionals curated an exhibition drawn from more than 300 works in the Al Burda Collection – first unveiled at Louvre Abu Dhabi and now showcased at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

Minister Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi acknowledged Prince Aly Muhammad’s presence, underscoring the strengthened collaboration between the Ismaili Imamat and the UAE.