Prince Rahim Aga Khan attends 18th Al Burda Award Ceremony
United Arab Emirates · · 3 min
AKDN
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17 December 2024 – Prince Rahim Aga Khan today attended the 18th edition of the Al Burda Award Ceremony, an esteemed celebration of Islamic art and culture hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Culture. Prince Rahim’s presence highlighted the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) shared commitment with the UAE to fostering cultural dialogue and advancing pluralism through the arts.
H.E. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi and Prince Rahim Aga Khan at the entrance to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
AKDN
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Prince Rahim remarked: “It is an immense pleasure to be back in the UAE and to have the privilege of witnessing the beautiful and inspiring creativity of artists brought together by the Al Burda Award. Today’s ceremony highlights the importance of pluralism and the great potential of art and culture to bring peoples together for peace and understanding. We deeply value our partnership with the UAE and the Emirati people.
Launched in 2004, the Al Burda Award derives its name from the famous “Poem of the Mantle” (Qasida Al Burda), in praise of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), and composed by the 13th century Egyptian mystic Al-Busiri.
The theme of this year’s Award is Al-Noor (Light), highlighting the power of art to illuminate pathways to understanding, peace and innovation. The Award recognises excellence in Arabic calligraphy, poetry and Islamic ornamentation. Winning works become part of the Al Burda Collection.
H.E. Ahmed Al Tazi, Moroccan Ambassador to the UAE, shaking hands with Prince Rahim Aga Khan.
AKDN
Prince Rahim remarked: “It is an immense pleasure to be back in the UAE and to have the privilege of witnessing the beautiful and inspiring creativity of artists brought together by the Al Burda Award. Today’s ceremony highlights the importance of pluralism and the great potential of art and culture to bring peoples together for peace and understanding. We deeply value our partnership with the UAE and the Emirati people.”
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, said: “This new initiative of the Al Burda grant programme aims to advance Islamic arts through promising and constructive global partnerships. We applaud the fruitful collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum.”
During his visit, Prince Rahim also met with Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Reem al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, to discuss topics of mutual interest.
Learn more about AKDN’s initiatives in Islamic art and culture, the Aga Khan Museum and the Al Burda Award