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.

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.

The award ceremony was hosted at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and included musical performances from Sufi and other traditions that showcased the pluralism of Muslim cultures. Workshops and discussions also offered participants an opportunity to explore the intersections of tradition and modernity in Islamic art.

Alongside the ceremony, a special exhibition is on display to mark 20 years of the Al Burda Award. It has been curated by three young Emirati museum professionals who spent four weeks earlier this year in a capacity-building residency programme at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. The residency is part of a Memorandum of Understanding established last year between the Aga Khan Museum and the Ministry of Culture to empower intercultural educational and artistic initiatives for young professionals, intellectuals and art practitioners through annual residencies; workshops for students and young professionals on intercultural dialogue, local museology, museum education and Islamic art; and professional internships and fellowships for young Emirati curators and museum professionals in curation, conservation, museum education, collection management and academic research.

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