Mohammed Ahmed Al Mur, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mohammed bin Rashid Library, received a French delegation comprising representatives from the French Embassy in the UAE, the French Institute, and various institutions and companies operating in the fields of visual arts, creative industries, and culture. The visit aimed to familiarize the delegation with the library's programs and discuss opportunities for cooperation in joint cultural projects.
The French delegation included representatives from institutions working in audiovisual arts and digital technologies for cultural content development, as well as companies specializing in innovative exhibition design for collections and artworks, production of visual educational materials, and crafting cultural experiences that integrate multimedia in museums and concert halls, alongside documentary works and artistic content for the public.
The meeting addressed the rapid developments in the UAE's cultural sector and Dubai's significant presence, underpinned by a comprehensive cultural infrastructure that includes modern museums, smart libraries, and initiatives that celebrate various forms of art.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Mur began by highlighting the historical role of French culture in shaping global thought and art, from the legacy of major museums and cultural institutions like the Louvre and the National Library in Paris, research centers, and art preservation, to artistic movements that redefined aesthetics and visual representation, and contemporary experiences in audiovisual and digital technologies.
Al Mur emphasized that the cultural partnership between the UAE and France serves as an inspiring model in the region, embodied by institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
He also noted that the region often tends to collaborate with English-speaking cultures, whereas France, Italy, and Spain possess a rich human heritage and captivating culture. However, the language barrier poses a challenge to their widespread dissemination.
The visit concluded with a tour of the library's "Treasures of the Library" exhibition, where guests viewed rare collections, including copies of the Quran, historical volumes, books printed in the oldest print houses of the East and West, and maps documenting the history of global explorations.
The French delegation expressed admiration for the library's stunning architecture, smart services, and comprehensive educational experience, affirming that the library represents a vital space for civilizational dialogue and reflects the depth of cultural ties between France and the UAE.
