Madrid, June 28

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, the United Arab Emirates has launched the 'Andalusia: History and Civilization' initiative, in collaboration with the Kingdom of Spain

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched, in partnership with the Kingdom of Spain, the initiative 'Andalusia: History and Civilization', which highlights its firm belief in the importance of embracing diverse civilizations and celebrating shared history. Organized by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center and the National Library and Archives, the initiative responds to the conviction of the UAE of the power to maintain an open dialogue and preserve cultural exchange. The main idea is to show the rich legacy of the Andalusian civilization through a great variety of cultural and artistic activities that strengthen the historical ties between the two nations. It also aims to shed light on the presence of the Arab civilization in Andalusia, highlighting its deep culture of dialogue, tolerance and the valued values ​​of openness and coexistence. The UAE strives to propagate and consolidate these values ​​as part of its mission. His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the 'Andalusia: History and Civilization' Committee comments: "This initiative stems from the UAE's dedication to human heritage throughout the world, actively participating in its preservation, restoration, promotion and worldwide diffusion. It is an invitation to the public to explore the various facets and components of one of the most remarkable historical periods of the Arab world. The idea is also to present to the new generations the rich legacy of Andalusian civilization in its human, cultural, scientific and social aspect.It is also intended to encourage and promote the culture of coexistence and tolerance, which constitutes the cornerstone of Andalusian civilization and continues to be of great relevance today". The 'Andalusia: History and Civilization' initiative includes various artistic and cultural events. One of the most outstanding acts is the exhibition of Andalusian art collections that will be exhibited in the Center of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and whose inauguration is scheduled for November 2023. Two cultural symposiums dedicated to the study of culture will also be held Andalusian literature and science, with the participation of experts and academics from various disciplines. Spain will host the first symposium in September 2023 and the UAE will hold the second in February 2024. On the other hand, the initiative will feature incredible artistic and musical performances that will showcase the rich heritage of Andalusia, including the captivating music of the Muwashahat poems, symphony orchestra pieces, as well as a fusion of Arabic and Spanish melodies. The initiative aims to show the UAE's commitment to fostering tolerance and coexistence through the organization of a series of events, inviting enthusiasts of Andalusian art, history and architecture, both local and international, as well as academics and experts, to explore one of the most significant historical periods. Led by the UAE, this cultural mission seeks to celebrate Andalusian heritage, highlighting the cultural, artistic and intellectual achievements that have so prospered in Andalusia. Another of the objectives of this initiative is to highlight the deep-rooted historical links between Arabs and Spaniards throughout the centuries and the rich Arab-Spanish cultural relations that exist today. In order to deepen the knowledge of the unique Andalusian civilization, the most important texts of the Andalusian heritage in all the arts and fields of knowledge are going to be translated and they are going to be published again in Arabic. Thus, a flourishing period in the history of humanity is evoked that will allow us to analyze the permanent cultural exchange that took place at that time.

Contact Contact name: Marina Huete Contact telephone number: 93 362 10 34