From museums to manuscripts: UAE’s landmark cultural milestones in 2025
National identity strengthened through heritage and policy initiatives
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates marked 2025 as a pivotal year for culture and knowledge, recording a wide range of achievements that strengthened national identity, safeguarded heritage and reinforced the country’s growing influence on the global cultural stage.
From landmark museums and major archaeological discoveries to heritage legislation and international recognition, the year reflected sustained federal and local investment in culture as a pillar of development.
Sheikh Zayed Farm
The UAE approved Sheikh Zayed Farm in Al Khawaneej as the country’s third national site, joining Dar Al Etihad and Argoub Al Sedirah. The designation recognised the farm’s historical significance as the venue for key meetings held by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during the formative years of the Union.
Federal law on cultural heritage
The Cabinet approved the drafting of a federal law on cultural heritage, aimed at protecting, documenting, preserving and managing tangible and intangible heritage across the UAE. The law also seeks to promote cultural exchange, encourage research and ensure the long-term sustainability of heritage assets.
National policy for modern architectural heritage
The Ministry of Culture introduced the National Policy for Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage, establishing a unified national vision for safeguarding buildings that reflect the UAE’s modern history. The Cabinet also approved the general policy for the civilisation sector to strengthen civilisational dialogue and reinforce shared national values.
Sharjah Creative Quarter
An Emiri decree led to the establishment of Sharjah Creative Quarter, creating a new platform for innovation and creative production. The initiative added momentum to Sharjah’s role as a regional hub for culture, knowledge and creative industries.
Creative and artisan support programmes
The Emirates Council for Balanced Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, launched a comprehensive package of programmes to support creatives and artisans. The initiatives included backing for 20 creative projects, training cultural ambassadors and developing markets for traditional crafts as part of broader efforts to boost cultural tourism.
Major museums inaugurated across Abu Dhabi
Several high-profile museums opened their doors in 2025. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi introduced immersive digital art experiences, while Zayed National Museum began narrating the UAE’s journey from ancient roots to modern nationhood.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi also opened, showcasing the story of life on Earth and the region’s natural heritage.
Dubai Museum of Art
Dubai unveiled plans for the Dubai Museum of Art, known as DUMA, adding another major cultural institution to the emirate’s expanding arts and culture landscape.
Iron Age cemetery discovered in Al Ain
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced the discovery of the first Iron Age cemetery in Al Ain. The site includes more than 100 burial areas and funerary artefacts, shedding light on a previously undocumented chapter of the region’s ancient history.
Neolithic-era discoveries on Al Ghallah Island
Excavations on Al Ghallah Island in Umm Al Qaiwain revealed that the archaeological site extends to four times earlier estimates. Findings included a unique stone platform constructed from dugong bones, along with pearls and evidence of advanced economic and social activity dating back to the Neolithic period.
Book fairs draw record visitor numbers
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 welcomed more than 400,000 visitors, reinforcing its role as a major regional publishing event. The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair attracted over 1.4 million visitors and continued to hold its title as the world’s largest book fair for buying and selling publishing rights.
UAE funds heritage restoration in Mosul
Under the Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative, the UAE participated in the inauguration of rehabilitated heritage sites in Iraq. The country allocated $50.4 million for the reconstruction of Al-Nuri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, as well as Al-Tahera and Al-Saa'a Churches, reaffirming its commitment to global heritage protection.
Arab Reading Challenge expands global reach
The Arab Reading Challenge continued to grow, attracting more than 163 million students worldwide since its launch. In 2025, the initiative received additional support through an endowment valued at Dh500 million from the Sobha Group, aimed at expanding reading programmes and strengthening engagement with the Arabic language.
Four new elements inscribed on UNESCO heritage list
The UAE succeeded in inscribing four new elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Al Ayyala was registered as a national file, while Al Bisht, the bridal procession and kohl were inscribed as joint Arab files.
UAE elected to senior UNESCO position
The UAE was elected Vice-President of the UNESCO General Conference, reinforcing its role in international cultural governance. UNESCO also announced the inclusion of Emirati poet Ahmed bin Sulayem and United Arab Emirates University in its 2026–2027 commemorations programme.