Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed Explores UAE’s Rich Heritage at London Design Biennale 2025
LONDON, 10th June, 2025 – Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council, visited the London Design Biennale 2025, where he toured the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi pavilion and pavilions of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
During his visit, Al Hamed explored the exhibition entitled ‘Tides and Traditions: The Journey of Maritime Crafts and Heritage‘, orchestrated by the House of Artisans and displayed in the Department’s pavilion. He was accompanied by Victoria Broackes, Director of the London Design Biennale, and Salama Nasser Al Shamsi, Director of Cultural and Historic Sites at the Department.
Al Hamed engaged with the interactive experience that masterfully presented the UAE’s maritime crafts and heritage through cutting-edge artistic installations blending tradition and modernity. He was highly impressed by the exhibition’s exceptional interactive presentation, remarking on its creative ability to tell the UAE’s story to a global audience through the compelling language of art and design, fully embodying the nation’s maritime crafts and deep-rooted cultural heritage.
The NMO Chairman observed that the exhibition “powerfully demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage, especially the maritime crafts that have historically defined the Emirati people’s identity and their intrinsic link to the sea.” He stated, “Our engagement in international platforms such as the London Design Biennale is a testament to our wise leadership’s dedication to presenting authentic Emirati culture globally. This acts as a human bridge, cultivating understanding and fostering a sense of belonging, and simultaneously reinforces the UAE’s pivotal role as a cultural beacon that bridges historical traditions with contemporary advancements.” (Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed)
He further expressed appreciation to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for their outstanding efforts to promote Emirati heritage and showcase the UAE’s profound legacy and authenticity. Al Hamed underscored that such initiatives align with the vision of UAE leadership to make culture central to global dialogue and to strengthen the nation’s standing as a hub of diversity and creativity.
Additionally, Al Hamed visited the pavilions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, and State of Qatar, where he observed designs and artistic works that highlight the diverse cultures of the Gulf region on an international platform.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
