Sheikh Zayed's Vision

As an observer and participant in the tremendous growth of the United Arab Emirates over the last fifty years, Zaki Nusseibeh has devoted his life to cultural diplomacy in Abu Dhabi, and its artistic influence. Nusseibeh is the first member from the Arabian Gulf region to be elected to the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences at the Institut de France. A recognition that merits the cover of the second edition of Standing, the first international media to traverse the link between the United Arab Emirates and France.

As one of the essential bridges between the two countries and the first universal Arab World Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has just celebrated its fifth anniversary, still reflects Sheikh Zayed’s initial vision and the desire to have a double influence. For the French, the Louvre Abu Dhabi amplifies the influence of French cultural strength. For the United Arab Emirates, it proves that Abu Dhabi is the capital of a country with world connections, a country constructed to invite the world into its home; a country capable of recounting universal world history, a country able of promoting the values of tolerance and respect for all religions. 

As the Sage of the Arabs, Sheikh Zayed’s vision has been extended by HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism at Abu Dhabi and its Executive Director Rita Aoun-Abdo. The upshot of this is the incredible Saadiyat Island project: the creation of the Abrahamic Family House, which along with the Guggenheim Museum and the Zayed Museum, should hoist Abu Dhabi to the ranks of world cultural capital. 

Manuel Rabaté, Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, who took the time to give us a lengthy interview, has no complaints. On the contrary… « We want to present a unique cultural opportunity, » he says. « The benefits of this will be that the Louvre universal Museum will pave the way for other museums… » And Sheikh Zayed’s effect on world leaders, likewise.