Abu dhabi: Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), honoured five winners of the ADMAF Awards alongside four recipients of ADMAF's Residencies programme. Both initiatives highlight ADMAF's dedication to nurturing the next generation of creative talent in the UAE and enhancing their influence in the cultural and creative industries of the nation.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan expressed that the occasion marks thirty years of ADMAF's establishment, celebrating its role in uniting people and fostering a cohesive society through culture. He recognized the ambitious young Emiratis who have excelled in the Foundation's awards and residency programmes, acknowledging their creative contributions that reflect the UAE's vibrant cultural and artistic landscape. Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the UAE's commitment to investing in people, empowering youth, and promoting culture as a bridge for dialogue and understanding.
Sheikh Nahyan noted the UAE's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a global center for creativity, culture, and tolerance. He praised ADMAF's achievements over the past three decades, highlighting its role in supporting the cultural and artistic movement in the UAE, creating platforms for discovering talent, and opening international opportunities for young creatives. He affirmed the UAE's continued support for creators and youth, aiming to build a knowledge-based society and strengthen the nation's cultural presence globally.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, reiterated the Foundation's commitment to developing skills and investing in the cultural and creative industries. She emphasized ADMAF's role in nurturing emerging Emirati artists and creatives through its awards and residency programmes, in collaboration with strategic education partners.
The winners of this year's awards include Budoor Yousif Alnowais from Rose Bruford College London, Abdulrahman Al Madani of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Rouda Alzaabi from the American University in Dubai, Sara Al Noori from the American University in Dubai, and Maitha Alansaari from the University of Sharjah. Additionally, residency programme participants honored include Sara Alkhayyal, Sarra'a Alshehhi, Meera Amer Al Jassasi, and Ahmed Alariqi.
ADMAF collaborates with various partners such as Gulf Capital, TotalEnergies, COLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef and Arpels, and Dolce and Gabbana. These partnerships aim to recognize excellence and nurture emerging creative talent across key artistic and design disciplines. The ADMAF Residencies Programme provides platforms for creative development, cultural exchange, and professional growth, enabling young artists to refine their craft and gain exposure within artistic communities.
ADMAF's diverse education programmes offer structured support and career development opportunities, contributing to the UAE's national strategy for cultural and creative industries. Recognizing the role of technology, ADMAF has launched the G42 Advanced Technologies Art Award in collaboration with G42 and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, aiming to integrate advanced technologies into visual arts practices in the UAE.
Applications for the G42 Advanced Technologies Art Award are open until 14 August, with the winning piece to be presented at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027.
