Abu Dhabi has always been a meeting point of worlds where East and West, past and future, tradition and ambition converge. This is not just a matter of geography. It reflects who we are: a society shaped by the exchange of ideas, driven by curiosity, and united by a deep belief in the power of culture to move people and ideas forward.

That belief takes center stage as we mark International Museum Day on May 18. This year’s theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, could not be timelier. In an age defined by technological acceleration, climate disruption, and global uncertainty, museums are no longer just guardians of the past. They are engines of progress where creativity, inclusion, and innovation come together to shape more resilient and connected societies.

These values guide the mission of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the greatest concentrations of global institutions. Its shared narrative is a celebration of cultural dialogue, creative exploration, and the human story that binds us across time and geography. The district is more than a center of global cultural and creative excellence; it is a lasting commitment to a society where knowledge and creativity is nurtured, offering pathways to inspiration, empowerment, and transformation. 

Each of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions plays a distinct role. When Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a Bactrian “princess” from 2,000 BCE beside a Tang Dynasty ceramic and a Mondrian masterpiece, it affirms that creative brilliance transcends borders and eras. When the newly-opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi explores the fusion of art, science, and technology, it places the UAE at the center of tomorrow’s narratives. And when Zayed National Museum tells the story of our transformation from a nation of pearl divers, farmers and traders, to a knowledge-driven economy, it offers a living model of resilience and reinvention.

Yet the ambition of our cultural strategy reaches far beyond Saadiyat Cultural District. Across the emirate, a rich network of museums and cultural centers ensures that culture is deeply rooted in the identity and daily life of our communities.

Qasr Al-Hosn, the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, has been transformed into a living museum that tells the story of the capital’s evolution from a fortified watchtower to a vibrant global city. In Al-Ain, the birthplace of our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, both the Al-Ain Museum, established by Sheikh Zayed in 1971, and his former home, Al-Ain Palace Museum, stand as enduring symbols of our national identity. Together with Qasr Al-Muwaiji, which has played an important role in the history of the UAE, they reflect the values, vision, and leadership that continue to shape the nation’s path forward.

The newly-restored Al-Maqta Museum, housed in a historic watchtower, explores the defensive and maritime heritage of the region. Meanwhile, Delma Museum, located on one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the UAE, offers deep insights into the country’s seafaring and pearling traditions. 

Each of these institutions is tailored to its community and context, enriching local pride while reinforcing a broader national narrative. They embody our belief that cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi should be celebrated everywhere, so that every visitor, from schoolchildren to scholars, can see themselves reflected in the stories they preserve and share.

This approach continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed who recognized long before the nation’s formation that culture was essential to building a cohesive and forward-looking society. Not only to preserve the past, but to inspire future generations. That vision is more relevant today than ever before.

We saw it take another step forward this year with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Collection. Curated over many years by DCT-Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Collection brings together thousands of works that reflect the depth and diversity of our shared heritage. Spanning continents, centuries, and civilizations, the collection affirms that culture is not fixed or finite. It moves across borders. It connects people. And it belongs to us all.

As we navigate the complex terrain of the 21st century, from demographic shifts to climate challenges, from exponential technologies to multipolar geopolitics, culture offers something unique: the ability to convert uncertainty into possibility. It reminds us that every leap forward begins with imagination, and that every solution is rooted in human experience.

On the occasion of this International Museum Day, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its belief in a future shaped not only by data or infrastructure, but by ideas, heritage, and human connection. Through investment in cultural institutions, creative industries, and community engagement, we not only preserve the past, we also empower the present and inspire the future. Because culture remains humanity’s oldest survival strategy, as well as its most enduring source of hope.

• The writer, Mohammed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, is chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi