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Mohammed bin Rashid hails role of culture, meets writers
Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said that the UAE has become a focal point for a cultural movement in the Arab region, thanks to the spread of world-class cultural, artistic and creative centres in the state that provides good environment for talented people.
He added that the UAE has been keen to establish the infrastructure that serves this important sector, notably, cultural edifices such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Opera House, which was opened recently in Dubai, and other innovative centres.
Sheikh Mohammed said these achievements demonstrate the UAE's ability to contribute to enriching the Arab cultural movement during the next phase. He cited the initiatives launched by the UAE in order to boost the innovation climate, among other things, making 2016 the Year of Reading.
He made these remarks at the meetings of the Permanent Bureau of the General Union of Arab Writers, being held in Dubai until the 7th March, with the participation of 17 Arab delegations, including the Secretariat of the General Union of Arab Writers, and 57 leading writers, poets and researchers.
He stressed the significant role being played by the writers as they are responsible for forming conscience of nations and peoples' awareness. Sheikh Mohammed noted that the Arab world now desperately needs a thought that sows hope and urges people to work and drive them to overcome the crises as well as look forward to a better tomorrow for future generations to enjoy progress and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Among others present were Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, and Dr. Habib Al Sayegh, Secretary-General of General Union of Arab Writers.
At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed posed for a memento photo with the heads of delegations.