Signing ceremony held alongside the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum

Abu Dhabi, 06 November 2025: The United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Cairo to enhance cooperation in the cultural and creative sectors. The agreement aims to foster cultural and artistic exchange between the two countries, promote joint initiatives that preserve heritage, and advance Arab cultural development.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egypt's Minister of Culture, coinciding with the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both ministries and representatives of cultural and artistic entities from the two countries.

H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi said: “The signing of this agreement exemplifies the deep-rooted and longstanding relations between the UAE and Egypt. It reflects the commitment of the leadership of both nations to strengthening cultural cooperation as a cornerstone for shaping Arab societies and enhancing the exchange of knowledge and creativity.”

He added: “We believe that investing in culture is an investment in the future. Cultural exchange serves as a vital bridge for mutual understanding among nations and reinforces the Arab world’s position as a global pioneer of civilisation and knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno emphasised that the signing of this MoU reflects the strong relations that unite the two countries, noting that it stands as a practical example of how culture can be harnessed to promote communication and strengthen bonds among people. He also commended the terms of the MoU, which demonstrate a sincere political will to support cultural and creative industries, safeguard heritage, and empower talent to drive sustainable cultural development.

The MoU aims to enhance cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries by facilitating the exchange of expertise and organising joint initiatives in heritage, arts, literature, and cultural and creative industries. It also focuses on nurturing talent and developing programmes and projects that promote culture and arts education.

Additionally, the MoU outlines coordination within international and regional cultural events, including festivals, exhibitions, and forums, while encouraging mutual participation in major cultural occasions held in both countries. It also promotes cooperation in publishing, translation, authorship, and libraries, along with preserving intangible cultural heritage and maintaining traditional arts. Both sides will also organise joint workshops and art exhibitions in painting, sculpture, photography, and traditional crafts.

The MoU further promotes collaboration within the framework of international cultural organisations, such as UNESCO, ALECSO, and ICESCO, and includes initiatives to facilitate the exchange of intellectuals, writers, and artists. As part of the MoU, both parties underscored the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and promoting the exchange of expertise in this field.

This MoU builds on the cultural cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in 1988, further deepening their longstanding historical relations in the fields of culture, education, and the arts. It reaffirms both nations’ commitment to positioning the Arab world as a global centre for knowledge and creativity.