Abu Dhabi, December 04, 2025: The Ministry of Culture has announced the list of projects awarded grants under the Cultural Public Benefit Associations Subsidies and Grants Programme, an initiative designed to empower cultural associations and support their impactful contributions across arts, heritage, and creativity.

This announcement reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the role of cultural public benefit associations as key partners in shaping the cultural sector and enriching society with arts and heritage. Through this programme, associations are supported in developing initiatives that nurture talent and creativity and expanding the reach and influence of cultural activities across the UAE. Grants are allocated across five categories: festivals, cultural education, creative production, magazine publications, and international participations.

His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “The Ministry of Culture is committed to developing a sustainable cultural ecosystem rooted in collaboration between government institutions and the community. Cultural associations are essential contributors to this ecosystem, and investing in their initiatives is a direct investment in the future of the cultural sector. We are proud to support the high-quality initiatives presented by these associations, which embody the authenticity of Emirati identity, encourage emerging talent, nurture a creative generation, and enhance the UAE’s cultural presence both locally and internationally.”

H.E. added: “This year’s winning projects highlight the associations’ ability to develop innovative initiatives and programs that address the needs and priorities of the cultural landscape. They also reflect the dynamic partnership between the Ministry and the associations in supporting initiatives that open new horizons for creativity, advance cultural production in the country, and help convey the Emirati cultural voice to audiences—locally and internationally—through contemporary and engaging approaches.”

This year’s list of winning projects included several outstanding initiatives submitted by cultural associations, selected for their innovative ideas, community impact, and strong potential to contribute to the development of the cultural landscape and strengthen community engagement. In the Cultural Festivals category, grants were awarded to remarkable projects, including the “Ras Al Khaimah Al Ayyala Art Festival”, organised by the Ras Al Khaimah Association for Folk Arts and Rowing; the “Heritage of the Ancestors” Festival, organised by the Association for Folk Arts and Theatre in Umm Al Quwain; “Gaidh Dibba” Festival, organised by the Dibba Association for Culture, Arts and Theatre; and the “Zawaya Cultural Creativity Festival”, organised by the Emirates Society for Social Development. Additionally, the Emirates Libraries and Information Association received a grant to organise the UAE Libraries Forum.

In the Cultural Education category, grants went to the Emirati Musicians Association's Musical Centre; the “Malid and Harbiya Art Workshops” project of the Dubai Folklore Arts Society; the “Folk Arts Course” of the Umm Al Quwain Folk Association; the “Green Reading” initiative of the Arabic Language Protection Association; and the “Emirates Children's Theatre Festival” organised by the Theatrical Association.

Under the Creative Production category, several theatrical and artistic works received grants, including “Screams from the Abyss” by the Kalba Folk Arts and Theatre Association; “Upside Down” by the Yas Association for Culture, Arts and Theatre; a social theatre production by Dubai National Theatre; “City of Dreams” by the Khorfakkan Arts Theatre; and “The land of drought” by Fujairah Theatre. Additional grants were awarded to the “Open Studio and Art Exhibitions” of the Emirates Fine Arts Society; the integrated theatre course of Umm Al Quwain National Theatre; the summer activities programme of Dibba Al Hisn Society for Culture, Heritage and Theatre; and the “Al Sana’a Initiative” of the Ajman Folklore and Theatre Society.

In the Publications category, the grants were awarded to the “Al Nadba Magazine” project of the Al Shohooh National Heritage Association and the “Nakheel Magazine” project of the Al Nakheel Society for Arts and Folk Heritage. Both publications play an important role in documenting Emirati culture and heritage through contemporary and specialised content.

The Ministry also supported the registration of “Al Nadba Art” by the Al Shohooh Association for Culture and Heritage, which seeks to produce specialised studies that will document this traditional Emirati art form as an element of intangible cultural heritage with UNESCO. Furthermore, the Ministry provided support to Sharjah National Theatre’s participation in several prominent local and Arab events, including the Desert Theatre Festival, the Emirates Children's Theatre Festival, and the Carthage Theatre Days Festival.

The Cultural Public Benefit Associations Subsidies and Grants Programme continues to support associations in delivering projects that enhance community participation in the cultural sector. By enabling creative initiatives that embody the UAE’s identity and heritage, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of cultural work and enriching the UAE’s cultural and creative landscape through new avenues of innovation and expression.