“Emirati Culture and Heritage”

Minister,
Ambassador Al Zaabi,
Ladies and gentlemen:

It’s a pleasure to be with you today for the opening of this wonderful exhibition and colourful display of “Emirati Culture and Heritage”. We will be seeing Emirati women presenting traditional weaving and henna painting followed by traditional music, and taste samples of the traditional coffee and dates. We will be taken on a journey with all our senses that way.

Minister of State, it’s my great honour to welcome you to the United Nations Office at Geneva. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you and your Permanent Representative, Ambassador Obaid Salem Saeed Al Zaabi, for bringing this rich presentation of your culture to the Palais des Nations.

As I could personally witness during my trip to Dubai last year, the United Arab Emirates is not only safeguarding tradition and heritage, it is also a driver of innovation. The tallest building of the world, the Khalifa tower, stands in the country, alongside a number of other spectacular architectural landmarks. The recent opening of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi is another highlight to be mentioned. And the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils that take place there, gather the brightest minds to ponder over the most pressing challenges of our time, finding innovative solutions.

We have benefited from this innovative spirit right here at the Palais des Nations, where the Emirates have left their architectural mark when supporting the renovation of conference room XVII, technically bringing the room up to 21st century standards. Inaugurated in June 2016 the “Emirates room” impresses with its ceiling that emulates the sky.

But the country does not only help to safeguard the physical structure of the United Nations. It is also involved in the UN’s substantive work and mechanisms. Today, we welcome the high-level delegation that has come to Geneva to participate in the Universal Periodic Review of their country and I commend the United Arab Emirates for their engagement in this process.

Culture is a great means of promoting dialogue between nations. So, let’s now enjoy together this colourful display of culture and learn more about Emirati heritage.

I thank everyone for being here today and Happy New Year!