In recognition of his leadership in protecting and preserving cultural heritage, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has received the Hadrian Award fromthe World Monuments Fund (WMF).
Established in 1988, the Hadrian Award honours champions of conservation for their contributions to preserving and protecting the world’s shared cultural heritage. Past honourees include His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, renowned architect Peter Marino, art historian Dr. Marilyn Perry and philanthropist and civic leader David M. Rubenstein.
The award was presented during the 37th annual Hadrian Gala at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Wednesday 28 October, in the presence of international cultural leaders, philanthropists and conservation specialists. The recognition reflects Abu Dhabi’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding heritage, supporting cultural institutions and advancing international cooperation in preservation.
In his acceptance speech, His Excellency Al Mubarak said: “I receive this award with immense pride, on behalf of the thousands of people across Abu Dhabi, particularly the dedicated teams of the Department of Culture and Tourism and our many partners, who are driven by a shared commitment to protect identity, and cultural heritage. Decades ago, the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, placed heritage and cultural preservation at the core of our national ambition and we carry that vision forward.” The recognition reflects Abu Dhabi’s sustained investment in culture, heritage and knowledge institutions as drivers of community, identity and long-term development.
His Excellency Al Mubarak’s leadership reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-standing commitment to heritage stewardship, from safeguarding the emirate’s historic landmarks, including the revitalisation of Qasr Al Hosn and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Al Ain Region, as well as the preservation of the capital modern heritage, to international efforts through his role as Vice-Chair of ALIPH, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas, which supports vulnerable cultural sites worldwide, including projects supported by WMF across the world.
Founded in 1965, WMF is the leading independent organisation dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage globally, with more than 60 years of experience preserving over 700 sites across 112 countries, including 68 projects in 13 Arab countries since the 1990s.
