Abu Dhabi Culture Summit 2025: Global Innovation & Unity

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the full agenda for the highly anticipated seventh edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. The international forum, which will take place from 27th to 29th April 2025 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, promises to be an inspiring convergence of minds, talent, and cultural expression under the central theme, “Culture for Humanity and Beyond.”

The three-day summit aims to bring together some of the world’s most celebrated intellectuals, artists, innovators, and policymakers. Through a compelling lineup of speeches, panel discussions, creative conversations, and artistic showcases, the summit will address critical issues surrounding culture’s evolving role in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

A Platform Bridging Art, Technology, and Global Policy

The theme this year, “Culture for Humanity and Beyond,” aims to break boundaries in discussions about culture by integrating dialogue on technology and governance. The summit offers a dynamic space for cross-disciplinary engagement that links creative industries with policy and global development goals.

According to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, the summit reflects the UAE’s ambition to amplify culture’s role in shaping a better global society. He emphasized that Saadiyat Cultural District, where the summit is hosted, stands as a symbol of unity, inspiration, and shared global culture.

Rita Aoun, Executive Director of the Culture Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, reinforced this sentiment by describing the summit as a global platform where leaders and visionaries converge to reimagine cultural policies and creative economies. She noted the evolving goals of the Culture Sector, which now extend beyond preservation to active transformation, using culture to drive social impact and mutual understanding.

Thought Leaders and Artists Headline Summit Sessions

The summit features an impressive roster of speakers and participants. Keynote speakers include:

• Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X and best-selling author
• Susan Buck-Morss, renowned philosopher and critical theorist
• Iyad Rahwan, Director at the Max Planck Institute’s Center for Humans and Machines
• Sir William Sargent, co-founder of visual effects studio Framestore
• Glenn Lowry, Director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York
• Koyo Kouoh, Chief Curator at Zeitz MOCAA

Complementing the keynote sessions are creative conversations with well-known figures in the creative industry, including designer Thomas Heatherwick, costume designer Colleen Atwood, machine intelligence artist Refik Anadol, artist Ralph Nauta, and visual artist Ayoung Kim. These individuals will engage in deep explorations of art, design, and the evolving relationship between human creativity and technology.

Additional discussions will bring together Maja Hoffmann and Hashim Sarkis, Sir John Akomfrah with Awan Amkpa, and rising talents like Thebe Magugu and Mariam Issoufou.

AI’s Role in Shaping Future Creativity

A significant portion of the summit will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative sector. With topics like “AI Revolution: Redefining Creativity in the Age of Machines,” “Should Governments Regulate AI to Compensate the Creative Industries?” and “The Ownership Dilemma: Safeguarding Music in a Digital-First World,” the summit promises deep dives into the opportunities and ethical challenges that come with AI-driven creativity.

These sessions are especially relevant as AI tools continue to disrupt traditional artistic industries, from music and film to literature and architecture. The discussions are expected to offer recommendations on how global policies can ensure balance between innovation and intellectual property rights.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Governance

Opening the summit will be a high-level panel titled “Bridging the Cultural Gap: The Role of Culture in Shaping Global Governance.” This discussion will feature former global leaders including Jenny Shipley (New Zealand), Iveta Radičová (Slovakia), and Cassam Uteem (Mauritius). The focus will be on embedding cultural dimensions within multilateral processes and advancing initiatives like MONDIACULT 2025.

The panel highlights how culture is increasingly seen not just as heritage or expression, but also as a strategic tool for peace, development, and global cooperation. Discussions will center on integrating culture into United Nations frameworks and how diplomacy can leverage creative assets for sustainable development.

Creativity Amidst Disruption and Resilience

Other key sessions include “A Conversation: About Jazz, Humanity and Beyond” with jazz legend and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, alongside journalist John Ridding. Meanwhile, “Creative Expression at a Time of Disruption,” moderated by Mina Al-Oraibi, will feature Paolo Petrocelli, Lama Hourani, and others as they explore how the arts have responded to global crises and challenges.

The UAE Ministry of Culture will also co-host a session titled “From Ruins to Resilience: A New Era of Heritage Rehabilitation.” This panel includes architect Wael Al Awar, poet and artist Alia Al Shamsi, designer Omar Al Gurg, and several international writers and creators. Their discussion will revolve around how creative restoration projects can give new life to damaged heritage sites and foster community healing.

Global Collaborations Strengthen Cultural Ties

This year’s Culture Summit is supported by a vast network of global cultural and institutional partners, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the cultural domain. Notable partners include UNESCO, Google, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Recording Academy, The Design Museum, Economist Impact, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Local and regional entities like Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Abrahamic Family House, House of Artisans, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and Maktaba are also playing critical roles in shaping the event.

These collaborations not only enrich the summit’s content but also create bridges between the UAE and the world through shared cultural values, knowledge exchange, and creative engagement.