Source : WAM
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Tokyo National Museum have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation and exchange between Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions and the Japanese museum.
Signed at DCT Abu Dhabi’s headquarters in the presence of Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, the agreement was formalised by Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Makoto Fujiwara, Executive Director of the Tokyo National Museum.
The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration focused on advancing research, education, and professional development within the museum sector. By encouraging cross-cultural exchange, the partnership seeks to enhance curatorial expertise, support shared learning, and create opportunities for joint exhibitions and programmes that promote deeper cultural understanding between the UAE and Japan.
Al Mubarak said, “This partnership with Tokyo National Museum is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural cooperation and promote meaningful exchange between Abu Dhabi and Japan. It reflects our shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding and fostering the exchange and learning of culture through research, education, and museum collaboration. Through this MoU, we aim to build enduring ties between our institutions and peoples, reinforcing culture’s role as a bridge that connects nations and inspires future generations.”
Fujiwara commented: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to exchange expertise, enrich the global cultural landscape and present new visions for cultural and human creativity in the museum sector. Through joint exhibitions featuring artistic and heritage works from both our cultures, we will continue to introduce Japanese and Emirati audiences to the depth of our respective traditions.”
Under the partnership, both institutions will collaborate on the study and preservation of cultural materials in their collections, including opportunities for mutual lending and borrowing. The MoU also includes plans for training and exchange programmes to develop museum professionals’ skills and encourage continuous learning and cooperation.
In addition, the agreement paves the way for joint initiatives such as exhibitions, educational programmes, and cultural workshops in Abu Dhabi, creating new platforms for dialogue, learning, and public engagement.
By strengthening international cultural ties and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for collaboration, the partnership highlights DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices among museums worldwide.
The signing of the MoU marks a new phase in relations between Abu Dhabi and Japan, reflecting a shared vision of advancing understanding through culture, creativity, and education for future generations.
