Abu Dhabi is witnessing a cultural revolution that will soon manifest itself in many new and unique cultural institutions. It starts with museums. With the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Saadiyat Cultural District will provide cultural knowledge and inspiration for both residents and visitors to the city.
These three major museums will exhibit artworks and illustrate different cultural encounters from a historical, contemporary, national and international perspective. This will enrich the evergrowing cultural scene of the emirate.
Another cultural manifestation is the increasing number of public libraries. As The National reported yesterday, Abu Dhabi has witnessed the establishment of several new public libraries in the past few years. Despite having no public libraries five years ago, the emirate is now considered a regional leader in promoting, encouraging and supporting reading habits. Three more new libraries were added to the four traditional library branches that have opened since 2010.
In an age when so much reading occurs online and on screens, libraries can seem outdated. But there is a statement of intent in creating public buildings dedicated to reading. Their physical presence sends a clear message that knowledge is crucial to the development and sustainability of this young country.
The role of a library goes beyond basic knowledge. A library is a community centre and a place where people can come together to discuss ideas and common interests. It’s a place that sets foundations for young readers to develop their interest in reading.
Museums and libraries go hand in hand in promoting and preserving culture. One can read an e-book or see an artwork online, but visiting the actual places provides us with a unique opportunity to discover new interesting finds that we didn’t expect or looked for. Such cultural revolution is indeed worth celebrating.
