Laiba Amir
3 min readMay 12, 2023

UAE and Tunisia Collaborate to Transform 'Home of Ibn Khaldun' into a MuseumUnder the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia have joined forces to revamp the historic 'Home of Ibn Khaldun' in the City of Culture, Shazly Kelibi, Tunis. This momentous collaboration aims to transform the house into a museum dedicated to the renowned scholar Abdurahman ibn Khaldoun, showcasing the rich heritage of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
The MoU was officially signed by Abdurrahman Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, and Dr. Hayat Qatat Al-Qarmazi, the Minister of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Iman Ahmed Al-Salami, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, along with several officials from both countries.

Preserving Human Heritage:
According to Al Owais, the initiative to restore the house of the great Arab scholar and philosopher Ibn Khaldun in Tunis is a testament to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre's commitment to preserving human heritage at the local, Arab, and international levels. This effort aligns with the UAE's dedication to safeguarding world heritage in its tangible and intangible forms. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan initiated this approach, which continues to be upheld by the wise leadership of the UAE, serving as an inspiring example of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and cultural harmony.

Cultural Cooperation between UAE and Tunisia:
Dr. Hayat Qatat Al-Qarmazi expressed her appreciation for the longstanding cultural cooperation between the UAE and Tunisia in the field of culture and heritage. She considers the signing of the MoU as a significant step in advancing the partnership between the two nations. The collaboration will not only strengthen ties but also showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Arab and Islamic worlds, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these traditions.

Conclusion:
The joint efforts of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia to transform the 'Home of Ibn Khaldun' into a museum symbolize a remarkable milestone in preserving and promoting Arab and Islamic heritage. This initiative not only celebrates the intellectual contributions of Abdurahman ibn Khaldoun but also highlights the shared commitment of the UAE and Tunisia to cultural preservation. Through such collaborations, nations can forge stronger bonds and foster mutual understanding among diverse cultures.

To read more about this collaboration, please visit the official website of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre: [External Link]

Note: The external link provided above is fictional and does not lead to a real website.

Laiba Amir
Laiba Amir

Written by Laiba Amir

UAE news and diplomacy through the eyes of an expat living in Dubai for 15 years.

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