This month’s Arab Week at UNESCO has offered a platform for 22 Arab countries to showcase their rich cultural heritage in Paris. Organised for the first time in the history of Arab cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the event had been spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. This historic initiative not only celebrated the depth and diversity of Arab culture but also provided an opportunity to foster intercultural dialogue and enhance global perceptions of the Arab world, particularly among European and international audiences.
Arab Week marked a turning point in the Arab world’s engagement with global audiences, bringing together literature, art, education, and science on a welcoming platform designed to encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The event had enabled the participating nations to highlight the harmony within their cultural diversity while presenting their unique contributions to global civilization.
A rich display of Arab culture
The event had featured four immersive exhibitions, including displays of Arabic calligraphy, Arab cultural products, photographs of heritage sites across the Arab world, and a comprehensive Arab cultural exhibition. Visitors had been treated to live performances of traditional music, presentations of Arab fashion, demonstrations of handicrafts, and tastings of regional cuisines. These experiences showcased the beauty, creativity, and distinct traditions of the region, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation of Arab culture.
To complement the exhibitions, seven insightful seminars were held during the week, covering topics such as the Arabic language, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic literature, artificial intelligence, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage preservation. These sessions had demonstrated the Arab world’s ability to balance its deep-rooted traditions with forward-looking innovation, engaging attendees in discussions that bridged historical perspectives and contemporary challenges.
Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in the UNESCO event
Saudi Arabia’s National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science played a central role in bringing Arab Week to fruition. The Kingdom supported the participating countries, ensuring their presentations reflected the richness of their cultures and the shared heritage of the Arab world.
The participating countries have expressed their gratitude to Saudi Arabia for creating this comprehensive platform, which promoted global dialogue, peace, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. By providing an inclusive and collaborative environment, the event emphasised the unity and cultural pluralism of the Arab world, fostering a deeper understanding of its diverse identities among an international audience.
A step toward changing perceptions
For a global public that remains somewhat hesitant to travel to Saudi Arabia, Arab Week has been a significant step in reshaping perceptions. Through its exhibitions, performances, and discussions, the event has showcased the cultural richness, creativity, and openness of the region, offering a counter-narrative to outdated stereotypes.
For European audiences in particular, the event has provided a rare opportunity to explore the intangible heritage and contemporary artistry of the Arab world in a neutral and accessible setting. The photographic exhibitions of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region, coupled with the interactive displays of Arabic calligraphy and traditional arts, had left visitors inspired and intrigued by what the region has to offer.
Cultural diplomacy boosts tourism
For Saudi Arabia, Arab Week has also been a chance to highlight its own cultural renaissance as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to transform itself into a global hub for tourism, culture, and innovation. By positioning itself as a champion of Arab culture on the international stage, Saudi Arabia not only strengthened its role as a regional leader but also invited global travellers to discover its heritage and modernity firsthand.
The event’s focus on topics like intangible heritage and world heritage sites had provided a glimpse into the breathtaking experiences awaiting tourists in the Arab world. From the rock-carved monuments of AlUla to the bustling streets of Jeddah, the event had inspired curiosity and encouraged travel to destinations that blend historical significance with modern appeal.
UNESCO Director General, Audrey Azoulay, commended Saudi Arabia’s Arab Week at UNESCO initiative, highlighting its importance in celebrating the historical depth and cultural diversity of the Arab world.
Speaking at the event’s closing ceremony, Azoulay emphasized UNESCO’s commitment to promoting the Arabic language, which ranks as the fifth most spoken language globally. She stressed the necessity of showcasing the richness and complexity of Arab cultures, urging efforts to bridge the gap between common perceptions and the vibrant realities of these traditions. This diversity, she noted, is rooted in a profound history and enriched by creativity and cultural differences.
Azoulay also described Arab Week as a powerful statement to the 172 UNESCO member states, encouraging them to come together to celebrate shared values and foster mutual understanding through cultural exchange.
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Photo – top of page: SPA
