Long term cooperation agreement signed between both organizations

SOAS's unique focus on cultures of Africa, Asia and the Middle East complements ADMAF's core initiatives and events

Abu Dhabi, 01 August, 2013

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in furthering its aim to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision, announced it signed a letter of cooperation with SOAS University of London, the only Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.

With 300 academics exclusively focused on the languages, cultures and societies of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, SOAS University of London is an indispensable interpreter in today's complex, multicultural world. It welcomes over 5,000 students from 133 countries for undergraduate courses and postgraduate programmes.

The cooperation letter between both organisations was signed within the SOAS University of London premises for an indefinite period of time starting from July 25th, 2013. Its scope covers the collaboration and joint development of exhibitions, discussions, concerts and miscellaneous additional activities fostering the growth, development and awareness of arts education in the UAE. Both organisations will also share their local and international communication resources while organizing mutual promotional initiatives among youth and local communities, as they each work to raise the profile and acceptance of cultural expression and creativity in their respective environments.

H.E. Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, commented on ADMAF's cooperation with SOAS University of London: "Khalil Gibran once said 'Knowledge and understanding are life's faithful companions, who will never prove untrue'. ADMAF and SOAS share these values - rooted in an unwavering belief that to pursue knowledge is to understand ourselves and engage the world around us. Through this Letter of Cooperation, I sincerely hope that the scholarships offered will nurture Abu Dhabi's next generation of thinkers and cultural leaders.."

Paul Webley, Director of SOAS, University of London, added: "I am delighted to mark the new collaboration between SOAS and Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, which builds on our shared commitment to advancing education, culture and creativity. SOAS is a guardian of specialist knowledge in our regions and is unrivalled for its scholarship of material culture and music in an enormous range of communities and their diasporas. We look forward to a strong and productive collaboration with the Foundation, through which we can develop knowledge and understanding in an emerging generation of scholars in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates."

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About ADMAF
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision. Established in 1996 by Her Excellency Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, ADMAF Founder, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, ADMAF Patron and President.

ADMAF's broad programme of initiatives and events - including the Abu Dhabi Festival and the Young Media Leaders, The Nationals' Gallery and The Artists' Studio among many others - brings together audiences of all ages and nationalities. Through its educational and community programmes, it nurtures the creative talent of the UAE and beyond, in partnership with leading national and international institutions.

For more information please visit our website at: www.admaf.org/en

About SOAS University of London
SOAS, University of London is the world's leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  Our research expertise in languages, political and social sciences, arts and humanities, provides the resources and knowledge to equip people for a global economy and a multicultural world.  SOAS teaches more than 5,000 students from 133 countries at its vibrant campus in the heart of London. Another 3,600 students around the world are taking our distance learning programmes. www.soas.ac.uk

For more information please contact:
Nourhan Mohamed
Assistant Account Executive
Edelman
Tel: +971 504465672
Email: xxx

© Press Release 2013