Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Brings Together 200 Eminent German and Arab Scholars for Promoting Inter-Cultural Exchange
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the first Arab-German Cultural Dialogue Forum opened its sessions in Dubai today, bringing together more than 200 eminent Arab and German intellectuals and thinkers.
His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who attended the opening session of the forum said: "Sparing no effort in pursuing its role as a responsible member of the international community, the UAE is extremely keen to create a healthy environment that fosters inter-cultural dialogue. Today's forum reflects Dubai's commitment to bridging cultural gaps and stimulating new thought trends that encourage closer intellectual exchange between the Arab world and the West.
"This event sets the scene for a new era in Arab-Western dialogue. It translates Dubai's vision of generating global consensus on the importance of joining forces to collectively face common challenges that determine the future of mankind."
The Arab German Cultural Dialogue Forum is organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation in line with its vision towards bridging cultural gaps by encouraging constructive dialogue between the Arab world and the West.
In his address, Mohammed Al Mur, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: "The past has witnessed several ideological, cultural and political disagreements between the Arabs and major forces in Europe. Yet, Germany has never been part of this conflict and the Arabs have never held any grudge against the German people."
Al Mur praised German 'Orientalists' who diligently study the Arabic and Islamic culture from a non-biased and completely objective perspective.
The renowned Emirati writer added: "After the Second World War, the major powers were indulged in a senseless arms race, pilling stocks of weapons of mass destruction. Following the end of the cold war, humanity was aspiring for peaceful and prosperous times. Yet, these aspirations were eroded by the winds of globalisation and rapid world economic, social and political changes. Emerging challenges such as upsurge of terrorism, deterioration of global environment, and most recently the economic tsunami that swept both developed and developing worlds, underline the need for unity to jointly face these growing challenges."
Prominent German writer and poet Hans Magnus Enzensberger focused on the issue of enlightenment, highlighting the pioneering contribution of the Arab and Islamic civilizations in bringing light of knowledge to the world. The German speaker referred to the leading role played by philosophers, scientists and scholars during the golden age of the Islamic civilisation.
He said: "The city of Cordoba in Spain still boasts monuments of the glorious cultural heritage of the Islamic civilization during the Umayyad dynasty. The Arabs had built the University of Cordobda at least 100 years before the first European university was set up."
Enzensberger said some Western nations have unrealistically claimed their role in fostering enlightenment, depriving others of their historical share in that process.
He added: "Ibn Rushd was one of the pioneering philosophers who had earlier contributed to the Arabs' enlightenment. Europeans have always been inspired by the knowledge of pioneering Arab scholars in math, geometry, medicine, astronomy."
The two-day Arab German Cultural Dialogue Forum will conclude tomorrow (27 November), reflecting on the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's strategy towards enhancing inter-cultural dialogue and encouraging exchange of knowledge between the Arab region and the rest of the world.
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© Press Release 2008
