ABU DHABI, 11th May 2023 — In a significant move aimed at preserving cultural heritage, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia have joined hands to renovate the ‘Home of Ibn Khaldun’ in the City of Culture, Shazly Kelibi, Tunis. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, an MoU was signed to transform the house into a museum dedicated to the renowned scholar Abdurahman ibn Khaldoun.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of prominent dignitaries including Abdurrahman Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, and Dr. Hayat Qatat Al-Qarmazi, the Minister of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia. Also attending were Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, and Dr. Iman Ahmed Al-Salami, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, along with several officials from both countries.
Speaking at the occasion, Al Owais emphasized the significance of restoring Ibn Khaldun’s house, stating, “The initiative to restore the house of the great Arab scholar and philosopher Ibn Khaldun in Tunis, under the noble patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, constitutes one of the initiatives of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre for preserving human heritage at all local, Arab, and international levels.”
He further highlighted the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding world heritage, both tangible and intangible, as a testament to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the continued efforts of the UAE’s wise leadership. Al Owais described this initiative as an exemplary demonstration of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and cultural harmony.
Expressing her satisfaction, Minister Al-Qarmazi applauded the longstanding cultural cooperation between the UAE and Tunisia. She remarked, “This signing is a step in the right direction for advancing the partnership between the two nations in a way that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
The collaboration between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Tunisia marks a milestone in preserving the legacy of Ibn Khaldun, a scholar and philosopher renowned for his contributions to various fields including history, sociology, and economics. The restoration of his house into a museum will provide a platform to educate visitors about his life, works, and lasting impact on Arab and Islamic intellectual traditions.
This joint effort reflects the commitment of both countries to cultural preservation and exchange, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of shared heritage. The project is expected to contribute to the strengthening of cultural ties between the UAE and Tunisia, while also promoting a broader awareness of the rich cultural tapestry of the Arab and Islamic civilizations.
As the renovation of the ‘Home of Ibn Khaldun’ progresses, the museum will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this eminent scholar and the strong bonds between the UAE and Tunisia in the realm of culture and heritage.
