ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
In appreciation of his efforts to enhance cultural ties between the UAE and France, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has been awarded the French National Order of Legion of Honour.
The award was presented by Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture, on behalf of Emmanuel Macron, President of France. The ceremony was held at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the presence of close family and colleagues.
Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of France, said: "By awarding you this honour, which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, would like to express France’s deep recognition for the remarkable role you have played and that you continue to play, in the cultural relations between France, the emirate Abu Dhabi and the UAE."
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "Our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed’s teachings instilled in us values that include wisdom, respect, determination and loyalty. Everything that I have done and everything I will do is in service of my country."
His Excellency Al Mubarak observed that current cultural ties between the two countries extend beyond the Louvre Abu Dhabi to include French institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Alliance Francaise, and other initiatives, including the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre in the Fontainebleau Palace, the MuseuPro training programme for museum professionals, as well as archaeological research.