France possesses one of the most important artistic and cultural heritages in the world. Its legacy is admired worldwide and promoted by centuries-old institutions such as the Alliance Française, one of the bastions of French culture. With branches across the globe, it aims to universalize not only Francophone culture but also values such as solidarity, diversity, and fraternity among different civilizations. These values take on particular significance today in the context of the Olympic Games being held in Paris.

A clear example of this union of cultures, heritage, and a vision for the future can be found in the Abu Dhabi Alliance, a unique and one-of-a-kind cultural space which, according to Guillaume Routier, Deputy Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of France in the United Arab Emirates, embodies the Alliance Française’s centuries-old ideal of universality, cultural exchange, and friendship among peoples. These ideas are strengthened through dialogue between the French language and culture and other cultures, through multilingualism, and through mutual understanding and enrichment.

The Abu Dhabi Alliance Française is a unique institution with a unique history of success and diversity. As Routier explains, the adventure of the Alliance Française Abu Dhabi began in 1974 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates. Since then, it has been a major player in culture and French-language education in Abu Dhabi and plays an essential role, alongside the French Embassy, in relations between the two countries. His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, then Special Adviser to Sheikh Zayed, has held a central and crucial position in the development of the Alliance Française Abu Dhabi since 1979. As a result, the history of this institution is closely intertwined with that of the country itself, making it an institution beloved by all.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Alliance Française represents not only French culture, but also the alliance between different cultures. The values of the Alliance Française are sharing, dialogue, and exchange between cultures. It is therefore a place of culture and learning that seeks to welcome a wide diversity of expressions: languages (French is taught there, but also, for Francophones, Arabic and English), exhibitions, concerts, literary meetings, and moments of life and exchange. The Alliance Française is a living place where the diversity of the world and the enrichment of each individual can be expressed through knowledge of others, explains Guillaume Routier.

Art is at the heart of the Alliance Française Abu Dhabi’s activities. From concerts and poetry recitals to meetings between creatives, as well as exhibitions by local and international artists, the institution offers visibility in Abu Dhabi. This is the case with the work of Houda Bakkali, whose exhibition brings together her digital work inspired by Italy and Monaco, currently on display. We are currently organizing a virtual exhibition by this incredible artist, and we are proud to welcome French students and culturally curious audiences from very diverse backgrounds. In addition, the Alliance Française Abu Dhabi is hosting a photography exhibition titled Champio-ne-s, featuring three exceptional athletes seen through the eyes of three talented photographers. This exhibition is part of a series of sport-related events preparing for the celebration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Alliance Française has even dressed itself in the colors of the Games and proudly displays the Paris 2024 Olympic mascots on its exterior walls, Routier concludes.