Abu Dhabi Culture Summit 2025: Exploring "Culture for Humanity and Beyond"

The seventh annual Abu Dhabi Culture Summit is currently taking place from April 27 to 29, 2025, at Manarat Al Saadiyat within Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. This prestigious global forum brings together international leaders from cultural and creative industries to explore ways in which culture can transform societies and communities worldwide.

This year's summit centers around the theme "Culture for Humanity and Beyond," examining the relationship between culture and humanity during an unprecedented period of global transformation. The event aims to uncover new perspectives as participants navigate technological transitions and work toward building a sustainable future together.

The summit features an impressive lineup of speakers, including four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood and digital artist Refik Anadol, known for incorporating data and AI in his work. Expert panels are discussing critical issues such as the role of AI in creative industries, culture as an instrument of global governance, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The first day focused on "Reshaping the Cultural Landscape," exploring how cultural identities and societal values are being redefined against a backdrop of digital revolution, economic inequality, and geopolitical volatility. These sessions examine the production and consumption of culture while discussing how the creative sector can guide humanity toward a confident future.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the summit has partnered with global organizations including UNESCO, the Design Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, and the Recording Academy to facilitate these important conversations about culture's future.