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UAE Culture Ministry Organizes ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ Exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM
The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM
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UAE Culture Ministry Organizes ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ Exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM
The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields. WAM

Under the patronage of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and as part of the activities accompanying the ceremony for honoring the winners of the 18th edition of Al Burda Award 2024, the Ministry of Culture organized an art exhibition titled “As the Sun Appears from Beyond" at the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

This exhibition, running until January 19, showcases Islamic art's evolution over two decades. It features award-winning pieces from the Ministry of Culture's collection and highlights the UAE's leadership in fostering artistic innovation, WAM said.

The exhibition focuses on the concept of “light,” which explains the title of the exhibition and links to the core theme of this year’s Al Burda Award. The theme draws inspiration from Surat Al-Ma’idah, verse 15: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.”

The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour through more than 60 unique works of art in various artistic fields, including Arabic calligraphy, ornamentation, and poetry.

It offers Islamic art enthusiasts an immersive interactive experience that brings to life the ability of Islamic art to blend classical methods of expression with the spirit of modern creativity, creating a unique harmony, WAM said.

The exhibition is the result of the first edition of Al Burda Grant program and the "Capacity Building Program," and the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties. It showcases works that illustrate the evolution of Islamic arts across time and space, ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary interpretations.

Minister of Culture Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi said: “The exhibition ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate Islamic art and its development throughout the ages, and an affirmation of the UAE’s commitment and belief that art is a vital tool for promoting cultural dialogue between peoples, which is reflected in this exhibition.

“We are proud to be part of this distinguished artistic journey provided by this exhibition, which exemplifies how art influences the strengthening of communication between civilizations and constitutes an opportunity to contemplate the light that Islamic art reflects across various generations. Art is not just an expression of beauty; it is also a means of transmitting spiritual and faith values that lead humanity towards unity and brotherhood,” he added.

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Sumo to Stage Event in Paris as Part of Global Push

People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
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Sumo to Stage Event in Paris as Part of Global Push

People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)

Sumo will stage a tournament in Paris for the first time in over three decades next year in a push to expand the ancient sport beyond Japan, organizers said Sunday.

Accor Arena, which hosted basketball and gymnastics events at last year's Paris Olympics, will stage a two-day competition featuring top wrestlers in the French capital in June 2026.

Japan Sumo Association (JSA) officials announced last month that they will also stage a tournament later this year at London's Royal Albert Hall -- the first overseas sumo competition in 20 years.

"It's important for us to show our sport to the world," JSA chairman Hakkaku told reporters at Tokyo's Kokugikan, where the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is currently taking place.

"And for the wrestlers, they're the best in the world, they should be proud of that and see that they're admired all over the world."

Paris hosted sumo tournaments in 1986 and 1995 at the invitation of former French president Jacques Chirac, who was known to be a huge fan of the centuries-old sport.

Hakkaku, who competed at the 1986 Paris event, said he was "grateful for the long and deep relations between sumo and France".

"We feel renewed joy and great responsibility as we prepare for our third performance in Paris in 2026," he said.

"We are committed to fully sharing the charm of sumo... with the French people."

French organizers said they would pull out all the stops to recreate the atmosphere of a sumo tournament in Japan.

David Rothschild, promoter and executive producer for events organizers AEG, said the Paris tournament would be part of a "festival" celebrating Japanese culture.

"When you say the word sumo, everyone in France knows it represents traditional Japanese culture," he said.

"There was a time when it was shown on TV and there are people in France who are very knowledgeable about it," Rothschild added.

"But time flies and we want to introduce the beauty of sumo to a new generation."

Sumo has staged events in several countries around the world, including the Soviet Union, Mexico and the United States.

The last overseas tournament organized by the JSA was in Las Vegas in 2005.

Hakkaku, the JSA chairman, said the association's efforts to bring sumo to audiences abroad were meant to "introduce people to the traditional culture of Japan".

"We thought a lot about how to develop our sport after Covid and I think this was the best idea, but it was already in our plans before that," he said.