Khawla bint Ahmed Al Suwaidi becomes board member of Spain’s University of Navarra Museum

ABU DHABI / WAM

The Board of Directors of the University of Navarra Museum in Spain announced that Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Founder of the Khawla Art and Cultural Foundation, wife of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, was appointed as a board member.
The appointment is unprecedented within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, as Sheikha Khawla has become the first Arab artist to be granted a position on the university’s board. Additionally, the foundation is acknowledged as one of the esteemed university’s collaborators.
In tandem with her recent appointment, Sheikha Khawla has had an active role in a series of events at the university’s museum, which were part of a cultural outreach programme aimed at engaging the Spanish public. During her participation, she performed readings of poetic works and exhibited seven of her newest art pieces. Furthermore, she conducted a workshop on Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the University of Navarra’s appreciation for this art form and its commitment to embracing key elements of Arab culture. The objective was to familiarise European and especially Spanish cultural representatives with the beauty of Arab culture and the art of Arabic calligraphy.
Sheikha Khawla considered her inclusion as the first Arab cultural and artistic figure among a distinguished group of prominent artists, intellectuals, and researchers on the prestigious museum’s board as a significant recognition, which reflects the university’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity among its board members. Simultaneously, this appointment sends a powerful message that dialogue between cultures enhances cultural exchange and facilitates the dissemination of art that transcends barriers. Art, Sheikha Khawla said, is a universal language, enabling it to play a vital role in fostering understanding, tolerance, and connections among civilisations.