The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Tokyo National Museum, aimed at strengthening cooperation across research, museum practices and professional development.
The agreement was formalised at DCT Abu Dhabi’s headquarters in the presence of Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, establishing a collaborative framework that spans research initiatives, educational programmes, staff exchanges and joint exhibitions.
Al Mubarak said the partnership with the Tokyo National Museum forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance cultural cooperation and promote meaningful exchanges between Abu Dhabi and Japan. He noted that the agreement reflects a shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding and advancing cultural learning through research, education and museum collaboration.
He added that the MoU is intended to create lasting connections between cultural institutions in both countries, reinforcing the role of culture as a bridge that links nations and inspires future generations.
Makoto Fujiwara, Executive Director of the Tokyo National Museum, said the agreement would unlock new opportunities for creative and professional exchange. He highlighted the value of collaborating with DCT Abu Dhabi to share expertise, enrich the global cultural landscape and introduce fresh perspectives on creativity within the museum sector.
He further noted that joint exhibitions featuring artistic and heritage works from both cultures would help introduce Japanese and Emirati audiences to the depth and richness of their respective traditions.
Under the MoU, both institutions will work together on the study and preservation of cultural materials, including opportunities for mutual lending and borrowing. The partnership also covers training and exchange programmes for museum professionals, alongside plans for joint exhibitions, educational initiatives and cultural workshops in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to expand international cultural partnerships and reinforce the emirate’s position as a global hub for museum collaboration, while marking a new chapter in cultural relations between the UAE and Japan.
