Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) Board of Directors, today witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IFHC and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed at the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme pavilion during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), which is ongoing until 6 September 2026. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in natural heritage conservation, promote scientific knowledge, and support educational and awareness programmes related to biodiversity and wildlife.
The pavilion highlights nearly five decades of conservation achievements through the strategic partnership between IFHC and Ekthar. Mohamed Almotawa AlDhaheri, Acting Director-General of IFHC, signed the MoU on behalf of IFHC, while Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, signed on behalf of DCT Abu Dhabi.
The MoU supports joint efforts to enhance the role of museums and cultural programmes in promoting awareness of the UAE's natural heritage, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's global position as a centre for natural and cultural heritage conservation. It establishes a broad framework for strategic cooperation between the two organisations, focusing on raising public awareness, developing educational programmes, exchanging expertise and scientific knowledge, and supporting community initiatives related to biodiversity conservation, with particular attention to the houbara as an environmental and cultural symbol in the UAE's heritage.
The collaboration reflects the UAE leadership's vision of integrating environmental action with cultural and educational initiatives, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE. Mohamed Almotawa AlDhaheri highlighted that the MoU represents the IFHC's commitment to expanding partnerships with national cultural institutions and using its scientific expertise to support community awareness and educate younger generations on conserving biodiversity and safeguarding natural heritage.
AlDhaheri also noted that the partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi would create opportunities to integrate scientific knowledge into museum experiences and educational programmes, aiding public awareness and national efforts to protect the environment and wildlife. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani emphasized that safeguarding natural heritage is a responsibility that requires deepening knowledge and strengthening future generations' connection to the land.
The collaboration aims to integrate culture, science, and education, using Abu Dhabi's museums and cultural platforms as spaces for learning and promoting awareness of biodiversity. Inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, the initiative builds on his legacy by combining scientific expertise with cultural and educational capabilities, creating opportunities to share knowledge, engage communities, and ensure the UAE's commitment to natural heritage continues across generations.
This collaboration will strengthen integration between environmental and cultural action, reinforce museums and cultural platforms as bridges for sharing knowledge, and support the UAE's ambition to preserve its natural heritage for future generations.