UAE Olympic House in Paris Showcases Emirati Culture and Heritage at 2024 Olympics
The UAE Olympic House, inaugurated in Paris to coincide with the 2024 Olympic Games, has been drawing a global audience, offering visitors an immersive experience of Emirati culture and heritage. The initiative marks the first time the UAE has established an Olympic House at the Games, underscoring the country's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and the Olympic values.
His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of the General Authority for Sports, highlighted the significance of the UAE Olympic House during the opening tour. He stated, "This event emphasizes the UAE's unwavering commitment to the values of the Olympic movement and reflects our leadership's dedication to sports as a central part of the nation's future vision. It also fosters global engagement and cultural exchange."
The UAE Olympic House offers visitors a journey through Emirati culture with eight interactive areas, including "Al-Sikka" (the starting place), "Al-Majlis" (the welcoming place), "Al-Liwan" (the communication place), "Al-Midan" (the movement place), and "Al-Hawa" (the play place). Each area provides unique experiences through augmented reality and digital interactions, showcasing aspects of Emirati life, heritage, and hospitality. The "Earth" space allows guests to taste traditional Emirati coffee, prepared by UAE nationals.
"The Emirati Olympic House serves as a testament to the state's sports ambitions and its commitment to the spirit of the Olympic movement," said Al Hajeri. "It highlights our country's leadership and its desire to enhance international cooperation and cultural exchange, welcoming diverse cultures and fostering mutual understanding."
The establishment of the UAE Olympic House aligns with the vision of the country's founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, promoting peace, harmony, and coexistence. Under the leadership of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this legacy continues, aiming to consolidate these values globally.
His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri also praised the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and France, emphasizing the role of UAE security personnel in ensuring the safety of the event. "The UAE Olympic House not only showcases our culture but also strengthens UAE-French cooperation, ensuring a secure and successful Olympic Games."
The UAE's participation in the Olympic Games, beginning with its first appearance at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, has consistently demonstrated the nation's commitment to the Olympic Charter and movement. The UAE Olympic House in Paris serves as a platform for sharing the values of inclusivity and humanity, which are central to the Emirati identity, with the global community.
