The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) recently hosted a thought-provoking session titled "The Vision for Arts Philanthropy in the UAE" as part of its ongoing Riwaq Al Fikr talk series. Held at the Emirates Foundation during the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival, the event brought together industry leaders like Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi and Badr Jafar to examine how private sector support can act as a catalyst for cultural growth. ADMAF founder Huda AlKhamis-Kanoo emphasized that investing in the arts is a strategic commitment to national progress, underscoring the foundation’s 30-year mission to nurture local talent and broaden cultural accessibility across the nation.

During the discussion, Badr Jafar highlighted that the future of arts funding lies in shifting toward more structured, transparent, and inclusive models. He proposed a three-pronged approach to boost philanthropic engagement: building a stronger evidence-based argument for the value of the arts, democratizing the giving process to include all segments of society, and strengthening donor trust through better governance. As the UAE continues to prioritize creative industries, these efforts aim to institutionalize a culture of generosity that empowers future generations, ensuring that imagination and creativity remain central to the country's social and developmental landscape.