The Ismaili Centre, Dubai

The Ismaili Centre Dubai. Photo: Gary Otte

The Ismaili Centre, Dubai is a complex of creative spaces for contemplative, cultural, educational and recreational purposes, designed to encourage understanding and the sharing of wisdom from many perspectives. Built on land that was donated by the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Centre was opened on 26 March 2008 as part of the commemoration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee.

Regional and cosmopolitan in its conception, the Ismaili Centre, Dubai draws on spiritual and intellectual roots that give it contemporary resonance. Its courtyards, gardens and watercourses, set amidst interlinking interiors, propose a harmony of tradition and timelessness.

Dubai Culture recognises Ismaili Centre as a patron of the arts

Entrance into the Ismaili Centre, Dubai — a plurality of perspectives. Photo: Gary Otte

The Ismaili Centre, Dubai was recently recognised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority with the inaugural Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award. The award honours individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution towards the development of Dubai’s cultural sector.

ATHAR participants browse a selection of Aga Khan Trust for Culture publications at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. Photo: Rafiq Ally

In the Autumn of 2009, the UAE Architecture Heritage Society hosted the ATHAR public lectures series in conjunction with the Ismaili Centre, Dubai. ATHAR is a programme of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, which advocates the conservation of cultural heritage.

His Highness Sheikh Majid and Noor Ali Rashid pause at a photograph of the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Photo: Farhad R Ally / Akbar Hakim

Reminiscing Heritage, an exhibition of photographs taken by acclaimed Royal Photographer of the United Arab Emirates, Noor Ali Rashid, is being hosted at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. The exhibition was recently inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Members of a Jamati orchestra in Dubai have produced a two-disc musical compilation in celebration of the Golden Jubilee. Frontierless Brotherhood — A Fusion of Diversity reflects the cultures and heritage of Ismailis from around the world.

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Gallery: Architecture of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai

Gallery: Foundation Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai

Gallery: Opening of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai

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