The arrival of September marks the beginning of the fall season, which offers a welcome reprieve and much needed change of pace after many long, hot summer months. We don’t tend to theme our issues but instead we focus on a topic that is important to us, hence we believe important to you, our dear readers. For issue 40, the overriding theme is art and creative expression across many platforms. From Abu Dhabi Art, Portrait of a Nation, to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi’s vast cultural movement is quickly turning our Capital city into the “cultural gem” of the Gulf, and rapidly transforming the landscape of Abu Dhabi into a global cosmopolitan city and desirable cultural hub. In a special feature titled: Humanity’s Shared Story we take our readers through the journey of the upcoming opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi with assistant curators; Alia Zaal Lootah, Khalid AbdulKhaliq Abdulla and Mohammed Al Mansoori. They discuss the museum’s themes, and important collections of art that will be housed in the various galleries.

This tour de force in architecture was designed by acclaimed French architect Jean Nouvel, and will finally be unveiled on 11 November 2017. This crowning glory - is one of the most anticipated arrivals to adorn Saadiyat Island’s cultural district. If the upcoming opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is any indication of what Abu Dhabi’s grand cultural aspirations are in the development of art and culture, then we should expect to witness some exciting years ahead with the openings of Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. In our almajlis section, we are proud to feature a range of articles, but opening our latest issue, we are honoured to feature a dynamic interview with His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to Russia and author. He speaks in depth about his role as an Emirati diplomat, his vision for the UAE and Arab World, the importance of education for the youth of this Nation and his love of literature which prompted his first book, Letters to a Young Muslim. We are also pleased to share another wonderful piece written by our esteemed columnist, HE Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi about the recent announcement from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, declaring 2018 as the “Year of Zayed”. This announcement is a testament to the dedication of the wise leaders of the UAE and their continued commitment to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al