Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, recently engaged in a significant cultural dialogue with Māori Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō of New Zealand during her visit to Dubai. This meeting marked an important step in strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the UAE and the Māori community, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving heritage and fostering creativity.
In discussions shared on her social media, Sheikha Latifa emphasized the mutual values upheld by the UAE and the Māori people. Both nations prioritize the preservation of their rich cultural heritage, inspire creativity across communities, and work toward sustainable community development. The talks highlighted how these shared principles can form the basis for deeper collaboration, contributing positively to both societies.
A notable element of their dialogue centered around the recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and New Zealand, which came into effect on August 28. This agreement is groundbreaking in its inclusion of a dedicated cooperation chapter focusing on Māori and other indigenous peoples. It also contains an exception clause safeguarding the obligations under New Zealand’s foundational Treaty of Waitangi, ensuring that indigenous rights are respected and upheld within the scope of the partnership.
The engagement continued further as Māori Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō met with Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE. During this meeting, they unveiled the first test pilot scheme designed to enhance indigenous trade and enterprise. This initiative strives to build a robust platform for economic growth, enabling the Māori economy to flourish with support from the UAE’s dynamic trade environment.
Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō expressed her aspirations clearly, underscoring her dedication to nurturing the Māori economy. She highlighted the importance of cooperation with the UAE to provide ongoing growth opportunities, ensuring that the Māori community thrives culturally and economically on a global stage. This partnership exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that blends cultural respect with innovative economic strategies.
Through these cultural and economic dialogues, both the UAE and New Zealand are forging a path toward a richer, more collaborative future. They demonstrate how cultural heritage and economic development can go hand in hand, empowering indigenous communities while strengthening international relations. This engagement sets a powerful example of how countries can unite over shared values to create impactful and lasting partnerships.
