Short for the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, La Francophonie is an organisation made up of countries that either speak French as a major language or have strong affiliations with French history and culture. While the obvious contender for that category is France, there are numerous places all over the globe that participate. As Abu Dhabi gears up for various French activities this month, we spoke to Marion Eynard, the officer for cultural affairs at the Institut Française, about the celebrations in the city.
Tell us about the French community in Abu Dhabi.
The French community in Abu Dhabi consists of approximately 8,000 people. French people in the UAE still represent a small community, around 20,000 people, compared to the majority Arabic and English speaking population. But it has increased spectacularly within a few years; for example the figures went from 8,000 to 12,000 for the city of Dubai within three year’s. The United Arab Emirates are like a magnet for foreign communities, and there are many French-speaking communities moving here. Outside of French nationals, there are many French-speaking people from Canada, Belgium and Switzerland, but also the Middle East, notably Lebanon, and North Africa with the total numbering around 200,000 people. It is also worth saying that Abu Dhabi has an outstanding cultural and educational partnership with France, through flagship projects such as Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
So, what is La Francophonie all about?
The concept of Francophonie is deeply rooted in history and shared by 77 countries (representing 900 million citizens), based on a common linguistic but also cultural, historical and political space. It is strongly supported by the United Arab Emirates, which has been officially an observer member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie since 2010.
To pay tribute to this community, a wide range of events about French language, Francophone culture and Franco-Emirati cooperation will take place in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai over a period of four weeks. From hip hop to family activities such as painting, music, sports, cinema and poetry, there will be something for everyone. Our activities and events are really open to all and planned in order to reach a wide audience. Everyone should have a reason to attend. It is important not only for celebrating a culture but also for introducing some people to it as well.
Aside from the special activities this month, what other things does the French community do here during the rest of the year?
The month of March is indeed a climax for the French community’s activities, but we have many institutions or groups organising events all year long. In Abu Dhabi, you’ll find, for instance, two French schools with approximately 2,500 pupils, the French Business Group gathering more than 100 companies, and of course Alliance Française, active in Abu Dhabi with French courses and cultural events since the 1970s, and Institut Français, the new government agency for the promotion of French culture and language abroad. In the past few months, we were present at Abu Dhabi Art with a French photographer, Stéphane Gizard, who has photographed the multicultural and eclectic students’ community of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and guests of Abu Dhabi Art. In October we also organised a French music recital with the acclaimed Emirati soprano Sara Al Qaiwani at Sorbonne University.
What do you anticipate the response to be from Abu Dhabi this year?
We think it will be very good. Since Institut Français was created in January 2012 we have noticed an increasing interest in our activities, essentially through social networks. The October concert at Sorbonne University, for instance, gathered more than 450 people. And we are currently working with many local institutions, such as TCA AD, ADMAF, universities and the community at large, on upcoming projects in various fields.
For more info about Institut Française visit www.ambafrance-eau.org.
Upcoming activities in 2013 for your diary
April: During the annual Abu Dhabi Book Fair, guest speaker Jérome Ferrari, winner of France’s top book prize, the Prix Goncourt 2012, will pay tribute to Albert Camus.
September: In Dubai a design exhibition will be showing some of the best objects created by five young French designers (Pauline Deltour, Guillaume Delvigne, François Dumas, Yeffet Koldova and Victoria Wilmotte). Emirati designers will be invited to display their new creations.
December: Launch of Photo Festival Al Sourat in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with exclusive photographic works by French and Emirati photographers.
