In a strategic move to revive the legacy of Andalusia and popularise it in Arab-Muslim world, the Quality and Sustainable Development (QASD) Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spanish organisation Fundación Las Fuentes. Aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in Andalusia, the MoU was signed by QASD Secretary General Jassim Salem and Fundación Las Fuentes Director Dr Barbara Ruiz Bejarano at a function, held at Studio 18 in the office of the Urban Planning Affairs of the Ministry of Municipality. The MoU aligns with the objectives of  the ‘Knowledge Road Initiative’ by Studio 18.

With its headquarters in Spain, QASD Foundation has been active in promoting culture, development and international cooperation with a focus on dissemination of the Islamic arts and culture in general, and hispano-islamic in particular. QASD has been functioning to develop and preserve studies, research and socio-cultural activities that enrich the relations between Europe and the Arab-Islamic World. Based in Cordoba in Spain, Fundación Las Fuentes works to safeguard the cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, of the Andalusian civilisation. 

The MoU seeks to strengthen, promote and develop academic, cultural and research co-operation between the two parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Both parties, as per the MoU, will encourage activities and to promote cooperation in institutional exchanges, organising symposia, conferences, courses, meetings and other activities on issues of mutual interest. Also, information pertaining to developments in teaching, project development and research of mutual interest will be exchanged. The MoU obliges the parties to mutually promote information and activities. 

One of the key highlights of the cooperation is to launch the joint initiative Andalusian Medina Network that functions as an instrument for the social and economic development of the territories in Andalusia. The main objective is to valorise the Andalusian medinas and the material and immaterial heritage they represent as a contribution to the Andalusian civilisation.

An ambitious promotion programme will be launched in the main countries of origin of Muslim tourists, which will guarantee the visibility of the touristic assets included in the network, particularly those in less populated areas, never before showcased to these tourists.

Also, there will be several initiatives for training, mentoring and business development in Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism, as a certain degree of specialisation is needed to receive muslim tourists.

The key objectives of Andalusian Medina Network include developing a sustainable tourism model, creation of Muslim-friendly tourism, promoting Halal tourism and travel, heritage protection, education, cultural exploration and promoting cultural dialogues. 

Areas related to Andalusian history in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Morocco are covered in the initiative.  Heritage walks, site exploration, conferences, exhibitions, expert talks, development of tourism products and exchange programmes are part of Andalusian Medina Network.