Shaima Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, confirmed that the emirate's artistic and cultural scene has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. It is no longer limited to the initiatives and activities organized by some institutions and individuals but has transformed into a comprehensive system characterized by diversity and openness. This system focuses on nurturing talent and fostering creative entrepreneurship. Dubai represents a leading model for future cities due to its ability to adopt innovative practices and mechanisms that enable it to keep pace with rapid global changes across various sectors. Through its innovative strategies, Dubai has proven that culture is an economic force and a tool for building bridges with other societies. The emirate has established a developed cultural ecosystem, supported creative entrepreneurship, and built a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that the emirate attracted 971 projects in the cultural and creative industries sector last year, leading to a 60% increase in the total capital flows of foreign direct investment projects in the sector to AED 18.86 billion. She added that Dubai focuses on creative entrepreneurship, achieved by providing advanced digital infrastructure and launching well-studied strategies that help create a unique environment capable of empowering the cultural and creative sector. This system has led to the creation of creative zones in the emirate, such as Al Quoz Creative Zone, Alserkal Avenue, and Dubai Design District, among others. This has provided talented pioneers and newcomers with the opportunity to contribute to supporting the cultural and creative industries.
Al Suwaidi emphasized that thanks to the leadership's belief in the importance of culture and its role in building Dubai's economy, the emirate has achieved a series of accomplishments in the cultural and creative fields, making it a preferred global destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and owners of innovative projects. She also mentioned that 'Dubai Culture' is committed to sponsoring talents and providing them with opportunities for training and professional development across various sectors. The 'Dubai Culture Grant' program offers a wide range of grants with a budget of up to AED 180 million to be distributed over 10 years. In the design sector, the authority launched the 'Design Sector Strategy 2033' aimed at empowering the sector and stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship among creative talents. It also supports the 'Emirati Designers Exhibition' as part of 'Downtown Design', the main event of Dubai Design Week.
Al Suwaidi stated that Dubai has succeeded in becoming an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors due to the investment opportunities it offers that meet the needs of creators in all fields, and the facilities it provides to enable them to succeed and grow. In 2022, Dubai's cultural and creative industries added a value of AED 21.96 billion, contributing 4.6% to the emirate's GDP. In 2024, Dubai attracted 971 projects in this sector, an 8% increase from the previous year's 898 projects. This led to a 60% increase in the total capital flows of foreign direct investment projects in the sector to AED 18.86 billion. It also created 23,517 new jobs through these projects in 2024, a 9% increase compared to 2023.
Al Suwaidi mentioned that 'Dubai Culture' is continuously developing the emirate's cultural system and forming strategic partnerships and communication bridges with global creative institutions and centers to enhance intellectual exchange and best practices. Dubai is the first Creative City in Design in the Middle East by UNESCO, reflecting its role as a hub for creativity and cultural dialogue. This has enhanced its appeal and made it a prestigious destination for culture leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and creators. Upcoming major events include the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) and the International Conference on Digital Arts in April 2026.
