The Dubai Ruler new cultural vision aims to position the city as a global art destination…

It was in March 2008 that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai set up the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). Its mission is to empower the culture, heritage, arts and literature sectors in the society, help establish development of creative and innovative projects and much more. Fast forward 11 years to the present, and Dubai has made great progress in achieving Dubai Culture’s vision in being ‘a global, creative and sustainable city for culture, heritage, arts and literature.’ 

But Sheikh Mohammed’s new cultural vision will take the culture scene in Dubai a step further, in the hope of positioning the city as a global art destination.

During discussions which were held with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and presided over by the Dubai Ruler, on Tuesday October 1, 2019, Sheikh Mohammed announced his new cultural vision. 

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, the Dubai Ruler stated by utilising and unifying the efforts of ‘6,000 art and culture companies, five creative clusters, 20 museums and over 550 annual cultural events’ Dubai can be positioned as a global art destination.

In a series of tweets, Sheikh Mohammed also stated that the meeting included announcing the launch of the first long-term cultural visas for artists, authors and innovators. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), it will be the world’s first cultural residence visa and the aim of the initiative is to attract promising artists and creatives to the city and support the vision of Dubai to become a global incubator for talent.

The same tweet stated that Sheikh Mohammed has approved the idea of establishing Al Quoz in Dubai as a ‘creative free zone’. Remember, apart from warehouses, Al Quoz is a treasure trove of art galleries, performance spaces and family entertainment. According to WAM, the initiative will provide comprehensive facilities and services from the conception stage through to design and production for creative talent. Creatives will also be able to produce, display and sell their works here.

And Sheikh Mohammed hasn’t forgotten about the avid readers in the city. The Ruler of Dubai also announced a new international literature season which will feature a book fair and event that will attract over 2 million visitors.

ALSO READ: World’s biggest book sale returns to Dubai this October

Dubai’s public libraries will also be transformed thanks to the initiative called ‘School of Life’ which according to the tweet from Sheikh Mohammed, will ‘equip young generations with life skills in art, innovation, and creativity.’

During the meeting Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was appointed as the chair of Dubai Culture in September this year, was also present, along with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Images: Emirates News Agency