Dubai has set its sights on a new cultural vision – and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, gave it the green light on Tuesday.

It is a vision that would make the emirate the world’s top destination for culture, innovation and talent.

“No global city is complete without a fully developed cultural dimension. Vibrant cultural life and environment is an integral part of any economic hub.

“Dubai has many cultural assets that enable it to be a global cultural destination and a centre for talent and innovation,” Sheikh Mohammed said as he approved the vision during a visit to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of  Dubai Culture, briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the new vision and programme of activities of the authority.

Sheikha Latifa said the new vision would usher in a ‘fresh phase of cultural growth’ that will add a unique dimension to the emirate’s economic development.

“The interaction between the UAE’s unique culture and the cultures of over 190 nationalities living in Dubai opens new horizons and creates opportunities to develop the cultural scene,” she added.

Within the vision is a host of several unique initiatives ranging from launching a special residency system and creating a new free zone to putting up a ‘school of life’ and organising open-air film fests and carnivals.

With these strategies in place, the Ruler of Dubai said he is confident that the Dubai Culture team would be able to transform the emirate’s cultural landscape in no time.

It’s now up to the community to turn the vision into reality and explore opportunities.

“Cultural initiatives and projects must involve the participation of the entire community. The cultural vibrancy of a place is a key indicator of its development. We must highlight and showcase our rich culture and heritage to the world,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

For the nation

Sheikh Mohammed also believes that the cultural drive will soon spread out to the rest of the country, especially since every emirate is brimming with rich heritage and golden traditions.

“Over the next few years, I can clearly see the UAE becoming the region’s biggest cultural hub and one of the world’s most preferred destinations,” he added.
He called on all cultural entities in the country to work together.

What the new vision brings

World’s First Cultural Residence Visa

New immigration policy will be introduced to create the world’s first long-term cultural visa, aiming to attract promising artists and creatives to the city

A Creative Free Zone in Al Quoz:

An initiative will transform Al Quoz into a free zone for creative talent in the culture sector. The free zone will create a system for creatives to produce, display and sell their works

Dubai Global Literary Season: Dedicated to the love of the written word, this will establish the city as the capital of knowledge development with more than 1,000 literary events

School of Life

This will turn public libraries into integrated cultural centres under the theme of ‘School of Life’, aiming to boost the creative and artistic lives of the  community

A Destination for Land Art

This seeks to create a new global cultural tourism destination. To be launched on the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, it also aims to create new landmarks

Dubai Global Grad Show

An exhibition to be organised as part of Dubai Design Week, aiming to inspire university graduates to find innovative solutions to community problems

Al Marmoum CineMania

An open-air international film festival in Al Marmoom area

Dubai’s Iconic Architecture

A specialised committee will oversee the adoption of architectural designs that can? make Dubai a destination for architectural innovation

Dubai’s Architectural Identity

An initiative that aims to conceptualise, design and implement a distinctive architectural identity for Dubai, distinguishing it from other major cities of the world

Hatta Cultural Carnival

A cultural carnival to be held in the winter season, featuring poetry evenings, cultural events, art exhibitions and other events.

Zabeel High School

Rehabilitation of Zabeel Secondary School for Girls to preserve the architectural history of the school and transform it into a multi-functional space for young people to express their talent

Art for Good: A philanthropic annual international art week that features the participation of local and international artists and people in business

Dubai Gold Line
A competition to design the production line that will establish Dubai as a destination for gold

Discovering Hidden Cultural Gems with Uber:
A new initiative  to help tourists find Dubai’s cultural treasures

Dubai Art Collection: The first integrated system that would help art enthusiasts buy, display and exchange artworks.

Private Collections Season
This will enable private art collectors to display their personal collections in public institutions such as Etihad Museum

Dubai Festival of National Cultures
The initiative will provide a platform for highlighting the cultures and traditions of various nationalities living in Dubai