Dubai CP: Supporting cultural diversity key priority for Dubai

Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that supporting cultural diversity and empowering the cultural and creative sectors, which constitute important segments of the local economy, are key priorities for Dubai.

The Crown Prince said these efforts are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the emirate a global creative economy hub, an incubator for talent and a destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

Sheikh Hamdan further said: "As part of our comprehensive efforts to preserve our historical assets and enhance their profile locally and globally, we have developed a strategy to rehabilitate and revitalise the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which dates back to the 19th century. We seek to turn it into a leading cultural destination that highlights our nation’s authentic architectural and urban heritage. We also adopted the Public Art Strategy that will contribute to making Dubai a globally unique ‘open art gallery’ that offers distinctive creative and cultural experiences."

Sheikh Hamdan also praised the efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, under the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Authority, for setting up a mechanism to support and attract public art talent from around the world; creating the appropriate environment for public art to flourish; setting governance frameworks; developing policies and legislation to regulate the roles of stakeholders and partners; and creating a strategy for programmes, events and initiatives within the private sector, in addition to the Authority’s pivotal role in marketing and promoting historical places in Dubai.

He also praised the efforts of various partners in the public and private sectors who have contributed and continue to support the approved strategies that are aligned with the directives of the leadership in addition to participating in public art projects.

These partners include Dubai Economy and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Land Department, the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police. Sub-partners include Emirates Airlines, wasl, AMG, Emaar, Dubai Holding, Dubai International Financial Centre, supporters, financial institutions, art sponsors and private companies as well as other stakeholders and the community of art lovers, which includes residents, visitors, students, artists and curators.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, expressed her appreciation for the support and guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his deep commitment to developing the cultural and creative sector in Dubai.

She said the vibrant growth of the sector in recent years reflects Dubai's position as a growing global and regional hub of creativity. Sheikha Latifa also underlined the importance of the two new strategies that complement the Authority’s roadmap for the growth and transformation of the sector.

The objectives of the strategic plan for Al Fahidi were based on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan; the priorities related to culture and heritage in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2030; the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority's strategic roadmap; and global standards for the development of cultural neighbourhoods.