Dubai’s creative sector has emerged as a global powerhouse, contributing 6.1% to the world’s economy with a total value of $4.3 trillion, according to a report titled ‘Creative Dubai: Navigating Tomorrow’s Creative Landscape’. The report, unveiled by HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, highlights Dubai’s remarkable achievements in cultural and creative industries and its role as a leader in the MENA region.
PC: ANI News
Key Contributions to Dubai’s Economy
The cultural and creative industries of Dubai added AED 21.96 billion ($5.98 billion) in 2022 to the emirate’s GDP, which was 4.6%. The sector consists of 47,544 companies employing 175,727 people. Dubai attracted 898 foreign direct investment projects in 2023, bringing AED11.8 billion in capital inflows. More than 40% of the creative start-ups in MENA that have raised over $1 million are hosted in Dubai, with 306 start-ups in the emirate.
Visionary Leadership Driving Growth
Sheikha Latifa emphasized the importance of creativity as a cultural, social, and economic force. She credited Dubai’s dynamic economic system and its visionary leadership under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for transforming the emirate into a global cultural and economic hub.
“Dubai continues to develop its creative and cultural industries through embracing innovative solutions, advanced digital infrastructure, and fostering an empowering environment for the cultural and creative sectors,” said Sheikha Latifa.
Strategic Initiatives and Global Recognition
Dubai Culture’s Director General, Hala Badri, noted that leadership and an attractive legislative and investment framework make Dubai one of the global hubs for creative industries. The *Creative Dubai* the report presents interesting information on the sector’s development and inspires local innovators to contribute to its growth.
Strong infrastructure and cultural environment also brought Dubai recognition on a global scale. The city is scheduled to host the World Cities Culture Summit 2024 and International Council of Museums General Conference 2025, the highest peaks for the city in terms of global leadership in the culture world. Moreover, it stood as the number one in the region and the fourth worldwide in the Cultural Interaction parameter of the 2023 Global Power City Index.
The report outlines key trends shaping Dubai’s creative sector, including the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and blockchain. It also highlights sustainable innovation, preservation of cultural identity, and fostering community engagement. Recommendations include developing government-funded projects, integrating physical and digital operations, and creating curricula that link the creative industry with educational institutions.
A Cultural and Economic Hub
Dubai’s creative sector significantly influences its economy, global distinctiveness, and quality of life. By fostering cultural enrichment, generating economic opportunities, and enhancing urban development, Dubai solidifies its position as a regional leader and global hub for cultural tourism and innovation.
