Embracing evolution, the Emirate of Dubai is now pushing for a greater focus and unification of all its cultural activities and opportunities. Part of this push is a new long-term visa aimed at the most creative UAE residents.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE’s cultural visa while chairing a meeting for the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Beyond the new visa, His Highness also approved a new direction for Dubai to head in as to achieve the mission in becoming a global cultural hub.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “We have some 6000 companies concerned with arts and culture, five creative complexes and 20 museums. We organise more than 550 cultural events every year attracting millions of visitors, so we do need a new vision that unify and coordinate efforts”.
I chaired a meeting with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority to launch a new cultural vision to utilize and unify efforts of our 6,000 art and culture companies, 5 creative clusters, 20 museums and over 550 annual cultural events that can position Dubai as a global art destination. pic.twitter.com/4HckqOW0Ey
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 1, 2019
Apart from strengthening existing projects, Sheikh Mohammed approved a number of new ideas for Dubai. These include ‘free zones’ for creatives and artists in Al Quz, a book fair as part of an entire literary season, and artist conferences drawing in millions of people.
During the meeting, we adopted the first long-term cultural visa for artists, authors & innovators and approved establishing Al Quoz in Dubai as a creative free zone. A new international literature season will feature a book fair & events to attract over 2 million visitors pic.twitter.com/NPAgWWk8cI
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 1, 2019
Cultural centres are being turned into life coaching centres, teaching art, creativity, life skills and cultural skills. There’s also a World Art Week thought up by Sheikh Mohammed.
We will establish 7 “Schools of Life,” cultural centers to equip young generations with life skills in art, innovation, and creativity. We also approved launching Dubai’s architectural identity and the “Art for Good” global exhibition that will raise funds for good causes. pic.twitter.com/pmsU7UqvMz
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 1, 2019
“Unifying efforts in major cultural events is more beneficial for us in the coming period. We invite everyone to work in a team spirit. Dubai’s cultural face must be global, unique and true, and any global economic capital would be incomplete without a cultural and civilized face that reflects its sophistication” Sheikh Mohammed stressed.
Artists, authors, inventors, and many other creative minds will soon be able to apply for the UAE’s first long-term cultural visa.
