Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, recently hosted an innovation lab titled ‘The Creative Economy Ecosystem’ at the Innovation and Creativity Center in GDRFA.
The event was organized as part of Dubai Culture’s active contribution to “UAE Innovates 2022”, the largest national event celebrating innovation and innovators across the UAE.
Participants at the ‘The Innovation Lab’ exchanged ideas with partners from the creative economy ecosystem to establish methods to attract foreign investment. The target is to meet the goals of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and develop a long-term cultural visa service for creative skills, among other incentives offered by the Emirate for creative skills.
The lab was attended by the Director-General of Dubai Culture Ms. Hala Badri, Lieutenant-General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA – Dubai, and representatives from several strategic partners from the public and private sector involved in materializing the creative economy strategy.
Commenting on this initiative, Ms. Badri affirmed that innovation is a driving force and main feature of the creative economy, a sector that is considered one of the most promising economies considering its steady growth in recent years.
“Cultural and creative industries are important engines to the economic growth as they generate job opportunities, especially for the youth, and contribute to enhancing the emirate’s cultural reputation and vibrancy ensuring the happiness and well-being of individuals and societies,” Ms. Badri added.
Director-General of Dubai Culture also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, adding that, “Achieving the objectives of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy requires the collective efforts of individuals and entities from the public and private sectors. At Dubai Culture, we are intensifying our efforts through public-private partnerships to enhance the health of the cultural and creative sector in the emirate, which begins with supporting creative talents.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General Al-Marri remarked that “Organizing the ‘Creative Economy Ecosystem’ innovation lab comes within the framework of a comprehensive strategy adopted by GDRFA. It includes an upward trajectory that has kept pace with the aspirations and visions of the wise leadership and its directives on the necessity of consolidating the concepts of the creative economy as one of the promising economic sectors.”
“Dubai recently witnessed the launch of a package of prominent tourism, heritage, and cultural projects, which led to the enhancement of the capabilities and the development of its assets. This cements the emirate’s position as a leading destination in heritage experiences and unique visual arts with a cultural dimension.” Mr. Al Marri added.
UAE Innovates 2022 includes events at Expo 2020 Dubai, in line with its mission to connect minds and create the future, bringing together the UAE’s best talents to showcase the most impactful government innovations.
