His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued directives to exempt tenants who are rebuilding or renovating properties in Al Quoz Creative Zone from paying rent for up to two years.
The move is part of the ambitious efforts of the UAE to raise the country’s position as an international cultural hub and transform it into the global capital of the creative economy by 2025. It is also in line with a 100-day action plan for the Al Quoz Creative Zone development project aimed at attracting top talent from across the globe to live and work in Dubai.
The plan, unveiled by the project’s higher committee, led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has identified priority actions to be undertaken to develop the zone. It has also set goals and indicators to advance the project’s two pillars: infrastructure and support for creatives.
At the infrastructure level, the plan includes the development of the project’s master plan that will create a specially designed urban space that can accommodate all activities, investments, and people related to the project.
As part of implementing the vision for the project, a unique model for optimally distributing living, working and creative public spaces will be developed based on a comparative study of similar zones around the world.
In line with offering support to the creative community, the plan has created a dedicated platform called the Creatives’ Journey within the Invest in Dubai platform to support the business operations of creatives and give a single window to get licenses for their projects in Dubai within a few minutes.
In addition, consultancy contracts have been awarded to develop the best Integration and soft-mobility solutions in the Al Quoz Creative Zone that will include street furniture, cycle tracks, a pedestrian bridge with a unique design, pedestrian sidewalks, micro-mobility, activity areas. Moreover, coordination with the landlords and investors is conducted to explain the new opportunities provided in the area.
Dubai Culture is inviting members of the creative community to share ideas and creative suggestions for designs that can enhance the aesthetic and artistic ambiance of the area.
To date, Dubai Culture has awarded 4,500 certificates of accreditation to creatives and artists of different nationalities. This is part of a plan to expand the issuance of the world’s first long-term cultural visa to maximize the contribution of talent to the development of Dubai’s cultural economy.
Related: UAE unveils National Strategy for Cultural & Creative Industries
