As part of its active contribution to “UAE Innovates 2022”, the largest national event celebrating innovation and innovators across the UAE, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai, held an innovation lab titled ‘The Creative Economy Ecosystem’ at the Innovation and Creativity Center at the GDRFA. Participants in The Innovation Lab exchanged ideas with partners from the creative economy ecosystem to establish methods to attract foreign investment. The aim is to fulfil the objectives of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and develop the long-term cultural visa service for creative talents, among other incentives that the emirate offers to creative talents.
The lab was attended by Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture; His Excellency 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 materialising the creative economy strategy.
Commenting on this initiative, Badri affirmed that innovation is a driving force and main feature of the creative economy, a sector which is considered one of the most promising economies considering its steady growth in recent years, saying: “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.”
Badri also stressed on the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, adding: “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.”
Al Marri commented: “Organising 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 its 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.”
