Sheikha Latifa said that the initiative speaks to Dubai’s belief in investing in people as the foundation for shaping the future
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has unveiled a Dhs1 billion Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio designed to support and strengthen the emirate’s cultural and creative industries.
The portfolio is built around five pillars – Cultural Infrastructure, Creative Production, Participation and Audiences, Talent Development, and Cultural Impact – with a focus on strengthening Dubai’s creative ecosystem and future-proofing the sector. It will support talent while driving long-term growth and enhancing its contribution to the wider economy.
Sheikha Latifa said the Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to responding to evolving developments, while reinforcing the emirate’s ability to position creativity as a sustainable economic driver.
She added that the initiative speaks to Dubai’s belief in investing in people as the foundation for shaping the future.
Sheikha Latifa at Dubai Design Week
She stated, “Dubai continues to play a leading role in empowering the cultural sector and advancing its creative industries through innovative solutions that build capability and strengthen the capacity to anticipate and adapt to challenges, while opening greater access to markets. This is supported by integrated strategic partnerships that reflect a shared responsibility between government, the private sector, and the wider community, creating new pathways for business growth across creative fields.”
Sheikha Latifa expressed confidence that the portfolio will enrich Dubai’s cultural landscape by supporting institutions, SMEs and artists, while helping the sector adapt to changing conditions and sustain future growth.
Art mural in Al Seef
The portfolio is the outcome of a workshop organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, which brought together leaders from cultural, heritage, artistic and creative institutions across the emirate. The session centred on enhancing ecosystem readiness and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture and a thriving hub for creative talent.
The five interconnected pillars will be delivered in phases, with each phase introducing initiatives that provide creatives and cultural institutions with access to spaces, funding, professional development and market opportunities.
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Agreements have been reached with a number of public- and private-sector partners to align efforts and broaden collaboration, reinforcing the sector’s resilience and ensuring its continued growth and sustainability.
Cultural Infrastructure: Focuses on access to spaces and assets. Free, multi-purpose venues will be made available to the creative community through collaborations with Dubai Municipality, Dubai CommerCity, House of Arts at Expo City Dubai, Dubai Holding Asset Management, DIFC and Dubai South. Dubai Culture will also provide dedicated space within its own assets, offering affordable workspaces for creatives to showcase their work and build networks.
Creative Production: This pillar supports funding and commissioning through initiatives such as the Dubai Cultural Grant, a micro-grants programme with Art Jameel, a micro-commissioning initiative with Luxuriant Design, and an exhibition grant with Art Dubai.
Participation and Audiences: Focuses on promotional and media support across digital platforms to spotlight local talent, alongside retail and exhibition opportunities.
Talent Development: Links creatives to audiences and markets through e-learning initiatives in partnership with LinkedIn, as well as cultural activation programmes, workshops and training courses.
Cultural Impact: Builds on the ‘Dubai is an open-air gallery’ concept, with creative works displayed on outdoor billboards across the emirate, bringing art into the public realm and reinforcing the city’s identity.
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