Latifa bint Mohammed Unveils' Creative Dubai' Report

In line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to position Dubai as a global centre for culture, a incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has revealed a report titled ‘Creative Dubai: Navigating Tomorrow’s Creative Landscape’.

This initiative is part of Dubai Culture’s efforts to advance the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. The report, developed with DinarStandard, highlights Dubai’s achievements in cultural and creative industries, key factors shaping its cultural vision, and data tracking the sector’s transformation. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of the creative sector’s performance and diverse investment opportunities.

She emphasized creativity as a powerful cultural, social, and economic force shaping the future of societies and driving Dubai’s innovation-driven economy. She stated “Through its extraordinary growth journey and visionary achievements, Dubai has established itself as a prominent global economic and cultural hub. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has become a magnet for talent and investors worldwide. Its dynamic economic system and ambitious initiatives combined with the boundless opportunities it offers creatives and entrepreneurs, Dubai has reinforced its leadership in the creative economy and its role in shaping the future of culture and art.”

Sheikha Latifa highlighted the report's strategic significance, providing an overview of the creative economy in the UAE, the Arab region, and globally, and its role in shaping the local sector's future.“Dubai continues to advance its creative and cultural industries by embracing innovative solutions, developing advanced digital infrastructure, and fostering an environment that empowers and supports the cultural and creative sector. This involves developing an integrated ecosystem that supports the entire cultural and creative cycle, encompassing creation, production, dissemination, exhibition, reception, transmission, and culminating in consumption or participation. By offering the necessary resources and facilities for creative businesses, we encourage talent to establish their ventures here. This approach has strengthened Dubai’s global profile and leadership, transforming it into a thriving cultural hub, strongly aligned with our creative economy strategy.”

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the creative sector, which serves as a significant global economic force, representing 6.1% of the world’s economy with a total value of $4.3 trillion. The report also shows that the UAE had the largest creative sector in the MENA region in 2021.

According to the Dubai Framework for Cultural Statistics and data from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Dubai’s cultural and creative industries generated AED 21.96 billion in 2022, contributing 4.6% to the GDP. The report reveals 47,544 companies in the creative sectors, employing 175,727 people. Additionally, Dubai attracted 898 FDI projects in 2023, with capital inflows reaching AED 11.

8 billion. Additionally, the report reveals that Dubai is home to more than 40% of start-ups in the sector that have secured over $1 million worth of funding in the MENA region, with 306 based in the emirate.

Director General of Dubai Culture Hala Badri affirmed that Dubai has strengthened its status as a global hub for the cultural and creative industries thanks to its visionary leadership and attractive legislative and investment environment.

She emphasised that the Creative Dubai report reflects the performance and reality of Dubai’s cultural sector and its ability to shape a bright future, stating: “The report’s findings provide strong motivation for members of Dubai’s creative community, opening new horizons for them and inspiring innovation, as they continue their professional journeys and implement their unique ideas and projects, contributing to the strength of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries, aligned with Dubai Culture’s commitment to empowering talent and entrepreneurs.”

The report highlights how Dubai’s robust infrastructure, business support, and vibrant cultural environment have contributed to its global leadership. This enabled Dubai to win the bid to host the World Cities Culture Summit 2024 and the ICOM General Conference 2025. Additionally, Dubai ranked first regionally and fourth globally in Cultural Interaction in the 2023 Global Power City Index for the second consecutive year.

The report outlines trends shaping Dubai’s future, aiming to enhance its position as a global innovation hub by supporting AI, augmented reality, blockchain, and sustainable innovation, while preserving cultural identity and fostering talent engagement.

The report offers recommendations to grow Dubai’s creative sector, highlighting key investment hotspots, dynamic cultural domains, and opportunities leveraging the UAE’s BRICS membership to expand creative collaborations and market potential.

The report emphasizes affordable tech solutions for SMEs, including government-funded projects and innovation labs. It advocates for a hybrid business model integrating physical and digital operations and highlights the need for curricula linking creative industries with educational institutions to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline and industry growth.

The creative sector’s influence on Dubai is evident in its economy, global distinctiveness, and quality of life. Dubai leads regionally, fostering cultural enrichment, economic opportunities, and environmental conservation, while its innovative urban development enhances its appeal as a hub for cultural tourism.