This year, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has made waves at the GovMedia Conference held in Singapore, earning prestigious recognition for its contributions to the cultural landscape of Dubai. The Authority was honored with two significant awards: the ‘UAE Public Sector Initiative of the Year Award for the World Cities Culture Summit 2024’ and the ‘UAE Public-Private Partnership of the Year Award for the collaboration with Google on ‘Digitising Heritage & Empowering Creatives.’ This acknowledgment is a testament to the extensive impact of Dubai Culture’s initiatives, which strive to solidify the city’s standing as a global cultural epicenter and a thriving ground for artistic talent.
One of the crucial milestones celebrated by Dubai Culture was the successful organization of the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit (WCCS). Notably, Dubai became the first city in the MENA region to host this renowned event, with the theme ‘Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?’ This summit marked a record attendance with 141 delegates from 36 cities worldwide, paving the way for crucial discussions on how urban centers can bolster the creative economy and create opportunities that foster talent and innovation in the cultural sectors.
During the summit, Dubai Culture introduced the ‘Future of Education in the Creative Economy’ global report, shedding light on the role of education in sculpting a knowledge-driven economy. Additionally, the launch of the Night-Time Economy Policy Accelerator—collaboratively developed with the World Cities Culture Forum and VibeLab—aims to reinforce frameworks supporting nighttime cultural activities, thus contributing to economic progression.
For the first time, the summit featured a public session titled ‘Tomorrow’s Talent: What Do Creatives Need from Cities?’ This interactive session brought together over 250 participants, allowing artists to converse directly with cultural leaders and experts, fostering an environment of collaboration and inspiration. Emphasizing sustainability, the summit adopted various eco-friendliness measures including digital solutions, recycling stations, and a low-carbon impact plan, further affirming Dubai Culture’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Last year also marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Dubai Culture and Google, celebrating five years of collaborative effort. The launch of Phase 2 of the ‘Dubai’s Culture and Heritage’ project on the Google Arts & Culture platform came as a highlight, featuring over 130 curated stories, 1,200+ images, and 40+ videos presented in both Arabic and English. This project aims to document and elevate Dubai’s cultural and creative industries, showcasing aspects of heritage, customs, traditions, and daily life across the emirate.
As part of their collaborative efforts, Dubai Culture and Google co-hosted the MENA Creatives Bootcamp, a programme designed to equip emerging voices with innovative tools that promote sustainability in their projects. This initiative underscores the importance of adapting to and leveraging AI and advanced technologies to broaden local creative presences and support overall growth in the region.
Reflecting on these recognitions, Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stated: “These awards underscore our dedication to empowering specialists across disciplines and supporting the broader CCI ecosystem. Through our initiatives, we activate the dynamic arts movement in Dubai, attracting world-class talent, and reinforcing the emirate’s standing as a global creative economy hub.”
The GovMedia Conference and Awards, an annual celebration of outstanding projects and initiatives across Asia, serves as a vital platform, spotlighting efforts that enhance societal well-being throughout the region. This year’s achievements further establish Dubai Culture’s role in promoting a rich, diverse cultural narrative that resonates locally and globally.
