Latest news with #SheikhaLatifabintMohammedbinRashidAlMaktoum
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Dubai wins bid to host "2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art"
30 May 2025 19:46 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Dubai has won the bid to host and organise the "2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA)," a landmark achievement that reinforces the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The announcement was made following this year's symposium, held in Seoul, South Korea, and reflects the concerted efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University, to champion the emirate's bid by showcasing its vibrant cultural landscape, world-class infrastructure, and supportive environment for creative Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, affirmed that the emirate's selection as host of ISEA 2026 is a testament to its growing influence on the global art stage and steadfast commitment to shaping the future of culture through innovation. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said: 'Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future; hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology." "This achievement reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose unwavering belief in innovation and human potential has transformed Dubai into a thriving cultural capital and a beacon for talent, excellence, and possibility,' Her Highness Highness noted that the symposium reinforces Dubai's strategic direction in advancing its digital arts sector and creative economy. 'ISEA is a global platform that empowers artists and technologists to imagine new frontiers. Her Highness further said: "It aligns with our digital arts strategy — opening doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and nurturing future-ready creatives — while connecting global minds, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring new creative expressions rooted in digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dubai and sharing a space where imagination meets invention and the future of art is designed collectively.'Established in 1988 in the Netherlands and currently overseen by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, the International Symposium on Electronic Art is one of the world's foremost gatherings at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Hosted in over 30 major cities, including Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona, ISEA annually brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art. The event aligns closely with Dubai Culture's digital arts strategy, which aims to empower talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and elevate education and training in this rapidly evolving field. ZU Partners to Organise the Event The symposium, organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University (ZU), will be held from April 10-17, 2026 under the theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.' It will feature a series of workshops, discussion panels, networking events, and creative showcases across Dubai's key cultural sites and landmarks. The event is expected to attract between 200 and 500 international participants and a wide audience interested in digital Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that Dubai's inspirational spirit and agile ecosystem continue to attract exceptional talent, forward-thinking investors, and creative entrepreneurs, offering them world-class infrastructure and unique incentives that mirror the richness of the city's cultural landscape. She said: 'Dubai's win to host ISEA 2026 reflects the vision of our leadership to position the city as a global hub for talent and a frontrunner in the creative economy; this milestone underscores our commitment to advancing the digital arts sector, empowering emerging talent, and inspiring them to connect, collaborate, and create. 'Hosting this prestigious international symposium will open new pathways for our creative community to engage with global counterparts while also enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the landmarks, spaces, and heritage that define Dubai's creative identity. ISEA will invigorate the city's artistic momentum, foster meaningful knowledge exchange, and spark new conversations around how digital arts shape our understanding of place, identity, and community.'The event will provide artists, researchers, and digital arts specialists with a platform to exchange ideas and visions, craft a global agenda that introduces new artistic expression methods, ignite innovation, and encourage participants to showcase their creativity to the public, supporting technological sustainability and the cultural and creative industries in Dubai. Main Themes Discussions during the symposium will focus on four main themes: Charting Constellations, which explores concepts of place and identity in the digital age and how we reshape our understanding of geography, identity, and community in a multidimensional world; Celestial Dialogues, which delves into how artistic and technological practices can foster intercultural dialogue and shared cross-cultural experiences; Eco-Tech Futures, examining the role of electronic art in addressing environmental issues and how digital tools can inspire sustainable futures; and Starlinked Worlds, which investigates the evolving relationship between technology and human experience and the ethical, philosophical, and speculative implications of future Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University (ZU), said: 'We're immensely proud to partner with Dubai Culture in hosting the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art, a landmark event that underscores Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and innovation." Prof. Allen added, "We are committed to fostering a dynamic platform where global artists, innovators, and scholars can converge to explore the transformative potential of digital arts. This symposium aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of creative leaders, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to shaping a future where art and technology inspire sustainable progress and cultural dialogue.' The theme of the symposium is inspired by 'ELYAH,' one of the most prominent stars in the Arab region's sky, also known as the 'North Star,' which for centuries served as a beacon for travellers and storytellers alike, guiding navigation across land and sea. It was chosen to represent the event to explore the convergence of digital and electronic arts with AI and present a future-facing vision for the digital arts sector.
Hi Dubai
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Dubai
The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 opened today in Dubai, drawing top content creators, decision-makers, and digital media professionals for a powerful close to the Arab Media Summit 2025. Recognised as the region's premier gathering for social media influencers, the summit highlights the evolving role of digital creators and the growing impact of Arab voices across online platforms. This year's final-day agenda features around 45 events, including panel discussions, workshops, keynote speeches, and media dialogues. One of the summit's key moments was a keynote by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Her address focused on 'Media's Role in the Age of Algorithms', offering insights into the intersection of culture, content, and technology. Throughout the day, sessions spotlighted the transformative power of digital media—sharing stories of how influencers have turned passion projects into global brands and community-focused ventures. The summit also hosted the Arab Social Media Influencers Award ceremony, led by the Dubai Press Club. The initiative celebrates individuals who have used digital platforms to drive meaningful social impact across the Arab world. As the Arab Media Summit concludes, the Influencers Summit underscores Dubai's growing role as a hub for media innovation and creative talent in the digital age. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Web Release
07-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Dubai Tops Global Rankings for Cultural and Creative FDI in 2024
Dubai has reaffirmed its global leadership in the cultural and creative industries by ranking first worldwide for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the sector for the third consecutive year. According to the 2024 fDi Markets report, the emirate attracted 971 projects last year—an 8% increase from 2023—securing AED 18.86 billion in capital inflows and generating 23,517 new jobs. This continued dominance in the creative economy highlights Dubai's effective policy environment and future-ready infrastructure. Dubai Culture attributed the achievement to robust legal frameworks, strategic initiatives such as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Creative Economy Strategy, and the emirate's consistent efforts to foster a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem for global creatives and investors. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, described the achievement as a testament to Dubai's growing global competitiveness and enduring appeal. 'Dubai has ranked as the top city worldwide in foreign direct investment projects in the cultural and creative industries for 2024, maintaining its lead for the third consecutive year. Out of 233 cities ranked, Dubai outperformed major global hubs,' Sheikha Latifa said. She underscored the pivotal role of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in shaping the city's vision as a world-class creative capital. His leadership, she noted, has transformed Dubai into a magnet for talent, innovation, and bold ideas. 'We take pride in every individual who chooses Dubai to realise their boldest dreams,' she added. 'FDI plays a vital role in driving comprehensive and sustainable development, affirming Dubai's leading role on the global cultural map.' The city's evolution into a creative powerhouse is underpinned by a supportive regulatory environment, investment in digital and cultural infrastructure, and a dynamic artistic ecosystem that fuels innovation and economic diversification. According to the Creative Dubai 2024 Impact Report , the creative sector contributed AED 21.9 billion to Dubai's economy in 2022, representing 4.6% of the emirate's GDP. The sector employs over 175,000 individuals and continues to play a critical role in shaping both cultural expression and economic resilience. Globally, the cultural and creative industries account for 3.1% of the world's economy, with revenues estimated at $2.3 trillion. Leading nations such as China, the USA, Italy, Hong Kong, and Germany dominate creative exports. In the MENA region, the UAE has emerged as the frontrunner, with creative goods and services exports valued at $13.7 billion—surpassing peers such as Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. These figures reinforce Dubai's position not only as a regional leader but as a pivotal contributor to the global creative economy. Dubai's prowess extends beyond the creative industries. In 2024, the city was named the world's top destination for greenfield FDI projects across all sectors for the fourth consecutive year, based on fDi Markets data from the Financial Times Ltd. Dubai attracted AED 52.3 billion ($14.24 billion) in estimated FDI capital—a record 33.2% increase from AED 39.26 billion ($10.69 billion) in 2023. The city launched 1,117 greenfield FDI projects in 2024, the highest number in its history. In total, 1,826 FDI projects were announced, up 11% from 2023, marking another historic milestone. This investment surge translated into 58,680 new jobs, a 31% rise year-on-year, reaffirming Dubai's role as a global magnet for capital, talent, and innovation. Dubai's commitment to nurturing its cultural and creative sectors aligns with broader national goals to diversify the economy, empower creative entrepreneurs, and build sustainable global partnerships. Through initiatives like the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, the emirate is positioning itself as a future-forward city that seamlessly blends culture, commerce, and innovation. By cementing its leadership in creative FDI, Dubai is not only elevating its international stature but also creating a blueprint for cities worldwide aspiring to unlock the economic potential of creativity.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai retains top global position for attracting Greenfield FDI Projects
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), affirmed that Dubai's continued rise as a leading global hub for the creative economy reflects the far-reaching vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. She noted that Dubai's top global ranking for the number of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) in 2024 — as reported by the Financial Times' 'fDi Markets' and its 'Creative Industries Cluster' classification — reaffirms the emirate's pioneering role in shaping a sustainable, innovation-driven creative economy. Dubai retained its position as the top global destination for attracting Greenfield FDI projects in cultural and creative industries among 233 cities in the report for the third year in a row, surpassing major cities such as London and Singapore. This achievement was driven by the emirate's strong performance across sub-sectors within the broader cultural and creative industries ecosystem. In 2024, Dubai attracted 971 projects in the sector, with total FDI capital inflows reaching AED18.86 billion, resulting in the creation of 23,517 new jobs. Flexible government policies contributed to boosting FDI flows into the cultural and creative industries and strengthening Dubai's position as an attractive destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and owners of innovative initiatives and projects. These include Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025 issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, regulating the operation of free zone establishments within Dubai. The resolution allows them to expand their business outside the free zone, provided they obtain the necessary permits from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The resolution aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which focuses on building a dynamic business ecosystem in line with the leadership's vision to enhance competitive advantages and further improve the efficiency of local and international companies in the city. Another example is the 'Zero Government Bureaucracy' (ZGB) programme, which aims to simplify and reduce government procedures, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and enhance efficiency, quality, and flexibility in government performance across the UAE, positioning it as an attractive destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. In addition, the recent introduction of the International Art Fairs Grant by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) offered financial support to Dubai-based galleries participating in art fairs abroad. Sheikha Latifa affirmed that Dubai's forward-looking strategies and progressive policies have been instrumental in deepening its cultural and economic diversity, transforming it into a global hub for business, creativity, and innovation and one of the world's most desirable cities to visit, live, and work in. 'Guided by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has succeeded in building a dynamic cultural ecosystem; one that inspires creativity, welcomes talent from across the world, and fuels innovation at every level. Through strategic planning and pioneering initiatives, Dubai has cultivated an environment that empowers creatives, investors, and entrepreneurs to realise their ideas and turn them into impactful, sustainable projects that enrich the emirate's cultural fabric.' She highlighted that Dubai's ability to maintain its top ranking in attracting FDI in the cultural and creative industries signals investor confidence in the city's long-term vision. 'FDI is not only a catalyst for economic growth but also a gateway to inclusive, long-term development. Dubai's success reflects its stature on the global cultural map and its reputation as a destination where ambition meets opportunity. Supported by world-class infrastructure, strategic positioning, and strong economic fundamentals, Dubai continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities for investment and talent,' she said. She further noted that Dubai's performance across key areas of importance to the investor, including technological and innovation capabilities, efficient regulatory frameworks, financial mobility, government transparency, and investor protection, has reinforced its position as a global leader in trade, tourism, and investment, with the cultural and creative industries forming a core pillar of this continued success. According to data from the Dubai FDI Monitor, released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and based on the Dubai Framework for Cultural Statistics, the emirate attracted 971 projects in the cultural and creative industries sector in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year's 898 projects. These projects generated a capital inflow of AED18.86 billion (a nearly 60% rise), and created 23,517 new jobs in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023. This growth was driven by expansion in sub-sectors including advertising and PR; custom computer programming services; education and institutions in CCI domains; CCI business services; filmmaking, media and gaming; software design specialising in advanced technologies, including AI, machine learning, digital engineering and cloud solutions; and paint, coating and adhesive manufacturing. The United States topped the list of countries for FDI capital inflows into Dubai's cultural and creative industries in 2024 with 23.2%, according to the Dubai FDI Monitor and the Dubai Framework for Cultural Statistics, followed by India (13.4%), the United Kingdom (9.4%), Switzerland (7.6%), and Saudi Arabia (4.8%). India topped the list in terms of the number of FDI projects in the cultural and creative industries in 2024 with 18.8%, followed by the United Kingdom (16.3%), the United States (14.2%), Germany (4.2%), and Italy (3.7%). These results reflect Dubai's targeted strategies and focus on these markets as key partners. India also led in job creation through FDI in CCI projects with 18.5%, followed by the United States (14.6%), the United Kingdom (13.6%), Germany (4.3%), and France (4%). Data from the Dubai FDI Monitor, according to the Dubai Framework for Cultural Statistics, showed that greenfield wholly-owned FDI projects accounted for 76.5% of the total FDI projects in the registered sectors in 2024, while new forms of investment made up 15.4%, reinvestment projects 5.6%, and merger & acquisition projects 2.4%. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, 'Dubai's global leadership in attracting greenfield FDI — including in the cultural and creative industries — is a direct outcome of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the disciplined execution of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. As we advance toward our goal of solidifying Dubai's position among the world's top three urban economies, the creative economy has emerged as a strategic growth enabler, enhancing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and reinforcing Dubai's role as a magnet for top-tier talent and international investment. Our regulatory clarity, robust IP protection, and adoption of frontier technologies such as AI are enabling this sector to integrate with high-impact industries including media, advanced manufacturing, and tourism, creating economic value at scale.' Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, emphasised that Dubai's top ranking in the number of FDI projects reflects its flexibility and promising investment environment that encourages creativity, as well as the strength of its legal framework that has enabled the establishment of a progressive cultural ecosystem capable of attracting entrepreneurs and creatives worldwide. She said, 'Dubai continues to cement its leadership as one of the most prominent global hubs for FDI in CCI, thanks to its future-forward vision and ability to diversify its economy. Its innovative strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the emirate among the world's top three urban economies, and the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which seeks to increase the contribution of the creative sector to Dubai's GDP to 5% by 2026, are helping expand opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and creatives in the cultural and creative industries. This is reflected in the findings of the 'Creative Dubai: Navigating Tomorrow's Creative Landscape' report launched by Dubai Culture in December 2024 to provide a data-driven analysis of the performance of the creative economy in Dubai and its diverse investment opportunities.' Dubai's success in attracting global creative investments underscores the significance of its investment ecosystem, the evolution of its regulatory frameworks, and its dedication to fostering innovation. As the sector continues to grow rapidly, the emirate remains a magnet for global capital and a vibrant cultural scene, reinforcing its position as a global hub for the creative economy.
Hi Dubai
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Leads Global Cities in Attracting Creative Industry Investments in 2024
Dubai has once again claimed the top spot globally for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in cultural and creative industries (CCI), according to the Financial Times' fDi Markets report. This marks the third consecutive year the emirate has outpaced 233 cities, including London and Singapore, reinforcing its status as a global hub for creativity and innovation. In 2024, Dubai attracted 971 CCI-related Greenfield FDI projects—an 8% increase from the previous year—resulting in capital inflows of AED18.86 billion and creating over 23,500 new jobs. The city's performance was driven by growth in diverse sub-sectors, including digital media, software design, AI, advertising, and education. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, attributed this continued success to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She highlighted Dubai's evolving creative ecosystem as a catalyst for long-term economic and cultural development. Key policy reforms also played a critical role. Measures such as Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025—allowing free zone businesses to expand operations citywide—and initiatives like the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme have streamlined regulations and boosted investor confidence. According to the Dubai FDI Monitor, the United States led in capital inflows, while India topped both project count and job creation. Greenfield investments dominated the sector, accounting for over 76% of all FDI activity in CCI. Officials emphasized that Dubai's regulatory clarity, innovation-focused strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and strong IP protections continue to attract global talent and investment. With ambitions to make the creative sector contribute 5% to GDP by 2026, Dubai is well on its way to becoming one of the world's top three urban economies. News Source: Dubai Media Office
