Latest news with #SheikhaLatifabintMohammedbinRashidAlMaktoum
Arabian Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Strengthens Global Lead in Creative Sector Investment
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has solidified its position as the premier global destination for greenfield foreign direct investment in the cultural and creative industries , securing the top spot in the Financial Times' fDi Markets ranking for the third consecutive year. In 2024, the emirate attracted 971 CCI projects, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. These ventures brought in AED 18.86 billion in capital inflows, a surge of nearly 60% compared to 2023, and generated 23,517 new jobs, reflecting a 9% year-on-year rise. ADVERTISEMENT The report evaluated 233 cities under the 'Creative Industries Cluster' classification, with Dubai outperforming major global hubs such as London and Singapore. Key growth areas within Dubai's CCI sector included advertising and public relations, film and media production, gaming, education, and advanced software design. According to the Dubai FDI Monitor, greenfield, wholly-owned ventures constituted 76.5% of all projects, while new forms of investment accounted for 15.4%, reinvestment 5.6%, and mergers and acquisitions 2.4%. Flexible government policies have played a significant role in boosting FDI flows into the CCI sector, enhancing Dubai's appeal to investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, stated, '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.' The United States led in terms of FDI capital inflows into Dubai's CCI sector in 2024, contributing 23.2%, followed by India , the United Kingdom , Switzerland , and Saudi Arabia . In terms of the number of FDI projects, India topped the list with 18.8%, followed by the United Kingdom , the United States , Germany , and Italy .
Hi Dubai
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Wins Bid to Host 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art
Dubai has secured the prestigious role of hosting the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), further cementing its status as a global cultural and creative hub. The announcement came at the close of this year's ISEA event in Seoul, South Korea, recognising Dubai's vibrant arts scene, world-class infrastructure, and commitment to innovation. The bid was championed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating it reflects Dubai's growing influence in the global art and digital innovation sectors. She attributed the city's cultural ascent to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. ISEA, founded in 1988 and currently managed by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, is a leading international platform where artists, technologists, and academics converge to explore the intersection of art, science, and technology. Previous host cities include Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona. The 2026 symposium will run from April 10 to 17 under the theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.' It will feature workshops, panels, and exhibitions across Dubai's cultural landmarks, attracting hundreds of international participants. The event aligns closely with Dubai Culture's strategy to boost the digital arts sector and foster collaboration across disciplines. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, noted that hosting ISEA will enhance Dubai's creative ecosystem, cultural tourism, and global partnerships. Zayed University's Acting Vice President, Professor Michael Allen, expressed pride in co-organising the event and supporting future-ready creative leadership. The symposium's discussions will focus on themes such as digital identity, intercultural dialogue, environmental sustainability, and the evolving relationship between technology and humanity — shaping the future of digital arts on a global stage. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Al Etihad
30-05-2025
- 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
28-05-2025
- 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.
