Dubai Hosts 2024 World Cities Culture Summit, Highlighting Future

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

The 2024 World Cities Culture Summit, held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, recently concluded in Dubai. Organized under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the summit showcased Dubai’s dedication to cultural development and its vision of becoming a global center for creativity and talent. The event marked a milestone for the region, further establishing Dubai as a prominent destination for international cultural engagement.

Held under the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?” the summit welcomed delegates from over 36 cities worldwide, fostering discussions on the intersection of culture and urban development. Across three days, participants engaged in lively panel discussions, interactive sessions, and private meetings, all aimed at exploring how culture can drive innovation and support the future of urban communities. With 141 delegates in attendance, this year’s summit was the largest edition yet, underscoring the global interest in leveraging culture to shape resilient, forward-thinking cities.

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Her Highness Sheikha Latifa underscored the summit’s role as a global forum for examining the transformative potential of culture in advancing urban development and sustainability. She remarked that Dubai’s successful hosting of the summit not only reinforces its status as a leading global cultural destination but also aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who aims to position Dubai as a global hub for culture and creativity.

The summit presented an opportunity for representatives to share best practices and insights on empowering young creatives, fostering global partnerships, and investing in the creative economy. “The summit highlighted the transformative power of culture in fostering meaningful global dialogue, contributing to the development of cultural policies, and creating diverse solutions that attract talent. This approach enables communities to tackle global challenges and paves the way for future generations to shape the cultural cities of tomorrow,” Her Highness said.

In a landmark move, Her Highness launched the ‘Future of Education in the Creative Economy’ global report, which emphasizes the importance of education in the creative industries to fuel a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. This report delves into the evolving educational landscape within the creative sector, stressing that investing in education is crucial for the sustained growth of the global creative economy.

Among the summit’s unique initiatives was the launch of the Night-Time Policy Accelerator, developed in collaboration with Dubai Culture, the World Cities Culture Forum, and VibeLab. This initiative aims to promote vibrant night-time economies by creating new standards for cultural policies, supporting night-time activities that enhance cities' economic and cultural vitality. Additionally, Community Jameel, a summit partner, introduced the Healing Arts Scotland Report, showcasing the positive impact of integrating arts into public health policy. This initiative, developed by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab with the World Health Organization, addresses health disparities for over 5.4 million people through the transformative power of the arts.

Throughout the event, delegates participated in 30 diverse sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and challenge sessions. Topics ranged from the role of youth in shaping cultural policies to the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural policymaking. Conversations also focused on the importance of creative districts in fostering urban innovation, cultural approaches to climate solutions, and sustainable funding models for cultural projects. These sessions underscored the importance of providing future generations with the skills and tools needed to tackle pressing global challenges.

Dubai Culture also led an engaging session titled ‘Tomorrow’s Talent: What Do Creatives Need from Cities?’ attended by more than 250 participants, focusing on supporting creatives through access to affordable spaces, advanced technology, and education. This session provided a platform for cultural leaders and young talents to exchange ideas and identify ways to make cities more inclusive and supportive of creative pursuits.

Reflecting Dubai’s commitment to sustainability, the summit adopted eco-friendly practices to minimize its carbon footprint. Initiatives included eco-friendly transportation, recycling stations, a 50% plant-based menu, and a reduction in printed materials in favor of digital tools like electronic registration and a summit app. In partnership with The Waste Lab, Dubai Culture implemented additional sustainable measures such as energy and water conservation, reduced single-use materials, and carbon offsetting through Ghaf tree planting and renewable energy projects in the UAE.

The summit also featured cultural performances and art installations showcasing Dubai’s rich heritage and the diverse talents of its local artists. Notable works included ‘Desert Tradition Craft’ by Roudha Al Shamsi, ‘Mountain Tradition Craft’ by Alia Ghubash, and an innovative light installation by Alia Al Sanad inspired by Arabic calligraphy. Emirati talents like Dr. Afra Atiq, poet and musician Arqam Al Abri, and the Emirati Youth Symphony Orchestra delivered captivating performances that celebrated the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Dubai Culture also collaborated with Watani Al Emarat to enlist volunteers who served as cultural ambassadors, reflecting Emirati values of community and responsibility. These volunteers provided guidance to international delegates, offering insights into Dubai’s cultural identity and helping guests navigate the summit experience.

As the summit drew to a close, Dubai Culture organized cultural tours for attendees to explore the city’s iconic sites, from Expo City Dubai to natural attractions in Hatta, including scenic hikes, kayaking, and a visit to the Hatta Heritage Village. Through these tours, delegates experienced the blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and innovative architecture that make Dubai a unique cultural destination.

The 2024 World Cities Culture Summit not only highlighted Dubai’s cultural vision but also reinforced the role of culture in connecting global cities. By fostering partnerships, sharing insights, and creating platforms for creative dialogue, Dubai is shaping a future where culture is at the heart of urban transformation. The summit’s success solidifies Dubai’s position as a leading cultural and creative hub, paving the way for future cultural collaborations and innovation across the world.

Nov. 5, 2024 10:17 a.m. 586

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