Dubai unveils major initiative to support artists, creative industries

Dubai has unveiled a comprehensive programme designed to enhance the creative sector's adaptability and long-term growth.

The initiative, called the 'Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio', was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

It's in line with the recent directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to provide support measures for the economic sector, with a total value of AED1 billion.

The new programme will help creative professionals, artists, cultural institutions and small businesses by improving access to funding, workspaces, training and market opportunities.

It aims to strengthen Dubai’s creative economy and support its role as a key contributor to the emirate’s development.

The portfolio is built around five main areas: cultural infrastructure, creative production, participation and audiences, talent development, and cultural impact.

These include free multi-purpose venues for creatives, affordable workspaces, grant programmes, public art displays, and partnerships with both public and private sector organisations.

Sheikha Latifa said the initiative reflects Dubai’s focus on creativity as a sustainable economic driver and highlights the importance of investing in people and talent as part of the city’s future growth.

In line with the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed to provide support measures for the economic sector, with a total value of AED1 billion, Latifa bint Mohammed launched the ‘Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio’.https://t.co/JhTxvEzEcl pic.twitter.com/OrDQurDtOU

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 29, 2026

The programme will be delivered in phases, with each stage introducing new measures to strengthen the sector’s resilience and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for culture and creativity.

The Cultural Infrastructure pillar focuses on access to spaces and assets. Free, multi-purpose venues will be made available to members of the creative community in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, Dubai CommerCity, House of Arts at Expo City Dubai, Dubai Holding Asset Management, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai South.

Dubai Culture will also make dedicated space available within its own assets, with affordable workspace offered through Letswork, enabling creatives to showcase their work and build professional networks that support their visibility.

The Creative Production pillar supports funding and commissioning. It brings together the Dubai Cultural Grant, a micro-grants programme with Art Jameel, a micro-commissioning programme with Luxuriant Design (founded by Emirati entrepreneur Saeed Saif Al Ketbi), and an exhibition grant with Art Dubai.

The Talent Development pillar links creatives to audiences and markets. Building on existing efforts, the e-learning initiative will continue in partnership with LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, alongside cultural activation programmes, workshops, and training courses. 

The Participation and Audience pillar covers promotional and media support across digital platforms to spotlight local talent, with retail and exhibition opportunities made available through Majid Al Futtaim's 'Ma'an' programme, which offers complimentary spaces within the group's assets.

The Cultural Impact pillar turns Dubai into an open-air gallery. Working with PHI Advertising, creative works will be displayed on outdoor billboards across the emirate, bringing art into the public realm and reinforcing the city's identity.