Dubai plans to double creative companies

Dubai has launched a new strategic programme to double the number of companies working in content, design and culture. The aim is to position Dubai as the global capital of the creative economy.

Prime Minister of the UAE announced that the number of creative companies will double from 8,000 to 15,000 in the next five years. The number of creative individuals is set to double from 70,000 to 150,000.

The strategy will increase awareness of the talent and opportunity for creative innovation in Dubai, while further fuelling economic value and investment. Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made the announcement via twitter.

“We have creative complexes in design, content, culture, arts, etc…We will launch others. We have set a goal to raise the contribution of this sector within our gross domestic product from 2.6 per cent to 5 per cent. The UAE is a global economic capital and creativity is part of our economy, our quality of life and a major driver for the future of our country,” says Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Alongside the aim to double the creative industries GDP in Dubai, this strategic move will enhance the country’s reputation as a diverse capital with specialities in a number of sectors outside of the financial and business services.

The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy will also build the legal and investment environment necessary to facilitate this growth in creative industries. This will lead to an increase in jobs through market growth.

The strategy involves a number of partnerships and will be implemented by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority