Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) revealed that the performance of its cultural assets in Dubai showed a remarkable recovery following a difficult year imposed by the repercussions of COVID-19 on the world. The Authority’s museums, heritage sites and public libraries attracted more than 521,000 visitors in 2021. Statistics conducted by Dubai Culture showed that museums, heritage sites and public libraries in Dubai are still gaining momentum as touristic, cultural and educational destinations for the public, including UAE citizens, residents and visitors. In 2021, the total number of visits to these sites was 521,753; heritage sites topped the list, recording 50% of total visitors, followed by libraries, with 39%, and museums at 11%. Muna Faisal Algurg, Director of the Museums Department and Acting CEO of the Culture & Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed that despite the conditions and repercussions imposed by the pandemic on the cultural and creative sector around the world, Dubai Culture adopted an effective methodology in dealing with the imposed challenges through digital offerings such as virtual tours, workshops, activities, and educational lectures across those sites. Following the lockdown period, Dubai Culture succeeded in reigniting the cultural movement in the emirate and keeping the audience in touch with the history of Dubai and its cultural landmarks. The Authority also ensured the implementation of all the precautionary measures and precautions to guarantee workers and visitors of those sites the highest levels of protection. Algurg indicated that the performance of museums and heritage sites in the emirate is on its path towards a full recovery at a time when the world’s museums are still suffering from the repercussions of the pandemic. Based on a report issued by …
Read More »Dubai Culture launches Faces of Hatta project to document its history and culture
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has announced a documentary project titled Faces of Hatta. This launch of the project, which follows Her Highness’s recent visit to Hatta, aims to record the oral history and cultural heritage of Hatta, drawing from the oral narratives of people who have witnessed its evolution, with the objective of preserving and transmitting it to future generations. Speaking about the importance of the project, Muna Faisal Al Gurg, Director of the Museums Department in Dubai Culture, said, “The documentation that will be done in Hatta is an important initiative to demonstrate how stories help create, foster and sustain communities. This will contribute to enriching the documentation of Dubai’s culture and spreading awareness about Emirati customs and traditions. This project is aligned with our mission to preserve and celebrate Emirati heritage and preserve it for future generations.” Al Gurg added, “We have developed a plan to roll out the project in phases. The first phase, which has already started, features a series of interviews with leading figures in the Hatta community. We believe this oral history project will provide researchers, historians and other users of this content a deep understanding of Hatta’s distinctive cultural heritage and history.”
Read More »Al Hai Art Project brings out the cultural heritage of Dubai
Al Hai project in partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Emaar. Featuring immersive, innovative and sustainable art installations that were four months in the making, Al Hai is electrifying the buzzing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, opposite the Address Downtown hotel, through specially installed lights and clever use of shadows. Commenting on Dubai Culture’s participation in this initiative, Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said, “Dubai Lights is an innovative event that aligns with the aspirations of our inspiring leadership and reflects the keenness of Dubai Culture to collaborate with various government and private agencies to enrich the cultural and aesthetic scene of our emirate.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Al Hai is a wonderful and intriguing addition to the packed lineup of entertainment and activities on offer throughout this edition of DSF. The artistic project truly captures the essence and unique nature of the traditional Emirati neighbourhoods that can be found across Dubai by inviting visitors to explore their unmistakable landmarks and architectural features through the highly innovative use of immersive lighting techniques.“AlHai’s light creations will be instantly familiar to long-time Dubai residents and also welcoming to visitors who will be able to stroll through an entire neighbourhood just by following the different installations in place along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.”
Read More »New Cultural Visa signed between Dubai Culture and GDRFA
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) signed a partnership agreement with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), in line with the implementation of the cultural visa initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen joint work and cooperation between the two parties. His Excellency added that the Authority seeks to enhance the cultural and social identity in the UAE, as well as enhance Dubai’s position as a global cultural destination, by attracting creative talents and enabling their participation in society, creating a supportive environment for them in line with UAE Vision 2021 for a competitive economy driven by knowledge and innovation. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said, “The agreement also seeks to accelerate progress in Dubai at a pace that would match the aspirations of our inspiring leadership. It also supports the Authority’s endeavours to upgrade the level of services it provides to its customers, whether internal or external, in line with the corporate priorities of Dubai Culture’s updated strategic roadmap that comprises a pillar for excellence in institutional performance as well as across institutional culture and service delivery levels.” Badri added, “The agreement will also allow both parties to cooperate in issuing cultural visas and laying the foundations, standards and controls for issuing residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs and creative people in the fields of culture and arts. This is consistent with our efforts to establish an environment that encourages the attracting, retaining and empowering of global talent, strengthening the emirate’s position on the world’s cultural map.”
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