Dubai to host World Cities Culture Summit in MENA region for the first time

The World Cities Culture Summit is an annual three-day gathering for member cities of the World Cities Culture Forum. It serves as a platform for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and best practices in cultural policymaking. Through collaboration with city partners, the summit engages in comprehensive research endeavors, establishing a robust foundation of evidence to underscore the multifaceted influence of culture on global cities and the lives of their residents.

Comprising over 40 cities worldwide, the World Cities Culture Forum stands as the most significant international network shaping arts and culture policies. Its objective is to emphasize culture as a pivotal force driving societal and economic growth, highlighting the role of culture in cities and the creation of sustainable urban centers.

Honorable Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Member of the Dubai Council, expressed that hosting this summit further solidifies the emirate’s position as a global cultural destination. This aligns with Dubai’s commitment to building a knowledge- and innovation-based sustainable creative economy.

She added, “Hosting the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit is a testament to the visionary aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.”

Sheikh Latifa emphasized the summit’s significance as an international platform that brings together cultural experiences, creative innovations, and scholarly research to envision the future of cities through culture and creativity. Additionally, the summit aims to consolidate efforts to enhance the quality of life across communities and better equip them to navigate future changes.

Hala Badri, director-general of Dubai Culture, highlighted that Dubai’s hosting of the World Cities Culture Summit fosters the establishment and development of a global network of relationships, encouraging new cultural partnerships that enhance Dubai’s leadership and global standing.

Badri stated, “Hosting the World Cities Culture Summit reflects the visionary approach of Dubai’s wise leadership and contributes to driving the city’s cultural and developmental journey. The summit represents an international platform highlighting Dubai’s efforts to preserve cultural and human heritage and create new opportunities for creative talent to engage with international networks.”

Founded in 2012 by the Mayor of London to coincide with the London Olympic Games, the World Cities Culture Forum started as a network of eight global cities. Over the last decade, it has grown to include 40 global cities spanning six continents, collectively representing 172 million people. Dubai joined the forum in 2020, with representation by Dubai Culture, making Dubai and Abu Dhabi the only Arab cities within the forum.