Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed announces ‘Higher Advisory Committee' for Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

In line with vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as the top cultural destination

Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed announces ‘Higher Advisory Committee' for Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

• To be headed by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation
• Committee to review and drive culture and arts strategy of Dubai

Dubai, UAE; September 9, 2013: In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as one of the world's leading cultural and tourism destinations, His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has announced the formation of a ‘Higher Advisory Committee' within the Authority, to drive the cultural strategy of the Emirate.

The Higher Advisory Committee will be headed by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation. The members are: Mr. Jamal Khalfan Bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation (MBRF); Dr. Rafia Ghubash, Founder of the museum, ‘House of Women'; Mr. Dhaen Mohammed Shaheen, Director General of Publishing, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), and Executive Director and Chief Editor of Al Bayan newspaper; Mr. Abdulhamid Mohammed Juma, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival and Gulf Film Festival; Mr. Ahmed Bin Essa Al Serkal, Chairman of Al Serkal Group; and Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to Dubai Culture and in his capacity as the General Coordinator.

His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has made significant strides in promoting and preserving the city's heritage, with the launch of key initiatives that bring our rich history and culture to the forefront. Through the formation of the Higher Advisory Committee, we are drawing on the collective expertise of veterans to play an integral role in spearheading the growth of the city's cultural scene. The Committee will work to support the Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum by focusing on the cultural aspects of the city, and thereby catering to tourists interested in arts and culture.”

The committee will be responsible for overseeing the improvement and development of the key heritage, culture, and arts sites in Dubai; reviewing the Emirate's culture and arts strategy; and evaluating and analysing upcoming projects related to the promotion and preservation of culture and heritage in the city.

Aimed at developing strategies to encourage and support the need for patronage in the culture and arts industry, the Higher Advisory Committee will also work on initiatives to boost local artistic talent. Dedicated task forces will be set up comprising local and international talent and industry experts, which will undertake a comprehensive review of Dubai's current creative landscape. This will set the platform for the future strategies aimed at strengthening the Emirate's cultural fabric.

Dubai Culture's current repertoire of events and initiatives aimed at fostering a genuine appreciation for heritage, culture, and the arts, include: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards; Dubai Heritage & Marine Festival; Dubai Heritage & Touristic Season; Dubai Centre for Heritage Development; and SIKKA Art Fair, among others.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is committed to cultivating the cultural landscape of Dubai by building on its rich Arabian heritage, nurturing and promoting talent in the field of culture and arts, and encouraging intercultural dialogue between the city's communities.