New committee appointed to oversee development of Al Quoz Creative Zone
In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the capital of the global creative economy by 2025, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has now approved the formation of the committee that will oversee the development of the Al Quoz Creative Zone. The committee aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a regional and international hub for the creative economy within the framework of an integrated system for advancing Dubai’s comprehensive economic progress.
The members of the committee include His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), who will be the Vice Chairman of the Committee. Other members include His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy; His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism); Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture; and His Excellency Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group (wasl Properties).
Her Highness said that further members will be added to the Committee as the development of the Al Quoz Creative Zone progresses. The newly announced Zone seeks to create an integrated, dynamic and creative hub as well as an incubator for designers and innovators as part of a comprehensive ecosystem system being developed to support their work, ranging from the conceptualisation of creative and cultural projects to the design, production and promotion of creative products.
The committee will empower local creative talent, attracting experts and creative institutions from across the world, facilitating their business operations in Dubai, and enhancing the profile of Dubai’s creative scene locally, regionally and globally.
Al Quoz Creative Zone aims to create a cohesive ecosystem that supports creatives and entrepreneurs wishing to set up ventures or invest in the creative economy. Dubai Culture has already undertaken several initial steps to implement the project, including a comprehensive study to create the framework for the development, management and operation of the new Zone and explore different approaches to providing the optimal living and working environments for creatives and innovators.
In the next phase, the committee, in cooperation with government, semi-government and private entities, experts and consultants, and representatives of the creative sector, seeks to develop the mechanisms, strategies, legislative frameworks, regulations and policies to enhance the ease of doing business in the creative field. The committee will also streamline the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure speedy and efficient implementation of plans. It will expedite the submission of proposals and recommendations on developing creative multi-use spaces for creators in the Al Quoz Creative Zone and develop a series of incentives and facilities to help individuals and institutions in the creative sector operate effectively and grow their businesses.
