Dubai launches Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio
New initiative targets infrastructure, funding, talent and market access
DUBAI – Dubai has launched the ‘Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio’, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the emirate’s cultural and creative industries as part of broader economic support measures, with a total value of Dh1 billion, announced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The initiative was introduced by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in her role as Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The portfolio is designed to reinforce Dubai’s creative ecosystem by improving resilience, enhancing adaptability and supporting long-term growth across cultural and artistic sectors. It brings together a structured framework that connects infrastructure, funding, talent development and market access under a unified approach.
Five Pillars
The portfolio is built around five interconnected pillars: Cultural Infrastructure, Creative Production, Participation and Audiences, Talent Development, and Cultural Impact. These components collectively aim to reinforce the creative ecosystem by addressing both immediate needs and long-term opportunities.
Each pillar focuses on a specific area of development, ensuring a balanced approach that supports infrastructure, funding, skills and market access. The framework is designed to enhance adaptability across the sector while encouraging sustained expansion.
Infrastructure access
Improving access to physical spaces is a central element of the initiative. Through the Cultural Infrastructure pillar, free multi-purpose venues will be made available in collaboration with partners including Dubai Municipality, Dubai CommerCity, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Holding Asset Management, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai South.
Additional workspace will also be offered through Letswork, alongside dedicated facilities within Dubai Culture’s own assets. These measures aim to reduce barriers to entry and provide creatives with platforms to showcase their work and expand professional networks.
Funding streams
The Creative Production pillar introduces targeted financial support to stimulate artistic output. Key components include the Dubai Cultural Grant, a micro-grants programme in partnership with Art Jameel, and a micro-commissioning initiative with Luxuriant Design, founded by Saeed Saif Al Ketbi.
An additional exhibition grant linked to Art Dubai will provide further opportunities for creatives to present their work to wider audiences. These funding mechanisms are intended to support innovation and enable new projects across artistic disciplines.
Talent growth
Talent Development focuses on strengthening skills and connecting creatives to markets. The initiative builds on existing programmes, including an e-learning partnership with LinkedIn, alongside workshops, training courses and cultural activation initiatives.
By enhancing professional capabilities, the programme aims to ensure that creatives are equipped to respond to evolving industry demands while accessing broader opportunities.
Audience reach
The Participation and Audiences pillar is designed to expand visibility for creative work. Promotional support will be provided across digital platforms, while retail and exhibition opportunities will be facilitated through the ‘Ma’an’ programme by Majid Al Futtaim, offering complimentary spaces within its properties.
This approach is intended to strengthen engagement between creators and audiences, while opening new commercial pathways for cultural enterprises.
Cultural Impact
The Cultural Impact pillar seeks to integrate art into everyday urban spaces. In collaboration with PHI Advertising, creative works will be displayed on outdoor billboards across Dubai, effectively transforming public areas into platforms for artistic expression.
This effort supports wider engagement with culture while reinforcing Dubai’s identity as a dynamic and accessible creative hub.
Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio
The portfolio emerged as a key outcome of a workshop organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation. The session brought together stakeholders from across cultural, heritage and creative sectors to explore ways of strengthening resilience and readiness.
The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with each stage introducing new programmes that expand access to funding, infrastructure and market opportunities. Agreements with public and private sector partners are expected to support coordinated implementation across the ecosystem, aligning with Dubai’s broader economic support strategy.