Dubai has launched an ambitious strategic program to transform the emirate into a global hub for creativity by doubling the number of companies specializing in content, design, and culture by 2025. EuroNews interviewed several specialists in its program "Business Line" to discuss the topic. The creative economy in Dubai is expected to account for 5% of the GDP in the future. Dubai aims to increase the contribution of the creative economy to the country's GDP from 2.6% to 5%. New creative areas have also been established for cultural content, design, and arts.
The creative economy strategy seeks to double the number of creative and cultural companies operating in the sector from the current 8,300 to 15,000 over the next four years, while increasing creative jobs from 70,000 to 140,000. Amer Yahya, Head of Customer Experience at "Virtuzone," which is based in Dubai, states, "It is very encouraging to see Dubai supporting these kinds of initiatives to attract foreign companies, as well as supporting local talents in the creative sector."
He adds, "We haven't faced any obstacles while working; it's very easy to navigate, recruit, hire people, and invest in terms of rental and expanding your business." From "Virtuzone" to "Ava," a fashion brand that began as a side project in 2013 and rapidly expanded into a fashion line with independent stores, now selling in international stores. Co-founder Ahmad Ammar says, "We do everything in Dubai; I don't outsource anything. I brought my entire team to Dubai from various nationalities, embroiderers, artisans, and all the tailors, even the design team that helps us. We have our workshop and production factory in the UAE. We do everything here, even the fabrics we buy are available in the market here."
The creative economy strategy also aims to support creative minds in producing new and exciting concepts. Co-founder of the "Ava" brand, Vincenzo Visiglia, mentions, "It's amazing for us because I believe the fashion industry in Dubai is still new. We feel that the community and local customers really support local designers rather than designers from abroad. I always say if you're a pioneer, you will succeed."
Dubai has been enhancing its creative economy by establishing cities like Media City, Production City, and Dubai Design District. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, has launched the Al Quoz Creative Zone, a place where artists and designers can live, work, and create, as part of the strategy to move forward.
