Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum convened a cross-sector dialogue on cultural resilience during the ‘Creative Sector Resilience’ workshop, organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation. Held at the Etihad Museum, the session brought together stakeholders from across Dubai’s arts, heritage, and creative industries.
Coordinating a Resilient Creative Ecosystem
The workshop forms part of Dubai Culture’s broader strategy to reinforce continuity and preparedness within the emirate’s creative economy. By assembling leaders from cultural institutions, creative organizations, and supporting service sectors, the initiative established a platform for coordinated dialogue. As a result, the session emphasized collaboration as a central mechanism for navigating uncertainty.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed said, “Moments like these remind us of the importance of coming together with openness and a shared sense of responsibility; the strength of this sector lies in its people and their ability to continue building momentum even in times of uncertainty. Dubai’s creative sector has always demonstrated resilience, not in reaction to change but as part of a sustained, progressive approach rooted in adaptability and partnership.”
“Guided by a clear leadership vision that places people, stability, and progress at its core, we remain focused on safeguarding what we have built while continuing to invest in its future. By working together, and by approaching this period with confidence and coordination, we will continue to strengthen our creative ecosystem and ensure that it remains dynamic and forward-looking,” she added.
From Dialogue to Strategic Frameworks
The session focused on identifying current challenges while outlining actionable responses. Through structured discussion, participants examined short-term priorities alongside longer-term scenario planning. Consequently, the workshop aimed to translate dialogue into measurable outcomes that support sector resilience.
Hala Badri emphasised that adaptability defines Dubai’s cultural strategy, highlighting the importance of preparedness and informed decision-making.
She said, “Addressing periods of change requires clarity of vision, early preparedness, and informed decision-making grounded in a deep understanding of the sector and its evolving needs. Through this workshop, we are working to translate dialogue into practical steps that support continuity, strengthen performance, and ensure long-term growth.
“At Dubai Culture, we remain committed to fostering an enabling environment that empowers talent and provides meaningful platforms for creatives to advance their work and contribute to a dynamic, sustainable ecosystem,” she added.
She pointed out that the workshop created a shared space for collaboration, bringing together voices from across the emirate to exchange perspectives, address current challenges, and build solutions that anticipate future needs.
Technology, Innovation, and Future Readiness
The role of technology and cross-sector innovation emerged as a key theme. Khalfan Belhoul highlighted the importance of aligning creative industries with broader economic transformations.
He added, “This workshop reflects the Dubai Future Foundation’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders across Dubai’s creative ecosystem to strengthen the sector’s readiness for future transformations and unlock new opportunities, particularly as technology continues to expand its role and reshape connections across multiple economic sectors.”
The session convened voices from both public and private sectors, reflecting the breadth of Dubai’s creative landscape. Discussions centered on shared understanding, coordinated action, and forward-looking strategies. As a result, the outcomes will inform a sector readiness brief and a coordinated action plan, supporting both immediate continuity measures and long-term development.
Ultimately, the workshop underscores Dubai’s ongoing investment in its cultural infrastructure. By prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and innovation, the initiative positions the emirate’s creative sector to remain resilient within an evolving global landscape.