Dubai to Host MENA's 1st World Cities Culture Summit

Dubai Culture has announced that this year's forum carries the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape our World?” WAM
Dubai Culture has announced that this year's forum carries the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape our World?” WAM
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Dubai to Host MENA's 1st World Cities Culture Summit

Dubai Culture has announced that this year's forum carries the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape our World?” WAM
Dubai Culture has announced that this year's forum carries the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape our World?” WAM

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced that the World Cities Culture Summit 2024 is set to take place from October 30 to November 1, under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture.

Dubai Culture has announced that this year's forum carries the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape our World?”, inspired by global cities' efforts to engage youth and future generations in reshaping urban life through innovative solutions that contribute to a cultural legacy for the future, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The summit’s discussions will spotlight the efforts of participating cities to support the creative economy, invest in cultural and creative industries, and nurture talent, providing opportunities for the next generation to contribute to the cultural future of cities. The summit will also provide cultural and creative city leaders with a vast platform to exchange ideas and knowledge, exploring the role of culture in shaping sustainable future cities.

The summit’s global agenda, with its opening ceremony to be held at the Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest open-air heritage museum, will feature a number of closed sessions discussing the role of youth in global cultural policies, models for funding cultural projects, the role of artificial intelligence in cultural policymaking, the contribution of creative districts to urban innovation, the integration of culture in healthcare, and leveraging culture to address climate issues, WAM said.

Additionally, the summit will showcase strategies developed by cities worldwide to empower the next generation to develop skills and utilize advanced technology to face future challenges. Dubai Culture will also offer one public session discussing how cities, the next generation, and cultural professionals need to thrive in a digital, global, and rapidly changing world.

Several international speakers are scheduled to participate in the Ideas for Tomorrow sessions, presenting their visions for the future of culture. The summit will also witness the launch of the third round of the Leadership Exchange Program supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, fostering cooperation and developing exchanges between cities.



Arab Week at UNESCO Strengthens Saudi Arabia's Position in Cultural Dialogue

The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters
The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters
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Arab Week at UNESCO Strengthens Saudi Arabia's Position in Cultural Dialogue

The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters
The UNESCO logo is seen during the opening of the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at their headquarters in Paris, France, Oct. 30, 2017. Reuters

The Arab Week will open on Monday at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris.

The event plays a significant role in advancing Arab and international cultural and civilizational efforts, contributing to the progress of education, culture, and science at regional and global levels.

This is the first time in over half a century that Arab countries have organized an Arab Week at UNESCO. The event is spearheaded by the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, which reinforces the Kingdom's position in regard to cultural dialogue and coexistence.

The event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world through literature and arts. It also provides opportunities for intercultural dialogue, with all Arab countries showcasing the richness and diversity of Arab culture and civilization, promoting intercultural understanding, and contributing to cultural development.
Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of the Arab culture. Seven seminars will focus on topics such as Arabic language, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic literature, AI, education, fine arts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage.

The Arab Week will also be an occasion to display activities such as musical performances, handicrafts, Arab fashion, and Arab cuisine. Attendees will also have the chance to explore a cultural exhibition, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, a photography exhibition of heritage sites in the Arab world, and an exhibition of Arab cultural products.

The committee's work aims to represent the Kingdom in regional and international organizations concerned with education, culture, communication, and information. It focuses on preparing and providing support for cooperation with international and non-profit organizations, building communication bridges, and leveraging all capabilities to foster initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue between Arab countries and the rest of the world. This effort culminates in the significant initiative of Arab Week at UNESCO, which has received the support and endorsement of the Arab countries, and which will highlight their historical diversity and cultural pluralism, as well as their values rooted in a rich cultural and civilizational heritage.