Mohammed bin Rashid Reviews Cultural District Project in Dubai South

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the cultural district project. WAM
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the cultural district project. WAM
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Mohammed bin Rashid Reviews Cultural District Project in Dubai South

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the cultural district project. WAM
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the cultural district project. WAM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the cultural district project, located within the Azizi Venice community in Dubai South, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Launched by Azizi Developments, the project aims to enrich Dubai’s cultural and art landscape and foster innovation in the creative sector, WAM said.

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, on the key components of the project which seeks to strengthen Dubai's position as a global cultural hub and improve its ranking in global competitiveness indices. The unique project reflects Dubai's commitment to nurturing creative talent, reinforcing its reputation as a leading destination for creatives worldwide.

Aligned with the aims of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, the cultural district project in Dubai South supports the leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into a global creative economy capital. By fostering a supportive environment for creatives, investors, and entrepreneurs, the project aims to drive global leadership in culture and creativity. Creative business incubators that use advanced technology to empower creatives and enhance the sector’s global competitiveness are central to this initiative.

The cultural district in Dubai South will feature a collection of exceptional facilities, including an opera house, theater, exhibition halls, and a performing arts academy. Designed to enrich Dubai's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, the project is poised to attract artists and creatives from around the globe. Seamlessly blending art and culture, the upcoming district promises to be a vibrant hub, enriching the lives of Dubai South residents through diverse activities and experiences.



Saudi Culture Minister Lauds Cabinet for Naming 2025 the 'Year of Handicrafts'

The Ministry of Culture logo
The Ministry of Culture logo
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Saudi Culture Minister Lauds Cabinet for Naming 2025 the 'Year of Handicrafts'

The Ministry of Culture logo
The Ministry of Culture logo

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has commended the Cabinet's decision to declare 2025 the "Year of Handicrafts,” acknowledging the significant cultural value handicrafts have had in Saudi culture for many years.

The move also highlights the creativity that sets the unique handicraft industry apart and showcases the talent of Saudi craftsmen to the global community.

Prince Badr expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support for culture and arts.

Their patronage, he said, has elevated Saudi culture, solidified its roots and unique elements, and enabled the world to see the best of it.

"At the Ministry of Culture, we are working to instill pride in our national identity and all its associated cultural elements, whether tangible or intangible. This is one of the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, under Saudi Vision 2030, which has prioritized national identity and Saudi culture as ambitious goals," said Prince Badr.

He stressed that the "Year of Handicrafts" initiative will help celebrate this essential component of highly significant cultural and artistic value that is the cornerstone of national identity.

"Saudi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society, encompasses textiles, handicrafts, and artistic creations that have been passed down from generation to generation. These include pottery, clothing, beadwork, copper products, sewing, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry making,” he added.

During the "Year of Handicrafts,” the Ministry of Culture will work to increase the visibility of Saudi handicrafts both at home and abroad, and enable Saudi artisans to display their creations at events and activities in the Kingdom and the world over.

The initiative also aims to increase the contribution of Saudi handicrafts to the local economy and to raise awareness about their cultural, historical, civilizational, and economic significance.