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
TT

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.



Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
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Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, following a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

In a recent statement, UNESCO highlighted the Moroccan capital's commitment to fostering the book industry and encouraging reading through its 54 publishing houses; it also hosts Africa's third-largest international book fair.

Rabat aims to come up with various initiatives to improve access to books, bolster the local publishing sector, and advance literacy among all age groups and demographics, both nationally and internationally.

The statement added that the celebrations are set to commence on April 23, 2026, coinciding with the World Book and Copyright Day.