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| Department of Culture and Tourism (Dubai) | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | Department of Culture and Tourism (Dubai) |
| Native name | دائرة الثقافة والسياحة - دبي |
| Formed | 2012 |
| Preceding1 | Dubai Culture |
| Preceding2 | Dubai Tourism |
| Jurisdiction | Dubai |
| Headquarters | Dubai International Financial Centre |
| Chief1 name | Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum |
| Chief1 position | Chairman |
| Parent agency | Government of Dubai |
Department of Culture and Tourism (Dubai) is an emirate-level authority responsible for cultural policy, heritage preservation, arts promotion, and visitor economy strategy in Dubai. It combines functions formerly held by Dubai Culture and Dubai Tourism to administer museums, festivals, and destination marketing alongside heritage sites and creative industries. The agency interacts with international organizations, state entities, and private institutions to position Dubai as a global hub for heritage, arts, and hospitality.
The agency was established through a merger that followed policy directions from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and executive decrees associated with the development trajectory of Dubai alongside initiatives like the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Dubai Strategic Plan. Early antecedents include institutions such as Dubai Culture and Dubai Tourism, and projects linked to the expansion of Dubai International Airport, the development of Palm Jumeirah, and the construction of precincts around Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. The formation coincided with major events including Expo 2020 Dubai, the staging of Dubai Shopping Festival, and collaborations involving entities such as Dubai World and Nakheel. The agency’s timeline intersects with cultural infrastructure projects connected to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood conservation, establishment of museums akin to the Etihad Museum and enhancement of sites proximate to Alserkal Avenue and Jumeirah Mosque.
Leadership is appointed by emirate authorities and linked to ruling family offices such as those of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The structure integrates directorates comparable to cultural heritage units found in institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi partnership framework, museum management teams resembling those at the Dubai Museum, and marketing divisions akin to those at VisitBritain and Tourism Australia. Administrative arrangements coordinate with statutory bodies including Dubai Development Authority, Dubai Cultural Council, and municipal departments like Dubai Municipality. Boards and advisory councils draw expertise from figures connected to UNESCO, the World Tourism Organization, and cultural academies similar to the Royal Academy of Arts.
The agency’s remit encompasses heritage protection of places like Al Fahidi Fort, arts commissioning comparable to public programs at the Tate Modern, and event programming similar to the Venice Biennale. It regulates licensing activities in coordination with entities like Dubai Chamber of Commerce and supports creative-sector initiatives analogous to those by the British Council and the Asia-Europe Foundation. Responsibilities include overseeing museums in the style of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi proposals, conserving archaeological sites, and promoting festivals with the scale of the Dubai International Film Festival and Art Dubai. It also implements policies parallel to destination management organizations such as VisitDubai partners, liaises with airlines like Emirates (airline), and aligns development with projects by developers such as Emaar Properties and Meraas.
Programming spans heritage restoration projects in historic districts inspired by the work of ICOMOS and curatorial collaborations reminiscent of exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Smithsonian Institution. Initiatives include artist residencies comparable to those at Delfina Foundation, public art commissions like urban projects seen in Public Art Fund, and education outreach akin to programs by the British Museum. Festivals and events mirror the scale of the Dubai Opera season, collaborations with performing ensembles similar to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and film sector support that echoes programming at the Cannes Film Festival. Youth and craft initiatives reference models from institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Cooper Hewitt.
Tourism strategy encompasses destination branding similar to campaigns by VisitBritain and Tourism Australia, product development involving attractions comparable to Burj Khalifa experiences and leisure offerings on The World (archipelago), and partnerships with hospitality groups like Jumeirah Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Accor. Marketing operations leverage platforms and trade engagement comparable to activities at World Travel Market and ITB Berlin, with research and analytics akin to methodologies used by UNWTO and Euromonitor International. The agency supports inbound promotion linked to events such as Dubai World Cup and trade shows at Dubai World Trade Centre like GITEX and Arab Health.
The portfolio includes historic precincts such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, cultural venues like Dubai Opera, museum spaces comparable to those of Jameel Arts Centre, and heritage sites proximate to Bastakiya. It oversees event venues and public spaces adjacent to developments by Emaar Properties and mixed-use districts like City Walk (Dubai), and works with private collections operating in galleries similar to those on Alserkal Avenue. Assets include conservation projects related to vernacular architecture and intangible heritage practices observed in communities around Deira and Bur Dubai.
International engagement involves collaborations with multilateral organizations such as UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization, bilateral cultural agreements with national institutions like the British Council and the Institut Français, and partnerships with museums such as the Louvre and academic institutions including University of Oxford and New York University Abu Dhabi. Commercial and event partnerships are formed with airlines like Emirates (airline), exhibition organizers like DMG Events, and global arts networks such as Asia Culture Center and the Asia-Europe Foundation. The agency participates in trade forums including Arabian Travel Market and engages with investment entities like Mubadala Investment Company and sovereign funds linked to the emirate.
Category:Culture in Dubai Category:Tourism in Dubai