Special Features
Dubai Cultural Council
In order to develop in the real sense, every society needs to strike a balance between its material, intellectual and cultural aspirations.For many years now, Dubai has been driven by its relentless pursuit of commercial viability. So much so that the very essence of the emirate has become symbolic of its commercial success. Although the economic progression of the emirate has been nothing short of a miracle yet it represents a one diemensional picture that does little justice to its cultural history and heritage, the artistic and literary leanings and the cultural yearnings of its people. The scenario has emerged not due to the lack of cultural conciousness but rather due to the lack of concerted efforts.
The establishment of the Dubai Cultural Council represents an important step in striking a balance between the commercial and cultural striving, giving a renewed impetus to the efforts and more so, at evolving an strategic plan for the cultural progress of the country and Dubai specifically.
On January 12, 2004, H.H Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, issued a decree for the establishment of the Dubai Cultural Council. The ruling defines the aims of the Council and sets out guidelines for its role in the development of various dominions of artistic and literary expressions.
The determination to improve the cultural scene in the emirate has the active support of H.H Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. Shaikh Mohammad’s support reflects his long cherished desire to enrich and broaden the cultural panorama of the country, specifically Dubai.
The emirate boasts a rich legacy of contributions from its various organisations like the Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Owais Cultural Foundation and Juma Al Majid Heritage and Cultural Center. In addition, Dubai is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity as reflected by the various libraries, art galleries, theatres, and museums.It also possesses the infrastructure needed to support the cultural vision of its leadership.And as the emirate is increasingly assuming a greater cosmopolitian character, its emergence as the cultural hub of the region would be a well deserved progression.
The role of the Dubai Cultural Council is to facilitate the realisation of this vision.The Council aims to achieve this through extending support and encouragment to all the efforts (individual and organisational) directed towards cultural development,coordinating and colloborating with various governmental departments and cultural organisations and more importantly through a strategic intregation of all the endeavours with the broader aim of evolving an active and vibrant cultural canvas that truly embodies the dynamic and progressive spirit of Dubai.
The Dubai Cultural Council is located at the Twin Tower on Baniyas Street. Tel: 04 2222201.
