Dubai’s cultural and creative industries added Dh21.96 billion to the economy in 2022, contributing 4.6% to the emirate’s GDP, according to data from the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment.
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, introduced a report titled Creative Dubai: Navigating Tomorrow’s Creative Landscape. This is part of efforts to achieve the goals of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy.
The report highlights that 47,544 companies operate in Dubai’s creative industries, employing 175,727 people. In 2023, Dubai attracted 898 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in this sector, bringing in Dh11.8 billion in capital. Dubai also hosts more than 40% of startups in the region’s creative sector that have secured over $1 million in funding, with 306 of these startups based in the city.
Globally, the creative industry represents 6.1% of the world’s economy, valued at $4.3 trillion. In 2021, the UAE’s creative sector was the largest in the MENA region.
The report, created with DinarStandard, a strategy and advisory firm, showcases Dubai’s growth in culture and creativity. It also details the factors driving Dubai’s success and provides an analysis of the sector’s performance and investment opportunities.
Sheikha Latifa emphasized the importance of creativity as a cultural, social, and economic force. She stated, “Dubai’s visionary achievements and vibrant economy have positioned it as a global leader in the creative economy. By offering opportunities for creatives and entrepreneurs, Dubai continues to lead in culture and art.”
The report also underlines Dubai’s efforts to create an integrated ecosystem for the creative sector, supporting all stages from creation to participation. Sheikha Latifa highlighted Dubai’s initiatives in advanced infrastructure, digital solutions, and community engagement to support creative businesses and talent. This approach has strengthened Dubai’s status as a global cultural hub.
Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and cultural environment helped it secure major events like the World Cities Culture Summit 2024 and the ICOM General Conference 2025, both firsts for the region. The city ranked first regionally and fourth globally in the Cultural Interaction parameter of the 2023 Global Power City Index for the second year.
The report identifies future trends for Dubai’s creative sector, including innovation in AI, augmented reality, and blockchain, while focusing on sustainability and preserving cultural identity. It also highlights investment hotspots, affordable tech solutions for small businesses, and a push for hybrid business models combining physical and digital operations.
Additionally, the report emphasizes linking creative industries with education to ensure a steady talent pipeline. Dubai continues to lead in cultural tourism, enriching the economy and quality of life while promoting conservation and urban development.
Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, praised the Creative Dubai report for its insights. She said it inspires Dubai’s creative community to innovate, supporting the sector’s growth and strengthening the emirate’s position as a global hub for cultural and creative industries.
