Dubai Culture partners with Expo 2020

Hala Badri, the director general of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority signs an agreement with the EXPO 2020 Dubai team to become official cultural supporter of the event

A top-class creative offering awaits millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai, with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) named as an Official Supporter in a nod to the growing local art scene.

Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the organisation will play a crucial role in promoting and enhancing the UAE’s vibrant arts scene, with Expo 2020 providing the ideal platform to showcase creativity and foster global cultural collaboration.

The tie-up will support a range of exciting initiatives to be launched in the run-up to Expo 2020, including an Expo-led and community-centred art programme and Dubai Culture’s annual Sikka Art Festival. Dubai Culture will also run promotional campaigns for Expo 2020, as well as organising various art and heritage initiatives, further enriching Expo 2020’s creative offering during the six months of the event

Sheikha Latifa said that Expo 2020 will reflect Dubai’s global leadership in innovation and future foresight. The convergence of ideas from millions of visitors representing over 192 countries worldwide at this exceptional platform, she explained, would catalyse the interconnectedness of societies and nations enabling creativity and progress towards a brighter future for all, celebrating human achievement and innovation under its motto: ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Sheikha Latifa added: “Our partnership with Expo 2020 puts culture at the forefront of this event with a host of initiatives, programmes, and creative work environments that manifest Dubai’s vision as the city of the future. It will strengthen the UAE’s international standing, enrich its cultural portfolio, and promote its rich heritage and legacy for the prosperity of future generations and the happiness of our residents and visitors.”

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, also emphasised the importance of this partnership in bolstering the UAE’s position as a global cultural destination and a unique capital of art and creation. A number of initiatives designed to enhance the Expo 2020 visitor’s cultural experience would also contribute to Dubai’s growing position as a global centre of the creative economy.

Badri said: “This collaboration will help Dubai achieve its vision in making the city a global cultural centre and hub for talent. Our vision is to develop Dubai’s creative infrastructure to nourish talent and serve the art community. By working together, we also look forward to providing millions of visitors to Expo 2020 with an unprecedented rich cultural experience.”

With its new vision launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in September 2019, Dubai Culture seeks to make Dubai a global centre for arts and culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent. By supporting the growth of the creative industries and backing the new wave of cultural movement in the Emirate, the Authority also aims to establish Dubai as a primary destination for cultural talent.

The collaboration with Dubai Culture is one of many, as Expo 2020 draws on local, regional and international expertise to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime event for millions of visitors with the aim of building a long-lasting legacy beyond the event.

From 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai will welcome the world to celebrate creativity, innovation and culture. Its theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, reflects Expo 2020’s vision for a better future for our planet. With 192 participating countries and an expected 25 million visits, it will be the largest event ever held in the Arab World.