AED 1 Billion Programme Expands Creative Sector Support in Dubai

A new AED 1 billion support programme is being introduced across Dubai to expand access to funding, infrastructure, training, and market opportunities for the city’s creative industries. The Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio is structured around five areas: cultural infrastructure, creative production, participation and audiences, talent development, and cultural impact. The framework is designed to support different stages of creative work, from development and production to exhibition and audience engagement.
Under the cultural infrastructure component, free multi-purpose venues will be made available to creatives at locations including Expo City Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai South. These spaces are intended to support exhibitions, production, and collaborative projects.
Creative production will be supported through a range of funding and commissioning programmes. These include the Dubai Cultural Grant, a micro-grants initiative developed with Art Jameel, alongside a micro-commissioning programme and an exhibition grant delivered in partnership with Art Dubai.
The programme also introduces measures to expand visibility for creative work. As part of the cultural impact pillar, selected projects will be displayed on outdoor billboards across the emirate, while promotional campaigns across digital platforms aim to increase audience reach and engagement.
Retail and exhibition opportunities will be supported through Majid Al Futtaim’s Ma’an programme, which provides free space within its properties for creative use. This is intended to create additional commercial pathways for artists and designers. Talent development initiatives include an e-learning programme in partnership with LinkedIn, alongside workshops, training courses, and cultural activation programmes. These are designed to connect creatives with markets while strengthening professional skills.