Dubai Culture Launches AED180 Million Grant Programme to Empower Creative Industries

Dubai has unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at transforming its cultural landscape and supporting creative talent.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, announced the launch of the ‘Dubai Cultural Grant’ programme, which will allocate AED180 million in grants over the next decade. The programme seeks to position Dubai as a global cultural hub while nurturing local talent across a range of creative industries.

The grants will support visual arts, performing arts, literature, heritage, gaming, culinary arts, and more. Starting this year, 18 grants totaling AED12 million will be distributed annually to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the cultural sector.

Key initiatives include the Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme, which enables Emirati artists to engage with global peers at the Venice Biennale, and the Etihad Museum Research Grant, which awards AED50,000 annually for research into Emirati identity. Other highlights include the Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform, focused on sustainability in art, and the Maison & Objet UAE Designers Showcase Grant, which promotes local designers on international stages.

Sheikha Latifa emphasized that the programme aligns with Dubai’s vision to inspire creativity, attract global talent, and enrich the city’s cultural economy. "Knowledge, skill, and creativity lie at the heart of our progress," she remarked.

Collaborations with organizations like Art Dubai and the Emirates Literature Foundation further extend the grants’ reach, offering opportunities for Emirati authors, artists, and chefs to showcase their work internationally.

With this initiative, Dubai Culture reinforces its commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem that delivers lasting value for both local and global communities.

News Source: Emirates News Agency