Dubai has unveiled the Arab Cities Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) Index, a first-of-its-kind framework to quantify the role of culture and creativity in urban development across the Arab region.
The launch took place at the 2026 World Governments Summit, held in Dubai from 3 to 5 February.
Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) in partnership with UNESCO, the Index offers a data-driven approach to cultural policymaking, positioning culture as a strategic pillar for economic resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. The tool allows Arab cities to benchmark their creative ecosystems against global standards while reflecting regional realities.
The Index was formally introduced during a panel featuring Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG; Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture; and UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez. The discussion highlighted the Index’s potential to guide public investment, foster regional collaboration, and strengthen creative economies.
“By providing measurable insights, the Index empowers governments to integrate culture into governance and economic planning,”
said Dr. Al Marri. He added that the initiative supports diversification into creative industries while increasing international visibility for Arab cultural ecosystems.
Dubai has already embraced the framework, leveraging its knowledge- and innovation-driven economy to nurture talent and attract creative entrepreneurs.
“The Index is a strategic tool for assessing and developing the creative ecosystem across the region,”
said Hala Badri.
The Arab CCI Index adopts a city-level approach, enabling policy and investment prioritization while promoting regional collaboration. With annual updates and long-term knowledge support, the Index is set to become a central reference for cultural governance, urban planning, and economic development in the Arab world.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
