Sheikha Latifa Meets Uzbek Creative Economy Official at ICOM Dubai 2025

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, met with Gagane Umerova, Head of the Department of Creative Economy and Tourism at the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025).

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the conference is being hosted for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, marking a major milestone for the global museum and cultural sector.

The meeting was attended by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture; and Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of Museums and Heritage at Dubai Culture.

During the discussions, both sides explored avenues to strengthen cooperation in the cultural and creative industries—an increasingly vital sector serving as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and cultural expression. They emphasized the shared national priority of expanding opportunities for creative talent, entrepreneurs, and emerging industries in both countries.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan, tracing back to centuries of exchange along the historic Silk Road, which connected diverse peoples through craftsmanship, ideas, and artistic heritage. She stressed that this legacy continues to inspire modern collaboration as both nations work to build creative and culturally vibrant ecosystems.

She also underscored the importance of empowering young creatives by fostering enabling environments that support the next generation of artists, designers, and cultural practitioners. She affirmed that both countries have a pivotal role in elevating creative voices on regional and global platforms.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa reiterated that investing in the creative economy is not only a matter of economic development but also of cultural preservation and innovation, helping shape a future where culture and creativity act as bridges between societies.