Sheikha Latifa Reviews Major Progress of Al Quoz Creative Zone

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), chaired a high-level meeting to review the latest milestones of the Al Quoz Creative Zone Development Project, underscoring its achievements since its launch in 2021 and its growing contribution to Dubai’s cultural and creative economy.

The review highlighted the zone’s continuing success in attracting entrepreneurs, creatives and talent across diverse fields, supported by its dedicated creative spaces, investment opportunities and enabling environment. Officials noted that the zone has evolved into a dynamic hub that empowers creatives to develop projects, express ideas and contribute meaningfully to Dubai’s ambition of becoming a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.

Sheikha Latifa met with members of the project’s Higher Committee as part of her ongoing oversight of the transformational initiative that has repositioned Al Quoz from an industrial district into a vibrant centre of creativity and innovation, fully aligned with Dubai’s Creative Economy Strategy.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders, including Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Vice Chairman of the Committee; Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai; Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture; Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl Asset Management Group; and Mansoor Lootah, CEO of the Corporate Enablement Sector and Chief AI Officer at Dubai Culture.

Vision-driven growth

Sheikha Latifa reaffirmed that Dubai’s forward-looking strategies and policies continue to strengthen its cultural and economic diversity, enhancing its global competitiveness and appeal as a destination to live, work and innovate. She emphasized that the emirate, inspired by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and guided by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has built a dynamic ecosystem that empowers creatives and entrepreneurs through opportunities, infrastructure and support mechanisms.

Commending the progress of the Al Quoz Creative Zone, Sheikha Latifa said the project reflects Dubai’s leadership in cultural development and its ability to translate ambition into tangible impact. She noted that global experience has consistently shown that investment in culture and creativity remains one of the most influential drivers of sustainable development — a principle well demonstrated by the zone’s success.

Strong economic and creative indicators

Since its launch in April 2021, the Al Quoz Creative Zone has delivered more than 30 major projects and initiatives designed to strengthen the infrastructure supporting creative talent. Incentive packages exceeding AED 68 million have been introduced to support creative enterprises.

The zone recorded robust economic activity, issuing 3,527 new business licences and witnessing a five-fold increase in new and renewed licences. More than 6,400 creative jobs were generated, while 352 creatives showcased their work across 215 events that attracted over 82,000 participants.

The zone’s development has been supported by infrastructure improvements, including stormwater drainage systems, enhanced mobility networks, shaded rest areas, pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as the completion of the master plan and Development Guidelines guiding urban growth and private-sector development.

Expanding creative ecosystem

A series of initiatives and programmes were launched to strengthen the creative community, including the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, Makers Month, the Mobtakir Diploma for prototype design, and major cultural events such as the Al Quoz Arts Festival. These initiatives aim to support talent, develop skills, and foster innovation, while celebrating entrepreneurship within Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.

Ongoing development priorities

The zone is currently implementing several critical projects to boost sustainability, strengthen infrastructure and further enhance quality of life. These include upgrades to irrigation and landscaping systems, efforts to address high-risk activity zones in coordination with relevant authorities, and continued facilitation of investor-related procedures, including land-use conversions for creative activities.

Officials said the comprehensive development process aligns with the approved master plan and supports Dubai’s strategic goal of building a globally competitive creative economy.

Sheikha Latifa concluded by reaffirming that the Al Quoz Creative Zone embodies Dubai’s commitment to culture as a driving force for economic diversification, community enrichment and global cultural exchange.