emirates7 - Throughout 2024, the United Arab Emirates experienced a vibrant cultural resurgence, solidifying its reputation as a global hub for culture, creativity, and talent.
The UAE continued to position its cultural sector as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, while demonstrating a steadfast commitment to preserving and sharing its heritage through a variety of festivals, events, and activities held nationwide.
Key Milestones in 2024
National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity: The UAE Cabinet approved this program, elevating the UAE Medal for Culture and Creativity to the prestigious UAE Order for Culture and Creativity.
Arts Sector Empowerment: A federal decree-law was issued to regulate non-profit artistic institutions and introduce benefits designed to support artists and the broader creative sector.
Cultural Developments
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the UAE announced the formation of the UAE National Orchestra. This initiative celebrates the nation’s musical heritage while integrating contemporary global music styles, reinforcing the arts’ role in shaping identity and fostering unity.
Significant archaeological discoveries also enriched the nation’s cultural narrative:
- At Al Dour Cave in Fujairah, artefacts such as stone tools, animal bones, and fireplaces were dated to between 13,000 and 7,500 years ago.
- Bronze Age relics were uncovered at Umm Al Nar in Abu Dhabi.
- Roman gold coins were unearthed at Tell Abraq in Umm Al Qaiwain.
Museum Openings
Noor & Salam Museum, Abu Dhabi: Located at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, this museum offers five interactive sections that utilize advanced technologies to display rare artefacts.
Dubai Photography Museum: The first of its kind in the UAE, this museum aims to document the history of photography regionally and globally, while showcasing a unique collection of artefacts.
Rankings and Achievements
- The UAE ranked first among Arab nations and 26th globally in the 2024 Global Knowledge Index (GKI), reflecting its achievements across various fields of knowledge.
- The eighth Reading Challenge saw record participation, with over 28.2 million students, 229,000 schools, and 154,000 supervisors involved.
Literary and Cultural Events
- The Sheikh Zayed Book Award expanded its international footprint, receiving over 4,000 submissions from 75 countries, including first-time entries from Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali.
- The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair hosted 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 112 countries, drawing 1.82 million visitors and maintaining its status as the largest global book fair for buying and selling publishing rights for the fourth year running.
- The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomed 200,000 visitors and featured 1,350 publishers from 90 countries.
Dubai Cultural Grant Programme
A standout initiative of 2024 was the launch of the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme. With a budget of AED180 million over ten years, the programme aims to bolster the cultural and arts sectors, supporting creative communities across the UAE—particularly in Dubai—and empowering local talent across a variety of cultural and creative industries.
The UAE continued to position its cultural sector as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, while demonstrating a steadfast commitment to preserving and sharing its heritage through a variety of festivals, events, and activities held nationwide.
Key Milestones in 2024
National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity: The UAE Cabinet approved this program, elevating the UAE Medal for Culture and Creativity to the prestigious UAE Order for Culture and Creativity.
Arts Sector Empowerment: A federal decree-law was issued to regulate non-profit artistic institutions and introduce benefits designed to support artists and the broader creative sector.
Cultural Developments
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the UAE announced the formation of the UAE National Orchestra. This initiative celebrates the nation’s musical heritage while integrating contemporary global music styles, reinforcing the arts’ role in shaping identity and fostering unity.
Significant archaeological discoveries also enriched the nation’s cultural narrative:
- At Al Dour Cave in Fujairah, artefacts such as stone tools, animal bones, and fireplaces were dated to between 13,000 and 7,500 years ago.
- Bronze Age relics were uncovered at Umm Al Nar in Abu Dhabi.
- Roman gold coins were unearthed at Tell Abraq in Umm Al Qaiwain.
Museum Openings
Noor & Salam Museum, Abu Dhabi: Located at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, this museum offers five interactive sections that utilize advanced technologies to display rare artefacts.
Dubai Photography Museum: The first of its kind in the UAE, this museum aims to document the history of photography regionally and globally, while showcasing a unique collection of artefacts.
Rankings and Achievements
- The UAE ranked first among Arab nations and 26th globally in the 2024 Global Knowledge Index (GKI), reflecting its achievements across various fields of knowledge.
- The eighth Reading Challenge saw record participation, with over 28.2 million students, 229,000 schools, and 154,000 supervisors involved.
Literary and Cultural Events
- The Sheikh Zayed Book Award expanded its international footprint, receiving over 4,000 submissions from 75 countries, including first-time entries from Albania, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mali.
- The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair hosted 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 112 countries, drawing 1.82 million visitors and maintaining its status as the largest global book fair for buying and selling publishing rights for the fourth year running.
- The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomed 200,000 visitors and featured 1,350 publishers from 90 countries.
Dubai Cultural Grant Programme
A standout initiative of 2024 was the launch of the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme. With a budget of AED180 million over ten years, the programme aims to bolster the cultural and arts sectors, supporting creative communities across the UAE—particularly in Dubai—and empowering local talent across a variety of cultural and creative industries.