During the meeting, held at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority's headquarters, both leaders delved into initiatives aimed at fostering stronger ties between Dubai and Uzbekistan. The conversation underscored the growing importance of the creative economy, with particular attention given to the role of arts, culture, and tourism in enhancing the bilateral relationship. The focus was on cultural exchange programs, tourism development projects, and the potential for joint ventures that would benefit both countries' economies and global cultural positioning.
Sheikha Latifa emphasized Dubai's vision to be a global hub for cultural and creative industries. She highlighted the city’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and its support for emerging cultural talent. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has long championed initiatives designed to promote artistic expression and cultural diplomacy, positioning Dubai as a leader in the creative sector. This meeting represents another step in the city’s strategy to form valuable partnerships with countries that share similar goals of cultural enrichment and tourism growth.
Umerova, in turn, presented Uzbekistan’s plans for its creative economy, detailing efforts to integrate more cultural elements into the country’s tourism sector. With Uzbekistan’s rich history, culture, and architecture, the country has immense potential to attract international visitors. Umerova spoke of the country's efforts to restore historic landmarks, develop cultural tourism infrastructure, and create a conducive environment for the creative industries to thrive. As the Uzbek government seeks to tap into global markets, these efforts are seen as pivotal in driving the nation's long-term cultural and economic objectives.
One key area of potential collaboration discussed was the promotion of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage to Dubai’s multicultural audience. Sheikha Latifa expressed a keen interest in the idea of hosting cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and performances that would bring Uzbek culture to the UAE. This could include art shows, theatre productions, and traditional music performances, which would align with Dubai's strategic objectives to support global artists and diverse cultural expressions.
The collaboration aims to strengthen tourism ties between the two nations. Dubai has long been a key destination for global tourists, and with Uzbekistan looking to increase its international tourism appeal, the partnership is expected to pave the way for joint marketing campaigns. These efforts could help Uzbekistan showcase its unique tourism offerings, such as Silk Road heritage sites, ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, and the country’s diverse natural landscapes.
Discussions also centred around the digital transformation of the creative industries. Both sides acknowledged the growing importance of technology in art and culture. The use of digital platforms to reach global audiences was highlighted as a way to further advance both countries' creative economies. Dubai’s investment in the digital and creative industries has set the city apart as a trailblazer in incorporating technological advancements into cultural and artistic expressions.
Topics
UAE