Creative industries are a key driver of social and economic growth in Dubai. The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy aims to double the contribution of the creative industries to the GDP of Dubai from 2.6 per cent in 2020 to 5 per cent by 2025. It also seeks to more than double both the number of Dubai-based creative companies from 8,300 in 2020 to 15,000 by 2025, and the number of creators based in the emirate, from 70,000 in 2020 to 140,000 by 2025.
In order to realize the goals of the creative economy, Dubai will implement the necessary legal, investment, and technical infrastructure to bolster the creative community within its jurisdiction. It will offer adaptable packages, incentives, and state-of-the-art creative incubators to keep pace with the swift advancements in technology. Additionally, it will cultivate a conducive and invigorating environment wherein creative individuals can synergistically harness their talents to generate enhanced economic value. This will be achieved by fostering the integration of creativity with investment opportunities that yield notable returns.
Dubai began the process of promoting a creative economy a few decades ago with the establishment of sophisticated creative complexes such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Design District. These saw the creative economy contribute 2.6 per cent to Dubai’s GDP by the end of 2021.
Dubai has solidified its position as a prominent global center for culture and investment, securing the first rank in the MENA region and the second rank worldwide for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) during 2021. In 2022, Dubai achieved the highest global standing in attracting FDI projects in the cultural and creative sectors, surpassing renowned cities such as London, Singapore, Paris, and Berlin with an impressive record of 451 projects.
In terms of the number of new employment opportunities in the creative economy, Dubai retained its leading regional status and ranked fourth globally, having generated 6,204 new jobs through FDI. These remarkable outcomes exemplify the maturity and stability of the investment climate within Dubai’s creative economy.
In conclusion, Dubai is a leader both regionally and globally in attracting foreign direct investment in its creative industries.