Dubai Culture announces its participation in Arab Media Forum

The Arab Media Forum is organized by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The 8th edition of the Arab Media Forum addressed the latest developments in the media in the Arab world and beyond.

The Dubai Culture& Arts Authority has participated in the Forum through creating a unique cultural lounge area where visitors were invited to experience the culture, heritage and hospitality of Dubai. The Dubai Culture lounge reflected the theme of a living museum; museum of culture, color, heritage and education spanning the entire foyer area of the Atlantis Hotel. Each section of the lounge featured the four key strategic focus areas of the Authority under the umbrella of culture, such as National Heritage, Visual & Performing Arts, Literature & Poetry and Film & TV.

The Dubai Culture lounge also featured art installations by the Dubai-based artist, Patricia Millns, titled Emra'a, which is the Arabic word for "Woman". The artist's works have been inspired by the complexity and repetition of imagery within Islamic architectural systems and the rich symbolism of the cultural, textile heritage of the region. Her installations represent the Emirati dress, the "Thob", for its cultural significance, containing natural, redolent objects from the Emirati heritage that are integral to the perception of the Arabic woman. The installations added an element of fragrant aromas, stimulating the senses and bringing the experience of the heritage of Dubai to life.

Another feature of the Dubai Culture lounge is the display of images from the 'Royal Photographer' Noor Ali Rashid who has successfully encapsulated Dubai's unprecedented growth and achievements since 1958. The rarely-seen pictures on display are of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late ruler of Dubai, and members of the ruling family of Dubai, depicting an integral part of the National Heritage of Dubai.

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has been created with a vision is to position Dubai as a vibrant, Arabian global city that shapes 21st Century culture and arts in the region and the world. Its mission is to actively support and drive Dubai's development as a dynamic culture, heritage and arts centre by creating an environment that facilitates and inspires cultural activity.

HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the DIFC and Managing Director of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), stated:

"Dubai Culture is playing an active role in encouraging cultural progress and promoting the cultural scene in the emirate by identifying, and nurturing Emirati and local talent and promoting it to the world."

Bin Sulaiman added, "The media is playing a critical educational role in disseminating the availability of information about local talent, events and projects, providing enthusiasts with comprehensive analyses and constructive critiques while spreading awareness and increasing appreciation of cultural activities to the wider public across the region and the world."

"The Arab Media Forum is the central entry in the Arab World's Media calendar of events and sees the annual gathering of top government and business policy-makers as well as influential media personalities from around the world," Dr Omar pointed out.

"As the pre-eminent Authority to enhance the cultural and artistic offering in the Emirate, we are pleased to support and be a part of the Arab Media Forum. A key aspect of the Authority's sponsorship strategy is to create a cultural experience in key events and representing an educational platform where the world can learn and experience the true cultural essence of Dubai," added the Managing Director of Dubai Culture.

The Arab Media Forum brings together an assembly of international, regional and local media under one roof. Dubai Culture has used this prestigious platform provided by the Forum to introduce the Authority and highlight its strategic role in promoting and supporting the cultural, artistic and heritage scene in Dubai. It also aims to draw the attention of the regional and international media to Emirati talent.