Dubai announces AED 180 million cultural grant

In a move to nurture Dubai's cultural and creative communities, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has announced the launch of the highly-anticipated Dubai Cultural Grant programme.

Valued at AED 180 million, the initiative is set to support and empower local talent across a wide spectrum of cultural and creative industries over the next decade, further cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for culture and creativity.

The grant will be allocated to a range of sectors, including visual and fine arts, design, performing arts, culinary arts, public art, digital arts, literature, heritage, gaming, and professional development.

The first year of the programme features 18 grants, totalling AED 12 million, designed to offer transformative opportunities for local talent while driving innovation and collaboration within the creative economy.

The announcement was made at a special event hosted by Dubai Culture at the Etihad Museum, attended by a host of officials, partners, and creative professionals.

Sheikha Latifa shared her confidence in the grant’s potential to ignite a cultural movement in Dubai, stating,

“This initiative is an investment in future generations. Knowledge, skill, and creativity lie at the heart of our progress, and our diverse cultural landscape enriches and inspires our shared journey.”

She emphasized that the programme would not only foster talent but also build strategic partnerships, contributing significantly to the local economy and the global cultural scene.

The Dubai Cultural Grant is part of a broader vision to support the arts and creative sectors, which have become integral to Dubai’s identity and economic growth. From empowering emerging artists to showcasing Emirati talent on international platforms, the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to being a leader in cultural exchange, innovation, and expression.

Among the first projects to benefit from the grant are the Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme, offering ten Emirati artists an opportunity to engage with global artists at the Venice Biennale, and the Etihad Museum Research Grant, which will provide annual funding for researchers exploring Emirati identity.

The programme also supports aspiring chefs through the Emirati Chefs Grant, in collaboration with the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA), and offers young designers the chance to hone their craft through the Talent Atelier Programme, in partnership with L’École, School of Jewelry Arts.

The announcement was made during an event organised by Dubai Culture at Etihad Museum, in the presence of a number of officials, partners, and creative talentsWAM

Additionally, the grant funds initiatives such as the Shatha Essa Kids Pop-Up at Harrods, a milestone event for Emirati childrenswear, and the Quoz Arts Fest, a platform for local artists to engage with the public at Alserkal Avenue. The Dubai Design Week Grants are designed to support Emirati artisans and designers, while the Art Dubai Grants enable local artists to participate in the region’s premier international art fair.

Other highlights include the Maison & Objet UAE Designers Showcase Grant, which will send 15 Emirati designers to Paris to exhibit their work, and the Exporting Local Literary Talent Programme, in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation, which aims to bring Emirati authors to international literary festivals. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like STEINWAY & SONS Dubai, the Piano Camp will offer young musicians intensive training, while the Theatre Accelerator programme will provide specialized training in scenography, sound, and theatrical arts.

The Art + Tech Training Programme, developed under the Sikka platform in partnership with REALIITY, will equip artists with the skills to integrate technology into their practice, enabling them to create digital art installations that contribute to the city's growing tech-art scene.

With these initiatives, the Dubai Cultural Grant is set to catalyse a new chapter in the city’s cultural evolution, providing invaluable support to artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all disciplines. Sheikha Latifa's vision is clear: Dubai is not just a city for the future, but a global incubator for creativity and culture, where talent from every corner of the world is nurtured, celebrated, and empowered.