Al Quoz will be transformed into one of the largest creative hubs in the world

A master plan to transform Al Quoz Creative Zone into one of the largest creative hubs in the world has been approved by the region’s top committee, it was announced on Sunday.

The plans, which were drawn up by Dubai Municipality, were given the go-ahead by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and a member of the Dubai Council.

A detailed plan has been proposed to develop community infrastructure, its utilities and spaces over the next four years, creating a supportive ecosystem for creatives and entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Currently, the neighborhood is one of the most popular among artists, as it is home to a plethora of community spaces, including Alserkal Avenue, where art galleries, creative coworking spaces and local restaurants converge.

“Launched as part of our management’s vision to transform Dubai‘s creative economy and increase its contribution to local GDP, the project creates a model for future creative areas in Dubai,” said Sheikha Latifa.

“The development of the area will further strengthen the emirate’s position as a regional and global destination for creatives. In addition to providing an exceptional infrastructure, we are also committed to putting in place a policy framework that will allow the creative industry to thrive. The implementation of the master plan will once again demonstrate the spirit of partnership that has driven Dubai’s remarkable development over the past decades.

Increase creativity

Al Quoz Creative Zone will be one of the largest such communities in terms of coverage area and scale of creative activity.

It aims to accommodate a wide range of creative activities and will include profitable living and working spaces for artists, professionals and entrepreneurs, eventually providing accommodation for over 8,000 people and attracting around 33,000 people daily. .

When complete, the number of creatives settling in the area is expected to increase from 900 to 20,000. The number of creative spaces will increase eightfold, while leisure and support services will triple and business opportunities will expand. by 30%.

Priority will be given to pedestrian areas. Spaces will include those designed to host events and activities, while outdoor public spaces will also feature entertainment and attractions, as well as places for rest, recreation and art exhibitions.

Connect the hub

Preliminary plans have been drawn up for the technical infrastructure networks.

A guide is also provided for its development so that it also preserves the industrial identity of Al Quoz, as well as uses the existing warehouses and transforms them into spaces to accommodate creative activities and businesses.

The first phase of the plan includes the integration of flexible mobility and public transport, including linking Al Safa metro station and Al Quoz bus station to the area, with four-kilometre pedestrian, cycle and transport lanes, three transport hubs and a bridge for cyclists and walkers above. Al-Manara Street.

Phase two moves into the development of public spaces and site coordination, while phase three includes the placement of public art in the area.

No completion date has been announced.

Focus on creative industries

Cultural and creative industries are high on the UAE’s agenda, following the launch of the UAE’s Cultural Agenda 2031 in 2018, the first national strategy to unify efforts in the sector.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, which has hit the creative industries hard, the country launched the National Creative Relief Fund to mitigate its financial impact.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, reiterated the country’s focus on creative industries last week during the Unesco World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – Mondiacult 2022 at the Mexico.

“The UAE has recognized the growing power of cultural and creative industries within the wider economy, as well as their vulnerability to unpredictable events,” she said. “The ICC contributes 3.5% of the UAE’s GDP and is expected to reach 5% by 2031. In this context, we have quickly adapted our strategy and policy work in this area accordingly, both at federal and local. .”

Updated: October 02, 2022, 11:09 a.m.