Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is highlighting the art and culture landscape of the Emirate, with a special focus on the heritage sites and museums, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, the leading travel industry exhibition in the Middle East, taking place until 1^st May, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai.

The participation, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), aims to underpin the position of Dubai as a city where sectors like culture, arts, heritage, and literature not only contribute to the creative economy, but also help drive tourism in a unique way. Since its inception, Dubai Culture has made 10 years of continuous efforts to cement Dubai’s position as an incubator of arts and culture. Through ATM, Dubai Culture intends to promote the emirate and highlight the potential city holds for exceptional tourist experience, thereby contributing in making it a popular destination among the international travelers.

Celebrating the city’s cultural identity, this participation of Dubai Culture supports the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a city of happy, creative, and empowered individuals, who are proud of their cultural identity. During the course of the event, Dubai Culture will promote the city’s heritage sites, annual cultural calendar, important art events, international collaborations and its future plans to further enhance the visitor-experience with offerings that will appeal to global travellers, especially cultural tourists, who seek authentic cultural experiences.

Dubai Culture is also showcasing Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum, and the Perfume House, which make these venues interesting tourist spots, as they act as a bridge between the past and the present of the country. Dubai Culture has also curated a selection of artworks from Alserkal Cultural Foundation, Tashkeel and Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery, that support local and regional artists, and give them an opportunity to reach the right set of audience. These are on display in the hospitality lounge of Dubai Tourism booth.

Rafia Al Suwaidi, Director of International Relations, Dubai Culture, said, “Dubai Culture’s participation at ATM is an ideal opportunity for us to promote the historic heritage of Dubai and talk about the cultural and creative landmarks of the city in the best way possible. Aim is to convey it to thousands of visitors, who come to the event, from around the world. It is a platform for us to present the traditional elements that support the cultural tourism and the creative economy of Dubai and that have facilitated the journey of Dubai into a world-class metropolis. Dubai is an embodiment of values of tolerance and diversity, as it is home to people from all across the world – this makes the city truly global in nature and hence a place which can offer unmatched tourist experience.”

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “We are pleased to extend our support once again to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority during Arabian Travel Market, as they display works from some of the city’s leading home-grown artists. Celebrating the emirate’s culture and heritage has always been of great importance, our partnership with Dubai Culture allows us to showcase local talent on the Dubai stand, offering our visitors from the global travel industry a glimpse into the rich and diverse arts scene here in the Emirate.”

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the UAE’s rich heritage. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures to enhance Dubai’s position as a creative and sustainable global city for culture, heritage, arts, and literature, with the aim to empower these sectors by developing creative and innovative projects and initiatives locally, regionally, and globally.