In a bid to evaluate its readiness for the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020, leadership of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) recently conducted field visits to all its key Heritage and culture sites across Dubai. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, along with heads of departments met with the staff at each location and assessed the progress of work being done in order to improve visitors’ journey and experience in readiness for the key global event.

These visits were a part of Dubai Culture’s continuous efforts to support enabling the goals of Dubai Plan 2021, aimed at making Dubai a city of happy, creative, and empowered people, and facilitating the creation of a cohesive and inclusive society under a visionary leadership.

Inspired by the theme of Dubai Expo 2020 ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ Dubai Culture is preparing a strategic plan to promote the cultural, intellectual, and traditional sites to welcome the visitors and participants of the exhibition, with an aim to boost the cultural tourism and creative economy of the Emirate.

Commenting on the visits, Her Excellency Hala Badri said,
“Dubai Culture’s strategic plan will cater to all individuals of the society and will strive to position Dubai as a city for everyone – a city that has an international appeal and welcomes people of all ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities, who work together in harmony to contribute in the success of the Emirate. It is our responsibility to reinforce the foundational values of tolerance, promote cultural expression of the community, and further bolster the thriving creative landscape of Dubai, by bringing everyone together.”

She added, “The site visits by Dubai Culture leadership were conducted to evaluate where we stand in terms of our preparedness for Dubai Expo 2020 and our compliance with the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021. As the Expo 2020 is expected to attract a huge number of visitors, we will put in best efforts to showcase the elements of the cultural heritage of Dubai, in line with the vision of our wise leaders. Dubai Culture’s strategy aims to highlight the traditional treasures and shed a spotlight on the Emirate’s rich history through innovative concepts and creativity.”

The visit included Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – which preserves and presents the past of the Emirate, Dubai Museum – which is home to elements of cultural heritage, Naif Museum – which showcases UAE’s history and heritage, and the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili – a site known for its distinct architectural design, Al Shandagha Museum, along with Dubai Public Library, Al Safa Art & Design Library, Al Mankhool Public Library, Al Ras Public Library, and Umm Suqeim Public Library. The team also visited tenants at Al Fahidi including Alserkal Avenue and XVA gallery. The visit concluded at Al Ahmadiya School which is considered a one of the most important educational institutes of the Emirate.

During these visits Dubai Culture leadership looked into parameters that would improve visitors’ experience and gauged the readiness of these sites to host the Dubai Expo 2020 and fulfil the need to position Dubai as one of the best cities of the world.