Promoting our national heritage and preserving and documenting our history and traditions for future generations is of utmost importance to preserving our national identity, said Sheikha Maryam Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during the inaugural Cultural Councils Initiative meeting.

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development hosted the Cultural Councils Initiative, a sector-focused platform aimed at driving discussions amongst industry stakeholders to further the creative and cultural industries in the UAE.

The meeting saw the three councils meet for the first time namely, the Heritage Council, the Arts Council, and the Cultural and Creative Industries Council.

Sheikha Maryam, the Chairperson of the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, added, “These cultural councils will not only highlight the local cultural scene and enhance its presence through local and international platforms, but will also play a major role in stimulating the cultural landscape for further development and encouraging participation in all sectors.”

Tasked with providing impetus to the cultural and creative industries across the UAE, the Cultural Councils will focus on championing culture by putting forward legislations, policies and initiatives that drive growth in the sectors.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said, “This initiative launched by the Ministry is a step towards enabling the cultural and creative industries and encouraging innovation.

“Innovation is the key to our nation’s future, and it is a shared responsibility of every citizen in the nation, especially the youth. The development of practical strategies and mechanisms that allow cooperation in each creative sector will support leaps in legislations, investment opportunities, technological advances, educational and financial growth.”

For her part, Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, said, “The UAE continuously strives to lead as a global example of an innovative and diverse creative and cultural industry that is integrated and fully supported.

“The launch of the Cultural Councils Initiative marks a new phase for the future of our creative and cultural industries and aims to provide further support to our valued partners and stakeholders towards an assembled effort in fostering and nurturing talent and institutions.