Dubai: Law No. (15) of 2014 renames Authority to “Dubai Creative Clusters Authority” with new mandate focusing on fostering growth of creative industries to boost innovation across the Emirate
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, issued “Law No. 15 of 2014 concerning the Creative Clusters in the Emirate of Dubai.
Shaikh Mohammad also issued two decrees appointing Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, as Chairman of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, and Ahmad Bin Byat as Director General of the Authority.
As per the law mentioned above, the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) has announced its new name — Dubai Creative Clusters Authority — and new mandate, — to lead the development of creative industries in Dubai to support the Dubai Strategy for Innovation.
The Authority will drive the growth of Dubai’s creative industries by developing evidence-based policies and programmes to attract, retain and grow creative businesses in Dubai. To meet its objectives, the Authority will actively develop the size and skills of the creative talent pool, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, provide financial support, create joint forums between the creative industries and government, and provide a platform for research, intelligence and advocacy.
The Authority will continue to be responsible for licensing, visa and zoning regulations for the diverse free zone encompassing Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), Energy and Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Design District (d3). These clusters are owned and operated by TECOM Investments, Dubai’s pioneering master developer of industry-focused clusters.
Commenting on the new mandate, Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General, Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, said:
“For 15 years, the Authority has played a vital role in the development of TECOM Investments’ clusters by developing business-friendly licensing and zoning regulations that ensure ease of starting and operating businesses, world-class infrastructure and a high quality of life for the community. With the launch of the Dubai Strategy for Innovation it is important to evolve the role of the Authority to continue to support these clusters and to further develop the creative industries across Dubai.
“Creative industries are fast-evolving and made up of a diverse range of activities which use intellectual capital as their primary input. Ranging from film to design and gaming to architecture these industries generate high-value, highly-skilled and sustainable employment and play a central role in driving innovation and growth, with critical spill over effects for the wider economy. The Authority’s role is to enable creative businesses across Dubai, especially SMEs, to compete on regional and international stages.”
Ali BuRuhaima, Deputy Director General, Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, said: “The Authority’s leadership is very excited about our new mandate. We will work with other Government entities and our business community to promote an enabling environment for innovation and ultimately make Dubai the most innovative city in the world. We will strive to enhance ease of doing business and remove impediments to growth to position Dubai as the regional and international destination for start-ups, established industry leaders, and creative talent across the globe.
BuRuhaima added: “We anticipate these changes will deliver valuable benefits to the thousands of companies operating under our jurisdiction and, in the meantime, we would like to assure our business community that there will be no disruption to our existing services.”
The Authority has successfully established industry Councils and Committees to champion key creative industries, investing AED 40 million annually towards Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Film and TV Commission, and Dubai Design and Fashion Council. It will continue to establish industry bodies in line with the new mandate and partner with local, federal and international entities to bring the latest thinking on innovation and creative industries to Dubai. Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman and CEO, Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), said: “Since its inception in 2004, the Dubai International Film Festival has established itself as the region’s leading film festival, and is a credible platform for Arab filmmakers, in addition to being a major enabler of development and growth in the industry. We are confident that as part of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority and with its enduring support, DIFF will continue to support regional cinema and further showcase the cinematic excellence of the Arab world.”
Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman, Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), added: “Dubai Film and TV Commission has played a key role in promoting Dubai as a dynamic filming destination for local and international productions and supported the growth of the Emirate’s production industry. We are excited about the opportunities that being part of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority offers and look forward to its support in furthering innovation in the film and TV production industry.”
Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC), commented: “We are here to create global opportunity and invigorate a world-class design community in Dubai. In line with our role within Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, our aim is to establish a framework for the industry that will position Dubai as an internationally respected city for design. With the support of the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, we plan to invest in talent development and education, as well as policy development and research, and build the design industry from the grass roots up.”
As of today, the Authority regulates 10 industry clusters hosting more than 4,200 businesses across the media, ICT, education, sciences and design industries. The clusters have a collective workforce of over 64,000. The industry clusters have successfully attracted many of the industry leaders in respective sectors — the list includes Microsoft, Google, IBM, Dell, HP, LinkedIn, SAP, GE, Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, CNN, MBC, OSN, Pfizer, Heriot Watt University, University of Wollongong, and Manipal University, among others.
