Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited cultural establishments at Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. He was briefed on the role of these institutions in fortifying key sectors and enhancing the nation's cultural heritage.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized the district's influence on enriching Dubai's cultural and creative ecosystem. The district plays a significant role in nurturing emerging talent and improving the quality of life, aligning with the Dubai Social Agenda 33. He appreciated Alserkal Avenue's contribution to strengthening Dubai's position as a premier destination for creative industries and a global hub for arts and culture.
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan toured Concrete, a 1,250-square-metre space designed for cultural events. Known for its flexible architecture, the venue symbolizes the community's diverse cultural influences and was shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2017.
His Highness also explored the Fiker Institute, an interdisciplinary think-tank dedicated to discussions on global governance, foreign policy, and culture. The institute's library boasts a collection of over 15,000 curated titles in Arabic and English.
Additionally, Sheikh Hamdan visited Cinema Akil, an independent platform established in 2014 to showcase global films to UAE audiences. Cinema Akil, the GCC's first arthouse cinema, has become a crucial platform for filmmakers across different eras and genres since it opened its permanent location in Al Quoz.
The tour concluded at The Third Line, a gallery founded in 2005 that supports contemporary artists from the region. The gallery is known for hosting various exhibitions, artist talks, and publishing art books, thus offering a stage for both established and emerging artists.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied by Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Ahmad bin Eisa Alserkal, Chairman of Alserkal Group.