Davos: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), actively participated in a session titled 'Mass Events: Massive Gains' during the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The session focused on the transformative potential of the creative economy and its pivotal role in driving economic growth and community development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session brought together a distinguished group of global figures, including business leaders and policymakers. It provided a dynamic platform to exchange insights on leveraging the experience economy as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable progress. H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised Dubai's strategic positioning as a global cultural hub, driven by a core principle of prioritising the happiness and well-being of its people and creating a better quality of life.
Sheikha Latifa highlighted the importance of culture in shaping social fabric, formulating identity, and connecting people. She noted the unique social tapestry of the UAE, where 180 nationalities coexist harmoniously, celebrating their identities and contributing to Dubai's distinct character. Rather than benchmarking against existing best practices, Dubai's strategies focus on re-evaluating industry needs and what people truly require, particularly in the creative sector.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are vital, with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, consistently championing collaboration with the private sector. Government investments in infrastructure, mirroring the private sector's pace, have fostered trust, leading to private sector execution of numerous cultural and creative initiatives.
Expo 2020 Dubai was highlighted as a successful example of collaboration and inclusivity, showcasing individual pavilions for each participating country. This reflects Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Expo as a unifying platform and a source of pride for the UAE and the Middle East. Addressing security at mass events, Sheikha Latifa referenced Expo 2020, emphasising the balance between rigorous security and ensuring attendees feel safe and free.
The session, moderated by Supriya Srivastava of Business Insider, featured global leaders like Sir Martin Sorrell of S4Capital, Patrice Louvet of Ralph Lauren, and Anna Marks of Deloitte Global. Discussions explored the transformative role of arts and culture as drivers of economic growth and societal progress, highlighting Dubai's model of balancing economic development with sustainability.
The UAE's participation in the World Economic Forum, with a high-level delegation led by Sheikha Latifa, underscores its commitment to shaping global dialogues and forging partnerships for sustainable growth. The forum serves as a premier international platform fostering collaboration across key development sectors, focusing on advancing economic progress for all.