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FAQs

Audience Questions (14)

Where is the Ministry of Culture located?

The Ministry of Culture's headquarters is located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in Al Nahyan area next to the Al Mamoura building. The Ministry also has an office in the Dubai Design District. Additionally, it oversees several cultural centres across the UAE including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Masafi, and the Al Dhafra region.

What are the sectors of work that the Ministry manages and oversees?

National Identity & Arts Sector
Creative Development Sector
Support Services Sector

What is the strategic direction of the Ministry of Culture?

The Ministry of Culture's strategic direction is guided by seven foundational pillars:

1. Promote the use of Arabic language and increase its prevalence
2. Preserve and raise awareness of the UAE's cultural heritage
3. Promote the UAE's cultural heritage globally
4. Activate the role of partners in the national identity agenda
5. Empower and integrate creatives into the job market
6. Increase the creative economy's contribution to the national economy
7. Strengthens the UAE'S cultural standing on the global stage

What is the Ministry of Culture?

The Ministry of Culture in the United Arab Emirates is dedicated to promoting national identity and embedding cultural values across society. It plays a key role in developing the cultural and creative industries, and in preserving heritage, the arts, and the Arabic language as essential pillars in building individuals and communities. The Ministry is responsible for shaping national cultural policy, advancing the legislative and regulatory environment that supports the cultural sector, empowering creative talent, and providing an enabling infrastructure that enhances the cultural sector’s contribution to the national economy. Its core functions include protecting tangible and intangible cultural heritage, developing various forms of the arts, and advancing the Arabic language. The Ministry also works to strengthen local and international cultural partnerships and coordinates the UAE’s participation in global cultural events. The Ministry’s strategic priorities focus on:

National identity
Cultural heritage
Arts and literature
The Arabic language
Cultural and creative industries

The Ministry actively contributes to the goals of We the UAE 2031 by raising cultural awareness and positioning culture as a driving force for sustainable development."

When was the Ministry of Culture established?

The Ministry was established under the Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 regarding ministerial competencies under the name 'Ministry of Information and Culture.' Over the decades, and in alignment with the UAE government's evolving vision, the Ministry underwent several restructurings in both name and mandate to reflect changing national cultural priorities. Most recently, Federal Decree-Law No. (37) of 2023 on the establishment of the Ministry of Investment and the amendment of the mandates of certain ministries, the Ministry’s name was officially changed to the "Ministry of Culture."

Who is the Minister of Culture?

His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi was appointed the Minister of Culture in February 2023.

What are the services provided by the Ministry of Culture?

1st: Creative Center services:

Rental of theaters, halls and Ministry-owned spaces.
Issuance of library membership
Borrowing of library materials

2nd: Antiquities services:

Registration of artifacts and archaeological sites
Registration of borrowed cultural objects

3rd: Services for Empowering Creatives:

Issuing recommendations for the Golden Visa for creatives in culture and the arts
Culture and Creativity Grants
Supporting public benefit associations
Issuing recommendations for creative leave

Which cultural industries fall under the Ministry’s mandate?

The Ministry of Culture’s work focuses on seven key cultural domains:

Literature & Publishing
Music
Film & Television Production
Performing Arts & Theater
Visual Arts & Design
Video Games
Heritage & Traditional Crafts

What are the creative industries that the Ministry is responsible for developing and promoting?

The Ministry of Culture is actively broadening its focus beyond the traditional cultural framework by identifying and supporting a diverse range of subfields within the creative industries. These include intangible and tangible cultural heritage, literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, design, audiovisual and media production, and digital creativity. By launching dedicated initiatives and development efforts across these areas, the Ministry aims to position the creative industries as vital contributors to both cultural enrichment and the national economy

How does the Ministry support national talent?

The Ministry of Culture views young national talent as a cornerstone of the UAE’s comprehensive development across all sectors. To harness this potential, the Ministry has developed an integrated framework that includes a wide range of programmes and initiatives tailored to support talent at every stage of life. This framework is designed to foster creative expression, nurture skills, and provide continuous support, enabling individuals to grow artistically and professionally. By offering meaningful opportunities for development, the Ministry empowers emerging Emirati creatives to play a vital role in advancing the nation’s cultural landscape and contributing to its economic growth.

Which are the local entities that are active and specialise in the cultural field, and with which the Ministry of Culture collaborates?

The Ministry collaborates with a wide range of government and private cultural institutions across the UAE. It also works closely with key entities that play a central role in shaping and advancing Emirati culture, including:

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
Department of Culture – Sharjah
Department of Antiquities and Museums - Ras Al Khaimah
Department of Tourism Development – Ajman
Department of Tourism and Antiquities – Umm Al-Quwain
Fujairah Culture and Media Authority
Department of Tourism Development – Ajman
Department of Tourism and Antiquities - Umm Al Quwain
Fujairah Authority for Culture and Information

How does the Ministry communicate with the community, and are there any permanent cultural centres affiliated with it?

The Ministry of Culture engages with the community through a range of initiatives and dedicated cultural centres — including its Cultural Centres located across the UAE. These centres aim to foster cultural interaction and enrich the artistic and cultural appreciation of community members by offering programmes and activities suitable for all ages and backgrounds. They serve as inclusive, supportive environments that nurture talent and help cultivate creativity across the nation. The Ministry currently operates seven cultural centres in: Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Masafi, Al Dhafra, Fujairah, and Ajman.

How can I find information about archaeological sites in the UAE?

More information about the archaeological sites in the country is available on the website of the National Register of Archaeological Sites. Please visit the National Registry of Archaeological sites to find out more.

How can I participate in the events organised by the Ministry?

You can get in touch through all the ministry's communication channels such as:

Call Centre: 800552255
The Ministry's website
Live chat support
Social media platforms
Specialised teams are available to assist you with information and guidance on how to participate in the Ministry’s events.