Sustainable Development Goal
Main Messages
The Ministry of Culture plays a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by positioning the cultural and creative sector as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and a cornerstone of national identity and social cohesion. Our key achievements include the launch of national strategies for cultural and creative industries, the elevation of Emirati heritage on the global stage, and the establishment of impactful partnerships that support creators and provide sustainable platforms for their work — directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Looking ahead, we are committed to deepening the role of the creative economy as a primary contributor to the national economy, investing in digital transformation to reach wider audiences, and empowering young talent to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the cultural sector -in alignment with the UAE's 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
SDGs Narrative
The Ministry of Culture embraces the Sustainable Development Goals as an integral part of its strategy and vision, grounded in the conviction that culture represents the fourth pillar of sustainable development - alongside its economic, social, and environmental dimensions. These goals are not viewed as standalone requirements, but as an integrated framework embedded across all policies and initiatives.
Our narrative centres on transforming culture from a specialised sector into a comprehensive, crosscutting force that serves society as a whole. This is achieved by focusing on goals that directly intersect with our mandate: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through support for cultural and creative industries; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the preservation of architectural heritage and the enhancement of cultural public spaces; and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through arts and heritage education programmes.
Our approach ensures that every project we launch and every policy we develop is evaluated based on its contribution to these goals, guaranteeing that our work generates a positive and lasting impact that extends beyond cultural outcomes to encompass human development and national prosperity.
Stakeholder Ecosystem
Federal & Local Government
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economy, DCT Abu Dhabi, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Local Executive Councils
International Organisations
UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOM
Private Sector
Corporate Sponsors of Cultural Events, Art Galleries & Auction Houses, Media & Production Companies
Academic & Research
Zayed University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Non-Profit & Civil Society:
Salama bint Hamdan Foundation, Jameel Arts, Professional Artists' Associations
Resource Mobilisation & Support Mechanisms
Funding Sources
- Federal Government Budget
- Sponsor & International Organisation Funding
Available resources are deployed strategically to maximise impact and advance the SDGs. The Federal Government Budget forms the foundation for operational activities, national cultural strategies, and cultural infrastructure — including museums and heritage sites — as well as ongoing programmes to empower local creators and strengthen national identity. Sponsor and international organisation funding serves as a complementary resource for high-impact, internationally oriented projects, including major cultural events, heritage conservation initiatives in partnership with organisations such as UNESCO, and cultural exchange and capacity-building programmes requiring global expertise.
Knowledge & Capacity-Building
The Ministry of Culture's capacity-building efforts centre on a structured institutional reporting and alignment mechanism. This takes the form of a detailed annual report submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister's Cabinet, in which all Ministry projects and initiatives are systematically mapped to the relevant Sustainable Development Goals. This process reinforces internal understanding of how the cultural sector contributes to the national SDGs agenda, and serves as a key monitoring and evaluation tool at the governmental level.
Monitoring & Data Sources
Administrative Records
Surveys
MoC and the SDGs: Strategic Alignment
Initiative 01:
National Framework for Emirati Cultural Activities in Schools
Overview:
A national framework developed jointly by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education to systematically integrate Emirati cultural content into school curricula and extracurricular activities, fostering cultural awareness and national identity among students across the UAE.
Objectives:
To embed Emirati cultural values and heritage into the formal education system; to develop culturally engaged youth who are proud of their national identity; and to create a sustainable pipeline of culturally literate future generations.
Partners:
Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, local educational authorities across all seven emirates.
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 11
Target
11.4
Indicator
11.4.1
Year
2024
Measurable Impact
Strengthening cultural heritage preservation and promotion through education
Achievements
National framework launched and integrated into school programmes across the UAE
Initiative 02:
UAE Reading Month Programme
Overview:
An annual national initiative launched under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, dedicated to promoting a culture of reading across the UAE. The programme engages millions of individuals through reading challenges, literary events, and community activities throughout the month of March.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 11
Target
11.4
Indicator
11.4.1
Year
2025
Measurable Impact
Increased public engagement with cultural and literary activities
Achievements
Millions of participants annually; widespread community engagement across all emirates
Initiative 03:
Travelling Exhibition for School Students to Promote National Identity
Overview:
A mobile, interactive exhibition that travels to schools across the UAE, showcasing Emirati heritage, traditions, and cultural artefacts. The exhibition brings cultural content directly to students in their educational environments, making heritage accessible and engaging for young audiences.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 11
Target
11.4
Indicator
11.4.1
Year
2025
Measurable Impact
Enhanced cultural heritage awareness among school students nationwide
Achievements
Exhibition deployed across multiple emirates, reaching thousands of students
Initiative 04:
Revive the Spirit of Mosul Programme
Overview:
An international cultural heritage reconstruction initiative led by the UAE in partnership with UNESCO, aimed at restoring and revitalising the historic city of Mosul, Iraq, following the destruction caused by conflict. The programme focuses on rebuilding cultural landmarks, including the Al-Nouri Mosque and the Old City, as symbols of peace and cultural resilience.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 11
Target
11.4
Indicator
11.4.1
Year
2023
Measurable Impact
Restoration of world heritage sites and promotion of cultural recovery in post-conflict zones
Achievements
Significant progress in the reconstruction of Al-Nouri Mosque and the Mosul Old City; UAE recognised as a leading contributor to global heritage restoration
Initiative 05:
10-Year Roadmap for UNESCO Inscription of Intangible Heritage & Natural/Heritage Sites
Overview:
A strategic 10-year national roadmap developed by the Ministry of Culture to systematically nominate and register UAE intangible cultural heritage elements and natural/heritage sites on UNESCO's World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, ensuring their international recognition and long-term safeguarding.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 11
Target
11.4
Indicator
11.4.1
Year
2023
Measurable Impact
Increased number of UAE heritage elements and sites inscribed on UNESCO lists
Achievements
Roadmap developed and approved; nomination dossiers in preparation for multiple heritage elements and sites
Initiative 06:
Launch of the Modern Architectural Heritage Policy
Overview:
A national policy framework developed to identify, document, protect, and promote the UAE's modern architectural heritage — buildings and urban environments constructed during the formative decades of the nation's development. The policy establishes criteria and mechanisms for the recognition and conservation of architecturally significant modern structures.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 11
Target
11.4
Indicator
11.4.1
Year
2024
Measurable Impact
Formal protection extended to modern architectural heritage assets across the UAE
Achievements
Policy officially launched; criteria and registration process established for modern heritage buildings
Initiative 07:
African Cultural Heritage Protection Programme (in partnership with African World Heritage Fund & Alef)
Overview:
An international cultural heritage partnership programme between the Ministry of Culture (UAE), the African World Heritage Fund, and the Alef Foundation, aimed at supporting the identification, documentation, and preservation of at-risk cultural heritage sites and intangible heritage across the African continent.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 17
Target
17.6
Indicator
17.6.1
Year
2023
Measurable Impact
Enhanced multistakeholder partnerships for sustainable cultural development in Africa
Achievements
Formal partnership agreement signed; joint heritage protection activities initiated across multiple African countries
Initiative 08:
Development of the Creative Professions & Occupations Framework
Overview:
A national occupational framework developed to formally define, classify, and standardise creative professions and occupations in the UAE. The framework establishes recognised career pathways within the cultural and creative industries, facilitating workforce planning, skills development, and employment in the sector.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 8
Target
8.3
Indicator
8.3.1
Year
2023
Measurable Impact
Formalisation of creative employment and improved access to decent work in the cultural sector
Achievements
Framework developed and approved; creative professions officially classified within the national occupational standards system
Initiative 09:
National Culture & Creativity Grants Programme (Individuals)
Overview:
A national grants programme established by the Ministry of Culture to provide direct financial support to individual Emirati creators, artists, and cultural practitioners. The programme enables recipients to develop, produce, and disseminate creative works, fostering a vibrant and self-sustaining creative economy
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 8
Target
8.3
Indicator
8.3.1
Year
2024
Measurable Impact
Increased number of Emirati creators supported through formal grant mechanisms
Achievements
Grants programme launched; multiple cohorts of individual creators funded across various artistic disciplines
Initiative 10:
Launch of the Cultural & Creative Professions Framework in Collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Overview:
A joint national framework developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to qualify and employ UAE nationals within the creative industries sector, attracting talented Emirati professionals to private sector companies operating in cultural and creative fields.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 8
Target
8.6
Indicator
8.6.1
Year
2024
Measurable Impact
Reduction in the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training within the creative industries
Achievements
Cooperation agreement signed between the Ministry of Culture and Nafis for the employment of UAE nationals in the creative sector
Initiative 11:
Creative Talent Labour Market Support Programme (Nafis – "Mubdi'een")
Overview:
The "Mubdi'een" (Creators) Programme is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Culture and the Emirates Competitiveness Council (Nafis), focused on qualifying and employing UAE nationals within the cultural and creative industries sector to realise the UAE's vision of building a sustainable creative economy.
Objectives:
SDG Impact Summary
Goal
SDG 8
Target
8.6
Indicator
8.6.1
Year
2024
Measurable Impact
Measurable increase in the number of UAE nationals employed in the creative sector
Achievements
Mubdi'een Programme launched with a target of employing 500 UAE nationals annually for 3 years in the cultural industries