Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced that the World Cities Culture Summit 2024 is set to take place from 30th October to 1st November, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, further reinforcing the emirate's leadership on the global cultural map.

Dubai Culture has announced that this year's forum carries the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape our World?”, inspired by global cities' efforts to engage youth and future generations in reshaping urban life through innovative solutions that contribute to a cultural legacy for the future. The summit’s discussions will spotlight the efforts of participating cities to support the creative economy, invest in cultural and creative industries, and nurture talent, providing opportunities for the next generation to contribute to the cultural future of cities. The summit will also provide cultural and creative city leaders with a vast platform to exchange ideas and knowledge, exploring the role of culture in shaping sustainable future cities.

The summit’s global agenda, with its opening ceremony to be held at the Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest open-air heritage museum, will feature a number of closed sessions discussing the role of youth in global cultural policies, models for funding cultural projects, the role of artificial intelligence in cultural policymaking, the contribution of creative districts to urban innovation, the integration of culture in healthcare, and leveraging culture to address climate issues. Additionally, the summit will showcase strategies developed by cities worldwide to empower the next generation to develop skills and utilise advanced technology to face future challenges. Dubai Culture will also offer one public session discussing how cities, the next generation, and cultural professionals need to thrive in a digital, global, and rapidly changing world.

Several international speakers are scheduled to participate in the Ideas for Tomorrow sessions, presenting their visions for the future of culture. The summit will also witness the launch of the third round of the Leadership Exchange Programme supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, fostering cooperation and developing exchanges between cities. Organised by Dubai Culture, the summit will take place across various cultural landmarks and creative hubs in Dubai, providing city delegations the opportunity to experience Dubai's cultural offerings, and supporting cultural tourism in the emirate. Additionally, Dubai Culture will showcase a range of unique creative products by Emirati and UAE-based artists and emerging talent, reinforcing the cultural and creative industries in the emirate.

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that the summit represents an inspiring global platform for cultural leaders to exchange expertise and establish new strategic partnerships that support culture and talent in shaping the future, saying, “Dubai's hosting of the forum reflects its leadership and highlights its capabilities in bringing the world together to discuss the future of the cultural sector and its role in achieving comprehensive development. Thanks to its ambitions and unique vision, Dubai continues to enrich the global cultural movement, stimulate cultural exchange between global cities, and build bridges of communication between cultures and communities, reinforcing its position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent, as well as a destination for investors and entrepreneurs who find in it a fertile environment for promising opportunities.”

Badri emphasised the importance of the global summit in exploring cultural trends and highlighting cities' efforts in crafting cultural policies and strategies and developing their initiatives.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director of the Marketing and Corporate Communication Department at Dubai Culture and Project Manager of the World Cities Culture Summit Dubai 2024, stated that this year’s summit offers sessions that focus on the role of youth and the next generation in shaping the cultural landscape and encouraging cities to develop new cultural projects that support the creative economy, which Dubai aims to position as a global hub by 2026.

Al Suwaidi added, “Through its distinctive strategies and initiatives, Dubai aims to shape the future of culture, paving the way for future generations to create new models of cultural interaction and enhancing quality of life in creative cities to face future changes. The summit’s programme, developed in collaboration with cities from the World Cities Culture Forum, aligns with Dubai Culture's aspirations to empower and support talent and motivate them to support the cultural and creative industries ecosystem.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, London; Founder and Chair of World Cities Culture Forum, said, “We are excited to be in Dubai this year for the 13th World Cities Culture Summit. As one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities and a meeting point of cultures across continents. The World Cities Culture Forum is founded on the principle of collaboration – we believe that appreciating each other’s cultures contributes to global cohesion. As we gather, we will learn from each other and champion the transformative power of culture to address the common challenges we face.”

The summit is the flagship event of the World Cities Culture Forum, considered the leading network for cultural policymaking. World Cities Culture Forum enables city leaders to share research and intelligence and explore the vital role of culture in their future prosperity, with over 45 member cities globally, where culture is a key driver of social and economic development.

The summit brings together a diverse and influential network of Deputy Mayors, Culture Commissioners, Directors of Culture, and city leaders, providing a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with peers from around the globe. It is a solutions-focused event that encourages city leaders to collaborate to improve the lives of their citizens through culture: over half of previous attendees have implemented or improved a cultural policy in their city as a result of attending.