Dubai agreement to implement cultural visa initiative

An agreement between two Dubai government entities has been signed for the implementation of the emirate's cultural visa initiative, it was announced on Wednesday.
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs inked the partnership that would lay down the "standards and controls" for the issuance of residence permits for artists and entrepreneurs in the cultural industry, officials said in a statement from the emirate's media office.
Launched in October last year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the cultural residence visa will be under a new immigration policy that aims to attract promising artists and creatives to Dubai. This visa is set to become the first of its kind in the world.
Signing an agreement with the GDRFA comes as part of Dubai Culture's endeavours to achieve its mission of strengthening the emirate's position as a global centre for culture and a thriving hub for talent.
Hala Badri, director-general of Dubai Culture, said: "Dubai Culture and the GDRFA were keen to sign this agreement to develop and improve the services provided by both parties as well as to exchange studies, knowledge, expertise and institutional experiences at all levels.
"The agreement will also allow both parties to cooperate in issuing cultural visas and laying the foundations, standards and controls for issuing residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs and creative people in the fields of culture and arts. This is consistent with our efforts to establish an environment that encourages attracting, retaining and empowering global talent, strengthening the emirate's position on the world's cultural map."
Besides the implementation of the new visa, the joint action agenda would also facilitate an exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two entities.
It includes a set of programmes comprising events and workshops where artists and writers from both parties could share their expertise.
The agenda also seeks to spread creative and innovative awareness among Dubai Culture and GDRFA employees, in accordance with the best international standards, providing practical training programmes for employees and university graduates.
Maj-Gen Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, director-general of GDRFA Dubai, thanked Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture, for her exceptional efforts and boundless support for cultural creativity in Dubai and the UAE.
After signing the partnership agreement, Badri accompanied Maj-Gen Al Marri on a visit to the Dubai Culture's 'Photographs in Dialogue' exhibition at Etihad Museum. Launched last month in cooperation with the National Portrait Gallery, London, the exhibition highlights the bright milestones in the history of the UAE, particularly its ties with the UK.
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