As the coronavirus pandemic causes an economic slowdown that is also crippling the arts and culture industry, Noura Al Kaabi has revealed some steps the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development is taking to keep the sector alive in the UAE.
“We are in a mode of adapting and modifying,” the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development said in an online conference on Wednesday night. Her ministry has been gathering information from industry figures to “understand who is being affected and how the government of the UAE can support the sustainability of the creative and cultural sector”, she added.
The smaller businesses are definitely affected, and medium-sized ones will be ... and this is where you can see the measures taken from a local government perspective, from rent to soon – VAT – and I hope also utilities
Al Kaabi spoke live via an online ‘Cultural Majlis’ hosted by Sultan Al Qassemi. More than 150 people, including key figures from UAE art institutions, educators and artists, were in attendance.
She also put a direct call out to people working in the arts in the Emirates: “If there are any businesses or freelancers in the UAE that are struggling, please let us know. It’s important for us to look into ways that we can support one another.
“People say culture and arts are nice to have, to hang in offices, to buy some art, but I think it’s more than that ...,” she said. Creative and cultural sectors aid in diversifying the UAE economy, she added.
During the discussion, Al Kaabi shared that her ministry has been in weekly meetings with other ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, to present financial concerns to federal and local governments to move forward changes in policy.
VAT relief and other support for SMEs and freelancers
Al Kaabi acknowledged the vulnerability of freelancers and SMEs during the crisis, and indicated that the government is preparing more measures to alleviate the burden on these individuals and entities, including potential VAT relief.
“I believe everyone is important in the creative and cultural sector, specifically freelancers. The smaller businesses are definitely affected, and medium-sized ones will be affected in a way, and this is where you can see the measures taken from a local government perspective, from rent to soon – VAT – and I hope also utilities …” she said.
In the UAE, emirates such as Abu Dhabi have already implemented stimulus packages to ease the burden of costs for consumers and businesses, including subsidies on water and electricity charges. Developers such as Dubai's Meraas and Nakheel and Sharjah's Alef Group have also put rent-relief measures in place for commercial spaces.
More economic support announcements to be made 'soon'
Al Kaabi said that announcements would be made soon regarding additional economic support, and expressed reassurance that the sector’s concerns are being heard.
“There is an urgency, and there are also leaders who are making sure that we are not that quiet when it comes to sustaining our economy and business and talents within the UAE,” she said.
The minister also called on private individuals to boost funding efforts. “It’s time for the patrons of art to step in, for individuals who feel that they can support a certain gallery or a certain research study or scholarship to do so,” she said, noting that these initiatives could come in the form of employing a freelancer for a project or acquiring an art piece from a local artist.
Al Kaabi said she recently purchased work from an Emirati artist. “This is something that is easy to do. It’s important to look at the quick steps, like buying art, and then the longer sustainable measures that we need to focus on, for the next three to six months,” she added.
An opportunity to alter the status quo
She considers the current moment as an “opportunity” to alter the status quo, including finding ways to simplify processes within ministries, such as the procurement of creative works and services.
“We’ve always been doing it the difficult way, the red tape way, the bureaucratic way. Now we are looking into how we can offer freelancers, artists and creatives a very straightforward way that we can commission their work without such a long process,” she said.
"After this, we cannot go back to square one, the way we used to do work,” she noted of the things being learnt during this crisis.
More broadly, Al Kaabi said her ministry aimed to emphasise the crucial role of the arts and culture sector in the economy.
She said her office has recently completed a study that upholds this argument with data, though she did not specify what the figures entailed. “It’s a number that will make everyone who is sitting on the table say ‘This is an important industry’,” she said.
“People will say that there are different priorities than watching a play or seeing an exhibition, but I think the numbers, which we will start sharing with our stakeholders, will reflect that the creative sector is a sector ... it has accounting, human resources, finance, artists, fashion designers, filmmakers. It is an industry. Therefore, it is crucial for us to look at how it is impactful, not just from the beauty side of it,” she added.
Al Kaabi's own love for the arts: 'made me understand that even if we're different, it's OK'
Speaking of her own personal connection to the arts, Al Kaabi said she's “always been an avid lover of music and movies".
"Art is something that I started appreciating more than 10 years ago. Nothing bonds us together more than art. It’s the way you wake up and listen to Fayrouz … It will change my mood and make me look forward to my day.”
Stay strong. Keep creating. Beautiful things come from solitude. It's times [like these] that we redefine the way we think
She highlighted the influence Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation had on her. “It was a place where I felt I travelled to many places at the same time, so it made me think better, perform better and understand that even if we’re different, it’s OK. I think this is where art affected me growing up.”
Closing the discussion with words of encouragement, Al Kaabi returned to the issue of the pandemic.
“We’re all in it together. [The virus] doesn’t matter who we are, where we come from or what status we’re in. The most important thing is that we stay optimistic.
"We are beautifying the world around us, from the music, the art, the books, literature, the films …” she said.
“Stay strong. Keep creating. Beautiful things come from solitude. It’s times [like these] that we redefine the way we think,” she said.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
U19 World Cup in South Africa
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20profile%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYodawy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Egypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKarim%20Khashaba%2C%20Sherief%20El-Feky%20and%20Yasser%20AbdelGawad%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2424.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlgebra%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20MEVP%20and%20Delivery%20Hero%20Ventures%2C%20among%20others%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20500%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Automatic
Power: 530bhp
Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh535,000
On sale: Now
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Uefa Champions League play-off
First leg: Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Ajax v Dynamo Kiev
Second leg: Tuesday, August 28, 11pm (UAE)
Dynamo Kiev v Ajax
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E470hp%2C%20338kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20620Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh491%2C500%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
