Early learning will play a crucial role in the UAE's new strategy to drive the cultural and creative industry, said Noura Al Kaabi, Minister for Culture and Youth.
Educating children in culture at an early age will help cement the UAE’s status as one of the leading countries around the world, she said.
The plan will also honour the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, who was a firm believer in promoting culture, Ms Al Kaabi said.
Culture in the UAE has always been the focus of interest, as Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, was a poet by instinct and had a love of culture
Noura Al Kaabi,
Minister for Culture and Youth
“We will improve the education system to empower future generations so they can help us to reach this sector, especially in early learning,” she said on Sunday morning.
“Culture in the UAE has always been the focus of interest, as Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, was a poet by instinct and had a love of culture.
“In the past 50 years, we have reinforced our position on the international cultural scene and we have a cultural scene that’s the best in the world. We have become a destination for artists and poets.”
Under the terms of the new initiative, cultural industries will have an even bigger role to play in the UAE over the next decade.
“We have developed strategic indicators that we aspire to achieve in the next 10 years,” Ms Al Kaabi said.
“We will promote cultural and creative industries, increase their size and potential, to be among the top 10 economic industries in the country, as we will increase the contribution of the cultural and creative industries sector to 5 per cent of GDP.”
More job opportunities
Ms Al Kaabi said the average income of workers in the sector would be increased and the number of enterprises would also be raised to boost the volume of cultural and creative products and services.
Both the public and private sectors will play crucial roles in the strategy, said Ms Al Kaabi, who has described it as a turning point for culture in the UAE.
“This will be a new driver for the economy and will create more job opportunities,” she said.
The launch of the strategy coincides with the World Conference on Creative Economy, which is taking place in Dubai from December 7 to 9.
“We will be hosting thought leaders, innovators and creative minds from all over the world,” Ms Al Kaabi said.
“It’s also part of the celebrations for the International Year of Creative Economy for Development.”
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will give an address on how greater accessibility in the creative economy can be achieved both regionally and globally.
Audrey Azoulay, director general of the UN's cultural agency Unesco, will also be among the speakers at the event.
She will talk about the pivotal rule the creative economy plays in achieving sustainable development goals.
Al Hosn Festival 2021 - in pictures
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- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
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Scores
Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:
Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
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- 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
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
UAE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Mohammed Al Attas
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
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- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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