UAE is a focal point for cultural movement: Shaikh Mohammed

Dubai - Shaikh Mohammed cited the initiatives launched by the UAE in order to boost the innovation climate, notably making 2016 the Year of Reading.

The UAE has become a "focal point" for a cultural movement in the Arab region, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has affirmed.
This has happened thanks to the spread of world-class cultural, artistic and creative centres in the state that provide a "good environment for talented people".
He said the UAE has been keen to establish the infrastructure that serves this important sector, notably cultural edifices such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Opera House, which opened recently in Dubai, and other innovative centres. Shaikh Mohammed said these achievements demonstrate the UAE's ability to contribute to enriching the Arab cultural movement during the next phase.
He cited the initiatives launched by the UAE in order to boost the innovation climate, notably making 2016 the Year of Reading.
He made these remarks during the meetings of the Permanent Bureau of the General Union of Arab Writers, being held in Dubai until March 7.
Seventeen Arab delegations, including the Secretariat of the General Union of Arab Writers, and 57 leading writers, poets and researchers are taking part in the meetings.
Shaikh Mohammed stressed the significant role being played by the writers as they are responsible for forming the "conscience of nations and peoples' awareness".
He noted that the Arab world desperately needs a thought that sows hope and urges people to work, and drive them to overcome the crises as well as look forward to a better tomorrow for future generations to enjoy progress and prosperity.