New boost for innovation

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority to focus on fostering growth of creative industries.

Dubai — Dubai announced on Monday the setting up of an entity with a mandate focusing on fostering growth of creative industries to boost innovation across the emirate.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued ‘Law No. 15 of 2014’ renaming Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority as Dubai Creative Clusters with the new mandate.

Shaikh Mohammed also issued two decrees appointing Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, as Chairman of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, and Ahmad bin Byat as Director General of the Authority.

The authority said it would drive the growth of Dubai’s creative industries by developing evidence-based policies and programmes to attract, retain and grow creative businesses in Dubai. “To meet its objectives, the authority will actively develop the size and skills of the creative talent pool, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, provide financial support, create joint forums between the creative industries and government, and provide a platform for research, intelligence and advocacy,” it said in a statement.

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority will continue to be responsible for licensing, visa and zoning regulations for the diverse free zone encompassing Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, Energy and Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Design District (d3). These clusters are owned and operated by Tecom Investments, Dubai’s pioneering master developer of industry-focused clusters.

Bin Byat said for 15 years, the authority has played a vital role in the development of Tecom Investments’ clusters by developing business-friendly licensing and zoning regulations that ensure ease of starting and operating businesses, world-class infrastructure and a high quality of life for the community. “With the launch of the Dubai Strategy for Innovation it is important to evolve the role of the authority to continue to support these clusters and to further develop the creative industries across Dubai.”

He said creative industries are fast-evolving and made up of a diverse range of activities which use intellectual capital as their primary input.  Ranging from film to design and gaming to architecture these industries generate high-value, highly-skilled and sustainable employment and play a central role in driving innovation and growth, with critical spillover effects for the wider economy.  “The authority’s role is to enable creative businesses across Dubai, especially SMEs, to compete on regional and international stages.”

Ali BuRuhaima, Deputy Director General, Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, said the entity would work with other Government entities and our business community to promote an enabling environment for innovation and ultimately make Dubai the most innovative city in the world. “We will strive to enhance ease of doing business and remove impediments to growth to position Dubai as the regional and international destination for start-ups, established industry leaders, and creative talent across the globe.”

BuRuhaima said these changes would deliver valuable benefits to the thousands of companies operating under our jurisdiction and, in the meantime, we would like to assure our business community that there will be no disruption to our existing services.

The authority has established industry Councils and Committees to champion key creative industries, investing Dh40 million annually towards Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Film and TV Commission, and Dubai Design and Fashion Council. It will continue to establish industry bodies in line with the new mandate and partner with local, federal and international entities to bring the latest thinking on innovation and creative industries to Dubai.

Currently, the authority regulates 10 industry clusters hosting more than 4,200 businesses across the media, ICT, education, sciences and design industries. The clusters have a collective workforce of over 64,000. The clusters have attracted many of the industry leaders in respective sectors – the list includes Microsoft, Google, IBM, Dell, HP, LinkedIn, SAP, GE, Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, CNN, MBC, OSN, Pfizer, Heriot Watt University, University of Wollongong, and Manipal University, among others.

     — issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com