When the pandemic hit last year, the government took unprecedented decisions to deal with the global crisis. To stem the spread of Covid-19, we were restricted from meeting friends, going to work and engaging in public activities.
Many of us resorted to books, binge watched television, took up arts and crafts, attended online events and concerts and virtually explored museums and galleries during Covid-19 movement restrictions.
The creative economy, which helped many of us endure the loneliness that became synonymous with the pandemic, was one of the most negatively impacted segments of the economy after the retail and tourism sectors. Unesco estimates it employs about 30 million people worldwide and in 2020 the cancellation of public performances cost authors 30 per cent of their global royalties, while the global film industry alone lost about $7 billion in revenue.
The creative economy is a collective name given to a group of industries such as advertising, art, architecture, publishing, digital media and computer gaming among others. It accounts for about 3 per cent of global gross domestic product, according to a 2019 report. In the US, the value of culture and arts produced in 2019 was almost $919.7bn, accounting for about 4.3 per cent of the nation's GDP. The arts contribute more to the US economy than agriculture, mining, transportation or construction.
According to The Art Basel and UBS Global Market report published last year, one third of galleries are estimated to have reduced their staff by half during the pandemic.
Governments around the world were cognisant of headwinds faced by the creative economy and took steps to alleviate at least some pressure. The Philippines provided individual financial support to creative workers, while the UAE launched The National Creative Relief Programme, which offered financial grants to freelancers and smaller enterprises operating in the creative and cultural industries sector.
As we slowly move back to normality, it's time start to start supporting and appreciating the output of creative industries, and for businesses to aid governments and help them to bounce back. From mentoring and providing grants, to supporting the local art scene, there are many things they can do.
Banks and financial institutions can cater their corporate social responsibility budgets to help individuals and companies associated with creative economic sectors. This can be done in the form of grants and special loan programmes that can help them sustain and develop their businesses during difficult times.
Just as important as it is to provide financial support – an invaluable step by financial institutions – it is also important to provide business development advice and training to freelancers and SMEs operating in creative sectors. Businesses and financial institutions can help creators and support them in monetising their work.
Another way to support the creative economy is for businesses to work with freelancers in their local communities. Instead of only working with large agencies, businesses should seek local talent – whether videographers, artists, social media account managers or illustrators and commission them for their advertising and marketing needs.
Business can also support young, creative university graduates with apprenticeships, train them and help them build their resumes for the job market during these challenging times. If a business can afford to, it should also launch paid internship programmes to financially support creatives.
Media houses and publications have a role to play as well. Publications or broadcasters should dedicate a special segment every week to shed light on local creative talents or institutions. The awareness they create can help connect them to customers and support their business during the pandemic.
The simplest way to support the creative economy is by financially supporting small enterprises, institutions and freelancers. Purchase art by local artists.
Online galleries such as emergeast.com showcase arts by regional talent, which can be bought as corporate gifts. Museum memberships, annual tickets to local cinemas as well as theatres can also be good corporate gifts.
Support for the creativity economy can take multiple forms, and it doesn’t necessarily dent balance sheets. The creative economy has helped us endure challenging times and it’s time we paid it back.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati journalist and entrepreneur, who manages her marketing and communications company in Abu Dhabi.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- 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.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
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Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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