Creative expression helps fuel economic and social progress

The UAE recognised the importance of culutral programmes early on, writes Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo

A blast of bubbles brought smiles to young and old at the Mother of the Nation Festival along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Delores Johnson / The National

Culture is identity, the essence of our existence. It connects individuals to their past while being the cornerstone of their present and the foundation of the future.

Amid the turmoil and uncertainty that surrounds us and threatens to engulf us, as we evolve our economic existence from a single commodity into a more robust and diversified one, culture gains value as an invaluable asset for our nation’s future.

The UAE recognised, early on, the importance of supporting this precious human resource alongside its infrastructural investments. It has invested in its young citizens by creating job opportunities and nurturing leadership skills. In doing so, we have fostered a national sense of innovation and creativity, gaining confidence as we face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Culture is the ultimate empowerment to individuals who themselves enable the evolution of their community, their society and ultimately their nation. Culture empowers positive and creative work, which elevates living standards, productivity and the quality of output.

Culture is a unifying force that is founded on the creativity that stems from open dialogue and the free exchange of knowledge – and its power inspires innovation. Every cultural movement is born of enlightened thought and creative power. Culture is the engine that propels sustainable, societal development and spurs economic renewal.

Investing in culture strengthens the backbone of society and inspires a perpetual renaissance. It lays a strong foundation for the future, preparing society to respond creatively to unexpected challenges. Unesco affirms that the cultural and creative industries are among the fastest growing industries in the world.

There is a direct link between investment in cultural movements and economic development. A healthy cultural sector drives an increase in cultural tourism, with a subsequent increase in overall tourism.

A recent study has valued the “brand equity” of the Eiffel Tower, the cultural icon of Paris, at €464 billion (Dh1.9tn). Leading nations around the world, many of which are better known as capitals of finance or commerce, understand the importance of culture in attracting tourism and thereby increasing their income.

History provides us with countless examples of the strong correlation between a vital cultural landscape and a robust economy. Whether it is the Golden Age of Islam, the European Renaissance or the rise of Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa (the Brics nations), time and again we see culture and commerce blossom together.

Creativity is a culture in itself, whether it is the creation of new business models or the rise of promising start-ups. Both draw on the energy and self-assertion of artistic creation. After all, Wall Street does not define New York alone. New York is Wall Street and Tribeca, SoHo and Broadway, the Museum Mile, the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and much, much more.

Increasingly, the UAE is focusing on cultural-economic endeavours such as international book fairs, knowledge summits, art fairs, innovation weeks and themed cultural movements such as The Year of Reading. The individual remains at the heart of this effort, with the recognition of cultural pioneers through awards and prizes; and by the support of a growing cultural infrastructure, such as museums, art galleries, cultural institutions, heritage and international festivals. All these open our minds to new ideas and broaden our perspectives. When minds are nurtured, they create new ideas of their own – not just in the arts but also in science, commerce and society.

Our nation’s leaders are working methodically to build a growing, modern economy – one that depends upon the synergy between cultures, knowledge, science and industry, and that is focused on the diversification of income and sustainability.

The UAE presents a model of a creative economy for the world to emulate, from investment and medical tourism to sport. It successfully organises global summits on government, defence, renewable energy and environmental research.

In addition to being the host of Irena, the international governing body for renewable energy, the UAE has led on-the-ground initiatives in protecting the natural environment by establishing sanctuaries for endangered species, which have, in turn, enhanced its environmental tourism.

The UAE understands the true value of culture and its capacity to encourage economic growth and sustainable development. The wheel of economic progress may move us forward, and this wheel will never stop turning.

Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo is the founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation