Dubai Culture And LinkedIn Partnership Drives Growth In UAE Creative Sector
Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is building a globally connected creative economy. Since 2020, its collaboration with LinkedIn has empowered creative professionals with essential skills and networks. Over five years, this partnership facilitated 53,500 course completions, 265,000 video views, and over 16,800 learning hours.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Dubai's creative sector faced significant challenges. In response, Dubai Culture and LinkedIn launched an initiative to support creatives by enhancing their skills and business knowledge. This effort has become a vital support system, helping talent adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The partnership between Dubai Culture and LinkedIn is significantly boosting the UAE's creative talent ecosystem. From 2022 to 2025, the number of UAE-based creative professionals on LinkedIn grew by 175%, surpassing the global growth rate of 104%. By the end of 2024, there were 53,500 course registrations focusing on advanced skills like artificial intelligence.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa remarked on the partnership's impact: "This partnership with LinkedIn has shown that connecting talent with knowledge and opportunity can spark transformations that reach far beyond the creative economy." She emphasised the importance of providing tools for creatives to achieve inspiring accomplishments.
Following the programme's success, H.H. Sheikha Latifa directed an expansion of the collaboration during a meeting attended by key figures from both organisations. The focus is on enhancing access to opportunities and job market connections for creatives, solidifying Dubai’s status as a global cultural hub.
Ali Matar from LinkedIn expressed pride in partnering with Dubai Culture: "We are proud to join forces with Dubai Culture... this partnership has allowed us to support creative professionals with the tools they need to navigate a rapidly changing world of work."
The initiative aims to support 10,000 creative practitioners by 2025 through skills development and opportunities. This effort positions Dubai Culture and LinkedIn at the forefront of nurturing a future-ready creative community in the UAE and beyond.
The collaboration began as a crisis response but has evolved into a cornerstone for resilience among creatives. It prepares them for lasting impacts in an ever-evolving environment while contributing to Dubai’s cultural landscape.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google