In the wake of the UAE increasingly becoming an international cultural hub, the world’s first long-term cultural visa has been launched in Dubai to attract more artists, authors and innovators to visit the country. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the visa while chairing a meeting for the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority on Tuesday.

During the meeting, we adopted the first long-term cultural visa for artists, authors & innovators and approved establishing Al Quoz in Dubai as a creative free zone. A new international literature season will feature a book fair & events to attract over 2 million visitors pic.twitter.com/NPAgWWk8cI

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 1, 2019

Her Royal Highness ‎‏Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared the news on her official Instagram account with a caption that referred to the initiative as Dubai’s “new cultural vision,” adding that it “marks the beginning of the comprehensive advancement of the Emirate’s creative scene, while also being a  strong stimulus to establish Dubai as a global center for culture and a forum for creative talent.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B21jlfQFSF3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=dlfix

The post also stated a series of new developments, all aimed at bolstering the UAE’s status as a key member of the global cultural circuit. “A long-term visa for creatives, a free zone for creativity in Al Quoz, a festival to celebrate various cultures and a season dedicated to global literature are among 17 initiatives aimed highlighting Dubai and the UAE’s leading positions in Arab and international cultural circles.‬” We can’t wait to see this historic initiative being brought to fruition.

Cover Image: @latifamrm1