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About the Ministry
The Ministry of Culture and Youth works to enrich the cultural ecosystem of the UAE by supporting the country’s cultural, art and heritage institutions.
It provides a platform for artists and innovators, promotes cross-cultural dialogue, and delivers dynamic productions and experiences that represent the UAE’s rich and eclectic culture on national as well as international level. The Ministry’s key mandates include investing in youth and empowering them and building a knowledge-based economy for a sustainable future.
Our Vision
"Culture that inspires the world and Youth shaping the future"
Our Mission
To preserve the UAE's identity, enhance and strengthen the position of the cultural and youth sectors globally and maximize their contribution as productive and effective sectors within the national economy by: - Preserving the national cultural heritage. - Promoting the cultural and creative industries. - Investing and empowering youth.
Strategic Objectives
Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage, Arabic Language and National Identity
Enabling and motivating arts and literature sectors in the UAE and promoting the presence of Emirati arts and literature globally.
Enhancing the impact and economic value of the Cultural and Creative Industries sector in the UAE
Investing in youth, empowering and involving them, installing confidence in the next generation to shape the future.
Promoting the stature of the UAE and its presence in education, culture and science, - On regional/international forums and organizations
Cultural Sectors
The Media Regulatory Office (MRO) aims to:
Responsible for preparing research and foresight studies related to the media and publishing industry, formulating legislation, regulations, standards, and foundations for organising and licensing media and media-related activities.
Responsible for issuing licences and following up on media content. It implements legislations, regulations, and standards related to media services and media content.
The Arts and Heritage Sector aims to:
Organize, coordinate and manage cultural plans, relating to arts and heritage, with an emphasis on advancing performing arts and design;
Apply and maintain international standards for conservation of tangible and intangible heritage and raise awareness of its significance; and
Ensure the implementation of cultural sector policies; and
Develop cultural specializations effectively, by empowering individuals and institutions concerned with different cultural fields to support and facilitate their work.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Sector aims to:
Promote investment in the cultural and creative industries to enable the cultural sector to contribute to the UAE national economy.
Support the UAE’s efforts to boost Emiratization in the private cultural sector and stimulate the establishment of small and medium enterprises working in cultural and creative industries.
Leverage the talents and interests of young people to establish cultural projects and enhance flexible working among the youth in general.
Support the design and development of UAE cultural products, to keep pace with global trends and explore new local and international markets.
About the Minister
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi
His Excellency Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi was appointed the Minister of Culture and Youth in February 2023. In his current role, His Excellency is responsible for the strategic and policy direction of the UAE's culture and youth sectors. He leads the Ministry's initiatives to enable a robust cultural and creative ecosystem in the country and ensure its sustainability and active contribution to the local economy. Helming multilateral engagements with the UAE's global and regional partners on international platforms, His Excellency represents the country on high-level global fora related to culture and creativity and heritage preservation. His Excellency was the Permanent Delegate of the UAE to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization "UNESCO" where he contributed to highlighting the country's efforts and success endeavors, in addition to strengthening relations with other permanent delegates and overseeing the implementation of many joint projects that aims to enhance human and cultural cooperation. He has previously served as the Assistant Undersecretary for Arts and Heritage at the Ministry of Culture and Youth, where he led the implementation of high-level projects on national identity, Arabic language, Islamic arts, theatre, literature, archaeology, film and architecture to name few. His Excellency holds a Bachelor of Science in Design Management from the American University of Sharjah, as well as a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science & Policy from Columbia University and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Paris Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi/Paris.
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi
UAE Minister of Culture and Youth
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