Global events and local programmes take centre stage at Dubai Culture

Late last month, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) wrapped up its participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) sub-network meeting in Saint-Étienne, France; it was a forum designed to deepen cooperation among cities that integrate creativity into urban development. The gathering provided an opportunity to share ideas and best practices that strengthen cultural and creative industries. The engagement reflected Dubai Culture's ongoing commitment to solidify Dubai's leadership and position on the international map as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.

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During the meeting, Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department at Dubai Culture, made a presentation on best practices on resource and material innovation. It explored how Dubai is harnessing local biomass from palm trees to give form and shape to tomorrow's materials. Khulood highlighted the country’s progress in finding new uses for what otherwise might be removed as waste, transforming regional resources such as palm trees and date seeds into bioplastics, plywood alternatives, and eco-friendly veneers for interiors. On the sidelines of the UCCN Design sub-network meeting, Dubai Culture also took part in the 13th edition of the Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne (till July 6) under the theme ‘Ressource(s), présager demain’ (Resources, anticipating tomorrow).

Among the showcased works on the occasion was ‘Ramel’ by Emirati designer Kholoud Sharafi, a series composed of a blend of sand from the UAE and ceramic.The pieces were inspired by the shifting dunes of the desert and explored the versatility of sand by using this abundant yet often overlooked element, to forge a link between the natural landscape and creativity. Another work on display was ‘Tibrah’ by Emirati product designer and architect Reema AlMheiri, which drew on the local community's relationship with the sea, creating biodegradable material from fish scales as a viable alternative to synthetics. (The term ‘Tibrah’ refers to oyster bed sites, an integral factor in the UAE's maritime heritage).