Dubai Strengthens Cultural Identity with Heritage and Innovation

Dubai has always been known for its ability to blend tradition with progress. Recently, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, highlighted this balance once again. She spoke about Dubai’s clear commitment to launching cultural initiatives that preserve heritage while driving innovation.

Her words reflected the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His goal has always been to make Dubai a global hub for creativity, culture, and diversity.

The occasion was the Cultural Identity and Media Leaders Majlis, held under the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum. This forum brings together more than 1,000 leaders from government and the private sector to share knowledge and explore new ways of shaping Dubai’s future.

Dubai’s Balance of Authenticity and Modernity

Sheikha Latifa explained that Dubai’s strength lies in balancing authenticity with modernity. The emirate continues to protect its traditions while embracing new ideas from around the world. This approach has made Dubai a leading cultural hub in the Middle East and a city admired for its ability to adapt and grow.

She added that the forum reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership philosophy. His vision is not only about economic progress but also about enriching lives, protecting identity, and embracing innovation.

The Role of the Leadership Forum

The Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum is a platform that discusses key strategies for Dubai’s growth. It includes several Majlis sessions focusing on different sectors, such as technology, the economy, and social development.

The Cultural Identity and Media Leaders Majlis focused on how culture and media shape society. Sheikha Latifa said culture and media are not only tools for storytelling but also forces that create impact, safeguard identity, and connect Dubai with the world.

Building Dubai’s Identity Through Culture

During the Majlis, participants discussed how Dubai can reinforce its cultural identity while staying innovative. Many ideas were shared on how heritage, art, and media can position the emirate as a global creativity hub.

The discussion also included global trends that influence cultural identity. Leaders looked at the role of digital platforms, strong storytelling, and compelling narratives in shaping how people view Dubai. These tools can build a sense of belonging, pride, and global recognition.

“The Memory to Come” Workshop

One of the most engaging parts of the Majlis was an interactive workshop called “The Memory to Come”, led by Room Five, a Dubai-based creative agency.

The workshop encouraged leaders to think about the legacy Dubai is building today for future generations. Participants used storytelling, symbolism, and foresight exercises to imagine how Dubai’s identity will be remembered in years to come.

The key questions asked were:

• What values should Dubai protect for the future?
• How can today’s achievements become tomorrow’s proud memories?
• How does leadership shape cultural identity?

The workshop also drew inspiration from global examples of legacy building. By doing so, it helped leaders think about designing a future that balances tradition with innovation.

Room Five: Creativity with Purpose

Room Five, founded in 2015, is known for merging art, culture, and creativity into meaningful projects. The agency partners with both government and private organizations to produce festivals, exhibitions, and cultural campaigns.

Their participation in the Majlis showed how local creative agencies play an important role in shaping Dubai’s identity. By blending authenticity with innovation, agencies like Room Five help the emirate reach a global audience.

Culture and Media as Forces for Change

Sheikha Latifa emphasized that culture and media are vital to Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of leadership. His philosophy is not only about building an advanced economy but also about creating a society that values identity, heritage, and creativity.

She said: “Culture and media are the forces through which we create impact, build the future, safeguard our identity, and connect with the world.”

This reflects Dubai’s focus on cultural diplomacy. It shows how culture and creativity are used not only for art and storytelling but also as strategic tools to influence, inspire, and connect with the world.

A Network of Leadership Majlis

The Cultural Identity and Media Leaders Majlis is part of a larger network of sessions under the Leadership Forum. These include:

• Dubai Technological and Digital Leaders Majlis – shaping the future of technology and digital transformation.
• Future City Leaders Majlis – exploring sustainable and smart urban development.
• Social Cohesion Leaders Majlis – promoting community belonging and inclusivity.
• Dubai Economy Leaders Majlis – driving strategies for economic growth and competitiveness.

Together, these Majlis provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across many sectors.

Dubai’s Global Cultural Influence

Dubai’s cultural initiatives are not only relevant locally but also on a global scale. By combining heritage with innovation, Dubai presents itself as both a protector of tradition and a leader in creative industries.

This mix of old and new strengthens Dubai’s soft power and helps it connect with nations worldwide. It positions the emirate as a city that is open, diverse, and forward-looking, yet still proud of its roots.

Preserving Heritage While Innovating

A main theme at the Majlis was preserving heritage while embracing innovation. Leaders discussed how true progress does not mean forgetting the past. Instead, it means carrying traditions forward into a modern context.

This is why Dubai invests in art, cultural experiences, and storytelling, alongside major advances in technology and business. The result is a multi-layered identity that speaks to both local and global audiences.

Inspiring Future Leaders

One of the biggest goals of the Majlis is to inspire young leaders. By discussing culture, identity, and leadership, the event encouraged participants to think about their role in protecting traditions and creating future opportunities.

The workshop “The Memory to Come” was especially powerful in this regard. It reminded young leaders that the choices they make today will shape Dubai’s legacy for future generations.

Dubai as a Global Model

Dubai is quickly becoming a model for cultural leadership worldwide. Its ability to combine economic ambition, cultural pride, and creativity makes it an example for other nations.

Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership philosophy shows that a strong identity, paired with innovation and openness, can create not just a successful city, but a global symbol of progress and cultural pride.

A Legacy of Creativity and Identity

The Cultural Identity and Media Leaders Majlis was more than just a meeting. It was a reflection of Dubai’s journey to become a city that values both heritage and innovation.

Led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and inspired by Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, the event highlighted how culture, creativity, and leadership will shape Dubai’s future.

By investing in identity, heritage, and cultural innovation, Dubai is creating a legacy that will inspire generations and strengthen its global standing.