Dubai Culture’s Advisory Committee for Performing Arts meets to discuss the status of theatre sector

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s (Dubai Culture) Advisory Committee for Performing Arts held its first meeting to discuss the state of affairs of the theatre sector in the Emirate and to explore ways to create a sustainable creative environment for performing arts and artists. Experts in this meeting looked into factors of collaboration and development that could elevate the theatre scene and enable it to cement its place in the global performing arts map. 

The meeting was held under the chairman of the committee Hakam Al Hashemi, Acting CEO of Dubai Culture’s Arts and Literature sector, chairman, and attended by Dr. Habib Ghuloom, Eng. Walid Al-Jallaf, Ahmed Al-Shamsi, Khalifa Al-Bahri, Samira Ahmed, Muhammad Al-Salti, and Fatima Al-Jallaf. It examined the status of infrastructure and possible upgrades in various theatres, along with the mechanism of developing theatres administratively to empower the sector and equip it with best facilities. 

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said, “The formation of the Advisory Committee for Performing Arts reflects our unwavering support to the performing arts and the theatre sectors in the Emirate, with an aim to support and facilitate young talents to hone their skills in this creative field. Theatre sector plays an important role in raising awareness about cultural and traditional values among the members of society. It is therefore important that we discover and encourage promising talents in the field and empower the sector to become a major contributor in developing the creative economy.”

She added: “The first meeting of the committee is like the first building block and the first step in improvement and development of the local theatre sector. This committee is working towards establishing new standards that will define the future of the theatre sector and raise awareness about Emirati theatre. The main goal is to activate the creative industries and make Dubai a hub of creativity and a preferred destination for artists.”

“Dubai Culture will do its best to abide by the suggestions and recommendations of the committee to revive the role of the theatre and its importance in creating a happy society,” she concluded. 

The committee discussed the importance of cooperation among various theatres and theatre-groups, thereby encouraging the creation of joint works that represent the local performing arts scene and align with global standards of creativity and innovation.

During the meeting, the experts suggested setting standards and putting in place mechanisms for regulating the sector. The committee also highlighted the support provided by Dubai Culture in encouraging, empowering, and enhancing the overall performing arts landscape in Dubai and the role of media in promoting local theatre and building a positive global reputation for the same. 

The meeting also underpinned the importance of holding periodic meetings and cooperating on various levels to build a bridge between theatres and the authority.