UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth announced the launch of the National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity

The UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth unveiled the National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity on Friday. The programme intends to provide funds to UAE's talented young to help them produce projects that contribute to their creative, intellectual, and professional progress, while also increasing the prominence of the country's cultural and creative sectors on regional and worldwide platforms.

On August 3, 2023, an open call for applications was issued.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said: “The National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity embodies the Ministry’s vision and the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries by exemplifying the UAE’s unwavering commitment to increasing the socioeconomic impact and value of our cultural and creative product, as we provide talent with support that will help bring their creative and intellectual ideas to life.

In keeping with the UAE's vision and leadership, the Ministry of Culture and Youth recognises the important role that individuals play in propelling these sectors while conserving the UAE's national character and legacy. Al Qassimi went on to say that the new grant programme will finance projects and opportunities in seven categories: books and literature, music, film and television, performing arts and theatre, visual arts and design, video games, and cultural heritage. With such support, creatives have a better opportunity of exposing their work to local, regional, and worldwide audiences, therefore increasing the exposure of the UAE's collective creativity and cultural product.