Dubai ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced plans for Dubai to become an open air museum as part of the new Brand Dubai initiative.
Sheikh Mohammed, also Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE, launched 'Dubai Speaks to You', the inaugural project of the Government of Dubai Media Office's campaign.
In a collaboration with the emirate's major real estate developers, including Nakheel, Meydan, Emaar, Dubai Holding and Meraas Holding, Brand Dubai is to make a number of prime locations across the city available for UAE artists to create street art, installations, photography and sculptures.
Brand Dubai is tasked with proposing a range of projects and events that will highlight the look and feel and the unique character of Dubai as one of the world's most developed, fastest-growing and culturally diverse cities.
Sheikh Mohammed, addressing an audience of young artists, said: "We are giving you the opportunity to make your city into an open air museum; Dubai is your canvas. We celebrate innovation, art and beauty.
"Your talent, and creativity will invite visitors, citizens and residents to explore the many facets of Dubai's rich diversity and pioneering spirit. And this is an invitation to all artists in the UAE who want to participate in this project."
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He said that Dubai's rapid growth into a global city goes far beyond mega-projects and construction, adding: "Dubai's artists, innovators and creative talent are integral partners in its development, and through their work, they can capture its unique essence and voice."
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, the director general of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), said: "Dubai attracts millions of tourists every year, and we are an incredibly multicultural city with expatriates from around the world. These communities contribute to making Dubai a rich cultural mosaic.
"Public spaces are the essence of the look and feel of a city and this is why we are launching this project. We want people to experience Dubai's dynamism and this is where the talent of all those in attendance today comes in."
She added: "From the moment a visitor lands in our city until the moment he or she leaves, we want Dubai to surprise and delight them. We want Dubai to linger in people's minds. Other than a city's architectural landmarks and we have plenty of those, the true soul of a city is its culture, its heritage, its creators and innovators."
Brand Dubai will be responsible for coordinating between real estate developers and the participating artists. The three parties will work to establish a set of criteria that will be taken into consideration before making a final decision regarding the proposed works.
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