Dubai is gearing up to be the host city for the World Cities Culture Summit (WCCS) in 2024. WCCS is a global network that includes more than 40 major cities worldwide, all dedicated to promoting culture as an essential driver for prosperous, fair and sustainable cities. Dubai will host this mega event from 29 October to 1 November 2024.
The exciting news was revealed at the 2023 summit held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This marks a significant victory for Dubai, as it will be the first time the event is hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Established in 2012 under the leadership of the Mayor of London, the network originally included eight cities. Over the years, it has expanded to encompass more than 40 cities across six continents, collectively representing 172 million people. Dubai, represented by Dubai Culture, became a member in 2020. Among Arab cities, the only other member in the network is Abu Dhabi.
For the upcoming 2024 summit, a primary goal is to explore the impact of culture on urban prosperity and lay the groundwork for sustainable development. During the summit, leaders will gather to share innovative concepts and proven strategies in cultural policy-making, with the aim of shaping the future of creative cities.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Member of the Dubai Council, affirmed that hosting this important summit further cements the emirate’s position as a global cultural destination, continuing its journey of building a sustainable creative economy based on knowledge and innovation.
As per WAM, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa also added, "Hosting the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit is a testament to the visionary aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent. It also solidifies its standing as a hub for knowledge and cultural dialogue, emphasising Dubai’s capacity to bring together cultural leaders from around the world to shape the future of cities, craft forward-thinking cultural policies, and catalyse social and economic progress."