Dubai’s design and fashion SMEs have been given a huge boost
with the announcement that a new council to encourage creativity is to be set
up.
The Dubai Council for Design and Fashion will be established
by decree of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president
and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.
SME growth will be one of the council’s main targets, as it
moves to support and promote creativity, diversify the economy and increase the
talent pool.
The council’s initial mandates will be to oversee the
delivery of a comprehensive strategy that will outline and guide the growth and
development of the emirate’s fashion industry, and nurture and support regional
talent and existing design events and initiatives.
As well as fostering SME growth, the decree outlined
objectives to develop the international market’s appetite for regional and
Emirati design products; increase jobs in the sector, provide an additional
appeal for tourism to Dubai, and increase the overall contribution to the
creative sector of the GDP.
The council will be established under the Dubai Technology
and Media Free Zone Authority and will include members from the Dubai
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Emaar and Dubai Design District.
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