Cultural sites in Dubai are gaining momentum, with more than 521,000 visitors in 2021
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) reported that the performance of cultural venues in Dubai has shown a remarkable recovery from a challenging year impacted by the global impact of COVID-19. The Authority’s museums, heritage sites and public libraries attracted more than 521,000 visitors in 2021.
In 2021, the total number of visits to these sites was 521,753; heritage sites topped the list, registering 50% of total visitors, followed by libraries with 39% and museums with 11%.
Muna Faisal Algurg, director of the Department of Museums and acting director general of Dubai Culture’s culture and heritage sector, confirmed that despite the conditions and impact of the pandemic on the culture and creative sector worldwide, Dubai Culture has adopted an effective methodology to address the challenges encountered through digital offerings such as virtual tours, workshops, events and educational lectures at these sites.
After a period of lockdown, Dubai Culture has managed to revive the cultural movement in the emirate and keep audiences connected to Dubai’s history and cultural attractions. The Authority has also ensured that all precautionary measures have been put in place to guarantee the highest level of protection for employees and visitors to these sites.
Algurg noted that museum and heritage activities in the emirate are on their way to full recovery at a time when the world’s museums are still suffering from the effects of the pandemic. According to a report published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), 90% of the world’s museums closed their doors during the pandemic and 13% are at risk of permanent closure.
Dr Syed Mubarak bin Harbash, Director General of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, expressed delight at the return of reading and cultural activities to the emirate, assuring Dubai Culture’s commitment to developing and modernising Dubai’s public libraries as places to educate minds with knowledge, and organising programmes and events dedicated to knowledge, including initiatives to spread the joy of reading and learning to children and parents, such as the Reading Box Initiative, summer and winter camps.
Bin Harbash added: “We believe in the need to equip our children with knowledge and nourish their minds with culture to create ambitious generations open to all cultures and able to lead the Emirate in the coming decades. Based on our understanding of the importance of reading to improve the personalities of young people and plant the seeds of inspiration and creativity in their minds, we aim to develop programmes and projects to make literature and culture accessible to all, encouraging the younger generation to make reading part of their daily lives.”
.@DubaiCulture’s assets performed very well in 2021, attracting more than 521,000 visitors to its museums, heritage sites and public libraries in #Dubai. pic.twitter.com/FMdybR6xiG
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 24, 2022
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