Dubai to host the World Cities Culture Summit 2024
City leaders will explore the theme: ‘Tomorrow’s culture: how will the next generation shape our world?’
City leaders from the world’s largest creative cities including London, New York, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro will meet in Dubai for the 13th World Cities Culture Summit, taking place from 30 October – 1 November 2024. This is the first time the World Cities Culture Summit will convene in the Middle East and North Africa Region.
“The World Cities Culture Forum is founded on the principle of collaboration – we believe that appreciating each other’s cultures contributes to global cohesion.” – Justine Simons OBE, Founder and Chair of World Cities Culture Forum
The Summit is organised in collaboration with the Government of Dubai and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
Under the theme of ‘Tomorrow’s culture: how will the next generation shape our world?’, city leaders will explore how to support the next generation of artists and creative entrepreneurs for decades to come. From AI to archeology, the Summit will unpack how global cities are blending heritage with bold innovation, tradition with technology.
Leaders will debate the common challenges cities face today, including the climate crisis, tourism and rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence. They will also share opportunities for culture to play a leading role, from creating sustainable destinations to inspiring climate action.
A free public session on 31 October, ‘Tomorrow’s Talent: What Do Creatives Need from Cities? will explore how cities can attract and retain creative talent, ensuring that artists, designers, and cultural innovators remain central to urban life. Moderated by Justine Simons, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, and Founder and Chair of World Cities Culture Forum, the event will be open to the public and invite members of Dubai’s creative community, its policymakers and academics to attend. Check our Events page for more information on how to attend very soon.
The Summit will take place across Dubai’s reputed cultural venues including the Al Shindagha Museum, which tells the story of the UAE’s history and traditions; the award-winning Museum of the Future, which opened in 2022; and Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s leading cultural district.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, London; Founder and Chair of World Cities Culture Forum, comments:
“We are excited to be in Dubai this year for the 13th World Cities Culture Summit. As one of the world’s fastest growing cities, Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities and a meeting point of cultures across continents. The World Cities Culture Forum is founded on the principle of collaboration – we believe that appreciating each other’s cultures contributes to global cohesion. As we gather together in Dubai, we will learn from each other and champion the transformative power of culture to address the common challenges we face.”
About the World Cities Culture Summit
The World Cities Culture Summit is the annual flagship event of World Cities Culture Forum, a global network of over 40 cities that share cultural policy solutions that improve lives and transform cities.
The World Cities Culture Summit brings together a diverse and influential network of Deputy Mayors, Culture Commissioners, Directors of Culture and city leaders, providing a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with peers from around the globe. It is a solutions-focused event that encourages city leaders to collaborate to improve the lives of their citizens through culture: over half of previous attendees have implemented or improved a cultural policy in their city as a result of attending.
Described as a ‘Masterclass in cultural policy’, recent host cities have included Helsinki in 2022 and São Paulo 2023. Former hosts also include Amsterdam, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, San Francisco, and Seoul.
The annual World Cities Culture Trends Report is published by the World Cities Culture Forum and offers insights into the themes explored at the World Cities Culture Summit.
