Art as a Growth Driver

Economists say this approach can usher in other benefits too. “A vibrant arts sector is an economic asset that stimulates business activity, attracts tourism, and expands a state's work force and tax base. The arts have also demonstrated a successful and sustainable strategy for revitalising rural areas, cities and populations struggling with poverty,” explains Mumbai-based economist Shankar Das, former Professor at Mumbai University.

Colombia, for instance, has had an “Orange Economy” policy since 2018—an economic movement that encourages the private sector to invest in the arts, crafts, festivals, heritage, music, publishing, and fashion, adds the expert. Overall , the creative economy is expected to reach a global valuation of $985 billion by 2023, and is likely to constitute 10% of global GDP before 2030, according to the think tank G20 Insights.

Cultural Renaissance

With many such projects underway, it’s hard to miss the exciting cultural renaissance underway in Abu Dhabi. A dynamic, vibrant and diverse art scene is unfolding, with mushrooming art galleries and art collectives attracting footfalls from big collectors and internationally reputed galleries. Barely 10 minutes from 421 is the eye-popping Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Swathed in an intricate, 7,850-piece jigsaw of perforated aluminium and stainless-steel panels, its 23 galleries are divided by narrow alleyways and plazas to evoke the look and feel of a medina. The multi-tiered museum, it's architecture, Arabian-inspired interiors, and staggering artworks displayed in temporary exhibitions as well as permanent collections induce awe.

There’s also a frisson of excitement in the city about the opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by American architect Frank Gehry. Set to open next year, and located on Saadiyat Island, just off the coast, it will house more than 600 works of modern and contemporary art by established names, such as Louise Bourgeois, as well as new Emirati artists and emerging talents from across Asia and Africa.

Also rising from Saadiyat’s dun-coloured landscape is the multi-faith cultural centre called the Abrahamic Family House, designed by David Adjaye, the British architect who helmed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C. The Zayed National Museum and two more cultural institutions will be unveiled next year.

In fact Saadiyat Cultural District has shaped up as a unique conglomeration of museums, cultural institutions, collections, and public programming that celebrate the achievements of the United Arab Emirates, the region, and the world. It also hosts Berklee Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and team Lab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

Manarat Al Saadiyat — Arabic for 'a place of enlightenment' – is where art lovers congregate for the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair. The premises also hosts three galleries for temporary exhibits, a photography studio, an art studio and a 250-seat auditorium. Also part of the city’s arty constellation is the New York University’s NYUAD Art Gallery. Public programming and guided tours complement exhibitions by international and local artists on New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus.

Inclusive Society

With the city in the throes of a cultural revolution, a visitor is led to wonder why there’s such an intense focus on art. The answer is indeed enlightening. As a Saadiyat spokesperson put it, “We want to tell stories of the UAE, the world, and the connections that have shaped our creativity and innovation throughout history. We want to build a global public space where people can come together and engage in intercultural and intellectual exchange, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s vision of an inclusive city."

Indeed, these developments lie at the heart of a $12-billion programme that the State hopes will transform the largest and most oil-rich of the region’s sheikhdoms into a global centre for the arts. It also ties in with the UAE’s larger cultural policy to position art and culture as key drivers of economic development.

Art & culture

How Abu Dhabi leverages art & culture for economic growth