Dubai - 22 June 2015

Following the decree by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, issuing Law No.15 of 2014 concerning the Creative Clusters in the Emirate of Dubai, the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority ("DCCA" or the "Authority"), formerly the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, announced today that it has launched its first report titled "Celebrating 15 years of success and a new mandate."

The report provides in-depth detail on the Authority's new mandate and the ways in which it will support and enhance Dubai's creative industries. It will be used as a benchmark to measure DCCA's delivery against its mandate and is a stepping stone towards fulfilling the Authority's role in providing research, intelligence and advocacy.

The report also celebrates the achievements of the past 15 years and the role the Authority has played in developing Dubai's knowledge-based economy. By providing a business-friendly regulatory and policy framework, the Authority has helped industry leaders across 10 world-class free zone clusters to establish a base to serve their customers across the region. Going forward, DCCA will place greater emphasis on enterpreneurship and talent in the creative industries by putting the right platforms and supportive structures in place.

Ali BuRuhaima, Deputy Director General, Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, commented: "The new mandate is an enormous responsibility. To meet it, we must work closely with all our partners, established and new, so we can all benefit from our collective experience. This report is a starting point which will help us pave the path to achieving this mandate, so when the world comes to Expo 2020, they will see Dubai as the most innovative city in the world."

According to DCCA's new mandate, the Authority will drive the growth of Dubai's creative industries by developing evidence-based policies and programmes to attract, retain and grow creative businesses in Dubai. To meet its objectives, the Authority will actively develop the size and skills of the creative talent pool, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, provide financial support, create joint forums between the creative industries and government, and provide a platform for research, intelligence and advocacy.

DCCA will continue to be responsible for licensing, visa and zoning regulations for the diverse free zone, which encompasses Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), Energy and Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Design District (d3). These clusters are owned and operated by TECOM Investments, Dubai's innovative business enabler and pioneering master developer of sector-focused business communities.

To view the full report, please visit dcca.gov.ae/industry-resources/video/celebrating-15-years-of-success-and-new-mandate/

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About DCCA:
In 2014, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, issued "Law No. 15 of 2014 concerning the Creative Clusters in the Emirate of Dubai". A new mandate to lead the development of Dubai's creative industries in support of the Dubai Innovation Strategy led to DTMFZA being renamed as Dubai Creative Clusters Authority. The Authority is mandated with three key components to promote Dubai as one of the world's most attractive cities for creative businesses.

  • Regulatory for Free Zone clusters

  • Develop policies and programmes to enable cluster development

  • Lead responsibility for Dubai's creative industries

 As Dubai moves towards the implementation of a number of ambitious initiatives - the Dubai Plan 2021, Expo 2020 and the Dubai Innovation Strategy - Dubai Creative Clusters Authority is committed to forging Dubai's global reputation as a leader in creativity and a hub for innovation.

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© Press Release 2015