Expo 2020 in Dubai, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the AlUla megaproject in Saudi Arabia... These are all examples of the Gulf countries' plans to diversify their economies, with a view to moving away from dependence on hydrocarbons. Middle Eastern countries are seeking to reinvest their revenues, and are demonstrating unprecedented ambition and dynamism in the field of Cultural and Creative Industries.

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Culture, created in 2018, has grown at an exponential rate. Among the flagship projects, many museums (JAX, Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art, etc.) are set to open by 2030, as well as megaprojects such as AlUla. In the United Arab Emirates, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the flagship attraction of the Emirati capital, and cultural centers are multiplying in Dubai (Al Quoz Creative Zone, etc.).

With the participation of :

Catherine Dorgnac, Regional Manager Middle East, Türkiye and Central Asia, Bpifrance
Jean-Guillaume Lacoste, CEO GL Events Middle East, Dubai
Frank Barbaro, Senior Liaison Officer at AfalUla, Riyadh

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