Sheikh Hamdan offers rent exemptions in Dubai creative district

Tenants who are revamping properties in Al Quoz Creative Zone will not have to pay rent for up to two years

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced a rent freeze for tenants rebuilding or renovating properties at Al Quoz Creative Zone. Photo supplied

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced that tenants who are rebuilding or renovating properties in Al Quoz Creative Zone will be exempt from paying rent for up to two years.

The move is part of ambitious efforts to transform the Dubai district into a world-leading hub for the creative sector.

It is in line with a 100-day action plan for the development project aimed at attracting top talent from across the globe to live and work in Dubai.

The plan was unveiled by the project's higher committee, led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Sheikh Hamdan established Al Quoz Creative Zone in April to serve as a state-of-the-art centre of activity for the world's best talents.

The sprawling zone aims to provide top-class facilities that cover everything from publishing, writing and print to cinema, music and video. It will also embrace artistic and cultural industries, cultural heritage museums, historical sites, archives, major cultural events, libraries, and the software and video game industry.

It will use multipurpose spaces and art workshops to help drive the creative industry in the emirate and beyond.

Dubai's creative mission

The 100-day action plan will focus on the project's master plan to design a vibrant urban space, accommodating a wide variety of creative industries.

Key categories of activities related to the creative industries sector will be identified and permits to be given in the Al Quoz Creative Zone will be listed.

The zone's transport infrastructure will also take shape, including connecting Al Safa Metro Station to the creative zone.

The network will include a bus route with special designs, as well as cycle tracks, a pedestrian bridge and pedestrian sidewalks.

Dubai Culture is inviting members of the creative community to share ideas and suggestions for designs that can enhance the aesthetic and artistic ambience of the area.

Al Quoz is at the heart of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's enterprising vision to bolster Dubai's creative sector.

In April, the Ruler of Dubai set out a plan to boost the value of the city's creative sector - generating more jobs and doubling the number of companies in the industry.

He said the government aims to increase the GDP contributions of the creative and arts sectors from 2.6 per cent to 5 per cent.

He said design, content, culture and arts will be a "major driver for the future of our country".

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Vice President and Prime Minister, said about 8,300 companies trade in the emirate's creative sector today.