DIFC Is Awarded Inaugural Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) was today awarded the inaugural Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award in recognition of its support of the arts.

At an event attended by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai presented the award to HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of DIFC. The awards event was also attended by HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority; and HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the awards honour individuals, businesses, organisations and government entities that have provided sustained support for artistic activity in Dubai through financial and in-kind contributions.

HE Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer said: “We are pleased to be recognised for our efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as the region’s leading arts and culture hub, a position that complements the city’s established status as a prominent global banking and finance centre. Our support is based on our belief in the important role that a vibrant and enriching arts scene plays in the development of a global city. We pledge to continue our deep commitment to the arts for the benefit of Dubai, the UAE and the region at large.”

Other 2010 award winners included Abraaj Capital, Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline, Majid Al Futtaim Group and Dr. Farhad Farjam.

Maitha Al Falasi, Acting Director, Art and Culture, DIFC Authority said, “Our extensive support for the arts, including our ownership of Art Dubai, the leading contemporary art fair in the Middle East, and our support of Dubai’s increasingly large and diverse art scene by housing several galleries within DIFC, is central to the role we play within the Dubai community. As such, we are particularly pleased to share this award with so many of Dubai’s leading organisations and would like to reiterate our continued commitment to support the development of art.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards encourages, by way of recognition, the much-valued financial support to Dubai’s creative community. This will help nurture the creative environment in Dubai so that the city not only exhibits world-class art but also creates it.