Cultural policy in Abu Dhabi

[1] Official publications such as the Vision 2030 Master Plan stress the inspirational role played by UAE's first ruler, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in investing oil and gas profits for the development and benefit of the Emirate and its people: "Sheikh Zayed recognized the assets of the UAE, not just its oil, but its true wealth - its people and heritage, its sustainable approach to life and the rich natural assets of the sea and the ‘sweet sands' of the desert".

[9] The Abu Dhabi Cultural Heritage Management Strategy was then developed in collaboration with UNESCO to investigate critical issues and design optimal policy responses over a five years' horizon.

[10] Governmental institutions, advisory bodies and financing funds are invariably chaired by members of the ruling family and consultations with the local population are rare.

[1] Following bodies perform today a critical role in cultural policymaking in Abu Dhabi: Established in February 2012 by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of Abu Dhabi, this 'super-agency' combines the existing authorities for tourism, culture and heritage and retains all assets, mandates and staff of the previous organizations.

[12] Respectively established in 2007 and 2006, the UPC and the ADCED are government agencies responsible for the planning of urban development strategies and for economic policy advisory in Abu Dhabi.

Their partnership ensures successful completion of the government's long-term vision, by integrating knowledge to inform policymakers in the outlining of individual policies, plans and blueprints that account for the multidisciplinary facets underlying the pursue of a truly sustainable future for Abu Dhabi.

Their workings resulted in the definition and publication of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 Master Plan, which is the foremost inspiring document behind cultural policymaking in the emirate.

The plan, a comprehensive set of strategic policies for the development of the Emirate in the next 20 years, has been sponsored since 2006 by Their Highnesses Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Originally designed in 2008 by the UPC as a policy program, Estidama, which means "sustainability" in Arabic, has since then rather become an inspirational vision for political governance.

Aiming at achieving a more balanced society and enhancing well-being of future generations, it is grounded on four main pillars: economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.

Oil is a perishable resource: the neighboring Dubai has depleted its reserves and was forced into high risk, fast-tracked strategies of diversification as oil-related industries have gradually winded down.

Hedging against the risk of unexpected downward pressure has been another important driving force behind diversification to non-oil industrial and service sectors.

[20] The aim is to promote Abu Dhabi as a global capital, world cultural hub and reference point for middle east-politics.