Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (DUBAI)
The creative economy has moved beyond being a niche sector to becoming a strategic priority for governments worldwide, particularly amid growing volatility and rapid change, according to an expert at the recent World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Speaking to Aletihad, Adham Shkeir, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, noted that the rise of the creative economy is closely linked to economic uncertainty in traditional sectors. “When governments see volatility across many sectors, they naturally look for diversification and replacement opportunities,” he said. “In that context, the creative economy becomes one of the most rewarding opportunities today.”
In partnership with the World Governments Summit, FTI Consulting has launched a report titled “Creative Futures: The Springboard for Sustained Economic Growth and Diversification,” offering governments and public sector leaders a strategic roadmap for harnessing the creative economy as a driver of national prosperity, innovation and global influence.
The report highlighted the significant size of the global creative economy (~ $2.25 trillion in 2020), accounting for 3.1% of global GDP and employing nearly 6.2% of the global employment.
Moreover, it shows that every $1 invested in creative industries generates approximately $2.50 in overall economic output, reflecting extensive spillover benefits across tourism, manufacturing and urban services.
Shkeir emphasised that this growth is tied to a culture and arts sector that is evolving alongside technology. “Fifty or a hundred years ago, culture meant literature, reading, and painting. Today, it includes visual arts, advanced technology, VR, and digital experiences.”
Beyond artistic expression, the broader creative economy is shaped by powerful enablers: “Digital platforms, AI, distribution, and the ability to export intellectual property allow governments to monetise culture quickly — turning creativity into brand, value, and IP.”
This evolution, he noted, is what makes the creative economy critical to economic resilience.
UAE as a Global Creative Economy Case Study
The UAE stands out as a leading example of effectively leveraging the creative economy, Shkeir said. “The UAE has generated around Dh220 billion in output from the creative economy, contributing roughly 4–5% of GDP.”
The expert attributed this success to three main factors: attracting top global talent through quality of life and streamlined operations; maintaining a lean and responsive government with enabling policies; and strategically investing in infrastructure to establish the UAE as a creative economy hub.
“This is a full-fledged investment across the entire journey — and the returns are clear,” he said.
Shkeir underscored the role of data, analytics, and emerging technologies in sustaining creative economies. “With proper data, governments can shorten policy adoption cycles, design micro-solutions, and move from being reactive to proactive.”
He concluded by emphasising the importance of partnership in shaping the future:
“Governments must act as orchestrators. The creative economy cannot be built by government alone, nor by talent or the private sector in isolation.”
“When governments fill gaps with the right policies and investments, and talent and private sector bring innovation and expertise, that’s when real impact happens.”
