Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is to play a key role in delivering the creative aspects of Expo 2020, the major global event to be held in the city from October 2020 to April 2021.

Named Official Cultural Supporter for the Expo, it will seek to promote and enhance the UAE's art scene, using the expo as a platform to "showcase creativity and foster global cultural collaboration", as well as supporting a range of initiatives that include an Expo-led, community-centred art programme and Dubai Culture's own annual Sikka Art Festival.

Dubai Culture says its vision is to make Dubai a global centre for arts and culture, an "incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent".

"Our partnership with Expo 2020 puts culture at the forefront of this event with a host of initiatives, programmes and creative work environments that manifest Dubai's vision as the city of the future," said Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Culture chair.

"It will strengthen the UAE's international standing, enrich its cultural portfolio, and promote its rich heritage and legacy for the prosperity of future generations and the happiness of our residents and visitors."

The collaboration with Dubai Culture is one of many that Expo 2020 has forged, drawing on local, regional and international expertise in shaping the event, which is themed 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'. Amongst the range of cultural and artistic initiatives planned is the Visual Arts Programme, the Design and Crafts Programme, and the commissioning of the first-ever Emirati opera, titled Al Wasl).

HE Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE minister of state for international cooperation and director-general of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, commented: "The signing of this agreement with Dubai Culture shows how everyone in the UAE is coming together to deliver this historical national project. The agreement will help highlight Emirati heritage and Dubai's position as a global hub for culture, heritage, art and literature."