Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), said that the ongoing Dubai Art Season has underlined the citys reputation as one of the worlds fastest growing destinations for the arts and culture.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa said: Promoting the arts and culture scene is one of the pillars of Dubais strategic vision. With Dubai Art Season, we are highlighting the creative potential of our city and its ability to bring together artists from around the world to promote intercultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas. The various activities under Dubai Art Season have catalysed the Emirates cultural scene, and enabled our artists to showcase their talents to a global audience.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa also announced the extension of the exhibited artworks at SIKKA Art Fair, Dubai Cultures contemporary artist-led fair, by two weeks until April 15, 2014, which saw robust interest from the community, recording over 15,000 visitors in just 10 days.

SIKKA Art Fair has set a new standard this year with the calibre of works curated and showcased, and has proved to be the definitive initiative to discover the citys artistic potential. I am honoured to extend my support to SIKKA Art Fair, to further strengthen the growth of our culture and arts industry, which holds tremendous potential, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa said.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa toured SIKKA Art Fair, as well as Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai, which are three of the main events that comprise the Dubai Art Season. On her tour of SIKKA Art Fair, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa was provided an overview of the 2014 programme, which included over 100 activities during the 10-day fair. Boasting workshops, panel discussions, live art installations, multidisciplinary ensembles, talks, and cross-discipline performances, SIKKA ushered in a new era in the growth story of the citys creative industries.

SIKKA Art Fair will continue to showcase the breadth of works by over 50 Emirati and UAE-based artists, representing 25 nations, all of whom were commissioned to produce site-specific works.

An active patron of the arts, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa is an ardent supporter of Art Week. She also extends her support to the annual Ladies Day at Design Days Dubai, in addition to serving as an ambassador for the written word through her patronage towards the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa has been championing the creative movement through her support as the Vice Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation. She also serves as the Honorary Chairperson of the Zayed University Alumni Association Board, a position she has held since 2011, where she guides and supports young Emirati female graduates to determine their career paths, while providing them with the opportunities they require to evolve as well-rounded professionals.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is committed to cultivating the cultural landscape of Dubai by building on its rich Arabian heritage, nurturing and promoting talent in the arts, and encouraging intercultural dialogue between the citys communities.