Mohammed bin Rashid: Innovation is key pillar of intellectual and cultural components of peoples and reflects progress and development.

Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has confirmed the country's attention to encourage innovation in all its forms and manifestations as an important engine that has a clear impact in the development of people's lives and make them happy.

Sheikh Mohammed said artistic creativity is deemed the main pillar of the intellectual and cultural components of people and a mirror that reflects their progress and development as well as an effective way to achieve convergence and harmony among its members to spread beauty, goodness and understanding values to overcome the barriers of language and different cultures.

The remarks were made when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, along with H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, and Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, visited the headquarters of The Dubai Canvas Festival 2016.

The festival’s second edition is being held by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with Dubai Properties (DP). It will continue till 14th March, 2016.

Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that the UAE's approach to encourage innovation made it a hub for innovators who are keen on visiting the country to meet, and exchange ideas and visions, as well as discuss their experiences in the UAE's intellectual environment that allows them to unleash innovative ideas and capabilities.

He added that the country spares no efforts to enhance the innovative atmosphere which contributes to further developing and enhancing the country's pioneering role in supporting creativity at local, regional, and global levels to achieve people's happiness.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Al Marri on the objectives of the annual art festival in its 2nd edition. The 2015 Dubai Canvas Festival kicked off last March 2015 with the participation of with renowned international 3D art artists, who returned to Dubai to participate in this year's edition.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the festival and attended part of the 3D display. He also welcomed the participants to the festival, wishing them luck and further success and excellent contributions. During the tour, Sheikh Mohammed met with a number of artists who came from across the world.

The 2016 festival will feature over 60 works by 30 carefully selected artists from 14 countries. The works of these artists will be exhibited in an area stretching over two kilometres within JBR in a way that encourages active public participation, engagement and interaction.

Source : WAM