Issue 66: The Secret Is Culture
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about the power of culture in our region – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
The Secret Is Culture
What is the Gulf’s greatest untapped asset? No, it’s not oil or military strength or even intellectual capital. It’s culture. The region we call home is teeming with magnificent and varied culture. But most people don’t have easy access to this wealth of knowledge. Thanks to a couple of key decisions by savvy leaders, this is about to change. The foundations for the upcoming shift were laid by the UAE decades ago.
Ministry of culture: Last month, The Wall Street Journal featured a special report on Saudi Arabia’s push into the culture space. Over the next few years, the country intends to build more than a dozen major art institutions along with a handful of smaller ones. This effort is being spearheaded by the Kingdom’s new Ministry of Culture and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s effort to diversify the Saudi economy.
Paving the way: Saudi Arabia’s decision to invest in local culture will help transform the country into an international tourism destination. It will also inform how millions of people understand the Arab world. But the decision didn’t happen in a vacuum. This bold step is possible thanks to efforts taken by the UAE decades ago. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been investing in cultural infrastructure for years. From the Louvre in Abu Dhabi to the vibrant local arts scene in Dubai, the UAE has steadily risen to become a major art and cultural destination.
Changing the mindset: The UAE’s commitment to the development of local culture extends to assistance during Covid-19. In May, the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development under the leadership of Minister Noura Al Kaabi announced the distribution of government grants for local artists to help sustain them during the pandemic. Culture is one of the greatest assets this region has to offer the world. By following the UAE’s lead, Saudi Arabia’s efforts in expanding its cultural offering and making it more accessible will pay untold dividends. Not only is it a vital aspect of any healthy knowledge-based economy but it’s one that empowers the next generation through inspiration. The secret is culture.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
This week, we’re asking you about culture. What local cultural treasure deserves more attention? Get in touch across our social media channels @xische with your thoughts, feelings, and answers. Or drop us a line and just say hello.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Maybe working on the little things as dutifully and honestly as we can is how we stay sane when the world is falling apart.”
– Haruki Murakami, writer
BACKSTORY: SPACE
The UAE is preparing to send the first Arab space mission to Mars next month. The Amal spacecraft, which means Hope, is due to lift off from a remote Japanese island on 15 July. Over the next three weeks, look out for special Backstory: Space editions landing in your inbox on Friday mornings. This mission is about much more than space exploration and we’ll fill you in on the backstory you need to fully appreciate this historic event.
OUR VIEWS THIS WEEK
The internet’s foundation: For most of their existence, social media companies have tried their best to stay away from content moderation. Leading platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have repeatedly argued that they can’t be the arbiters of truth or the editors of perceptions. That’s all changing now. Twitter has started moderating content from major figures such as US President Donald Trump. This week, we explored how content moderation is a perfect opportunity for small states like the UAE to help define the internet we want.
Cashless future: Covid-19 is rapidly changing virtually all aspects of our lives. One area you may not have considered is money. Contactless payments and digital money are surging as a result of the pandemic. In a new article published by Xische, we think about what the cashless shift means for the UAE and how local companies can continue to innovate in the sector.
A MESSAGE FROM DIGITAI
Artificial Intelligence can work for you. The pace of AI innovation is undeniable. With so many options to choose from, how can you be sure that you are making AI work for your needs? Discover what we’re doing at Digit Ai, a Xische company, to accelerate organisational capacity building that leverages AI and machine learning. Find solutions that make business sense and embrace the power of AI.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
The plants are listening: One of the most profound images to come out of this upside-down pandemic period has to be the photo above. The Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house in Barcelona recently filled its seats with 2,292 plants for a live stream string quartet. In 100 years, historians will look back at this image in wonder.
Hidden ninja: The Covid-19 pandemic has everyone thinking about pivots, new directions, and side hustles. Ever considered becoming a ninja? Mie University in Japan just awarded the first-ever degree in ninja studies. The graduate, 45-year-old Genichi Mitsuhashi, spent two years honing martial arts skills and learning other survival techniques. It’s never too late to follow your passion.
QUICK HITS
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