page_title: Cultural policy in Abu Dhabi
section_title: Estidama
hierarchical_section_title: Cultural policy in Abu Dhabi / The Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 Master Plan / Estidama
caption_attribution_description: Skyline of Abu Dhabi emirate viewed from the Marina.
context_page_description: The concept of cultural policy in Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates refers to any initiative undertaken by the Emirate's government aimed at achieving goals of certain cultural content and ascribable within a coherent strategic framework. Today, Abu Dhabi's foremost ambition is to develop a cultural infrastructure that will allow it to establish itself as a reference point for culture on three levels:
  locally, it would preserve and sustain local traditions and heritage, promoting itself as the custodian of true Emirati and Arab identity, counterweighting cultural homogenization due to increasing shares of expatiates in the population;
  regionally, the focus on culture is meant to help the city and the Emirate compete against traditional centers of power in the Arab world for a leading role in Middle Eastern politics;
  globally, as a world cultural hub and center for education able to attract foreign creative talents and diversify its economy, with a particular focus on the service sector and innovation.
context_section_description: In particular, the conceptual guidelines underlying the Vision 2030 Master Plan are outlined in Estidama. Originally designed in 2008 by the UPC as a policy program, Estidama, which means “sustainability” in Arabic, has since then rather become an inspirational vision for political governance. Aiming at achieving a more balanced society and enhancing well-being of future generations, it is grounded on four main pillars: economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.
caption: A panoramic view of modern Abu Dhabi, as seen from the Marina
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