Dubai’s Digital Creative Economy Set to Hit AED27 Trillion by 2030

The global digital creative economy, valued at AED27 trillion, presents a vast opportunity for diversified growth, fueled by young talent and disruptive technologies such as AI, Web3, and virtual reality. A new white paper by Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Media City, developed with global consultancy Monstarlab, highlights these insights.

Drawing from over 20 industry leaders and surveys of 400 professionals, the Digital Creative Economy 2024 white paper offers a comprehensive view of the digital creative sector’s growth potential. The report’s release coincides with Dubai’s continued dominance in the creative economy, ranking first globally for cultural and creative FDI inflows, according to the Financial Times’ FDI Markets report.

The digital creative economy is forecasted to grow by 11% annually, reaching AED27 trillion by 2030, driven by sectors such as design, audiovisual media, fashion, and visual arts. Monstarlab’s innovative market model helped estimate this growth by analyzing global and UAE-specific creative sectors.

Generative AI and emerging technologies are reshaping content production, with the white paper detailing how fields like fashion design, architecture, and advertising are evolving. “Tomorrow’s talent must be equipped with the skills to harness AI, Web3, and VR,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, SVP of Dubai Media City, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting creative industries through initiatives like the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

Khadija Al Bastaki, SVP of d3, emphasized the critical role of strategic support and policies in nurturing Dubai’s creative community. The city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design and its pro-business environment are key factors in attracting FDI and positioning Dubai as a creative hub.

With over 40% of professionals expecting AI to impact their industries, the white paper underscores the UAE’s leadership in growing its creative economy within the GCC. Most professionals agree Dubai’s infrastructure supports creative excellence, solidifying its role in shaping the future of the global digital creative economy.