The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have formalized a partnership under the ‘Art for Good – Healthcare Sector’ initiative, aimed at integrating art and creativity into clinical environments across the emirate.
The program is designed to enhance psychological well-being, reduce stress for patients and medical teams, and reinforce Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy while supporting the city’s ambition to be a preferred global destination to live, work, and visit.
The initiative will see participating hospitals collaborate with artists, creative professionals, and community members to deliver activities and programs rooted in local heritage and national identity.
These efforts are intended to support patient recovery, strengthen social cohesion, and encourage meaningful creative expression. The first phase of the program will involve 10 private hospitals, with healthcare facilities helping evaluate and shape the initiatives to broaden public engagement with art.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and HE Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of DHA, on the sidelines of Arab Health at Expo City Dubai.
It establishes a framework for exploring and implementing innovative approaches to integrating arts into healthcare services across the emirate.
Hala Badri Director General Dubai Culture
“Art for Good – Healthcare Sector” represents a distinctive Dubai-developed model that underscores the role of art and creativity in supporting patients, their families, and medical professionals. Art is a unique language for conveying emotions and an effective therapeutic tool that instils hope among patients while encouraging engagement, interaction, and connection. Through this project, we aim to strengthen cohesion and solidarity, harness creativity in the service of society, and transform healthcare facilities into inspiring spaces that help alleviate stress. Dubai Culture is proud to work alongside the Dubai Health Authority and participating hospitals on programs that bring culture into everyday spaces. This initiative reflects our commitment to integrating art into public life, empowering artists to deliver impactful work, and enriching Dubai’s cultural landscape, reinforcing the city’s position as a global hub for creativity.”
Dr. Alsheikh-Ali highlighted that, “Dubai places great importance on the health and well-being of its residents. ‘Art for Good – Health Sector’ brings the arts into the healthcare ecosystem, reflecting the emirate’s vision of building a balanced and prosperous society. The initiative supports innovative, integrated care in environments designed to meet patients’ emotional and sensory needs while aiding their recovery.”
