Cultural policy in Abu Dhabi

Cultural policy in Abu Dhabi refers to any initiative undertaken by the Emirate government aimed at achieving goals to contribute to or shape culture. Abu Dhabi's government aims to develop a cultural infrastructure that will allow it to establish itself as a reference point for culture on three levels. The focus on culture is meant to help the city and Emirate compete against traditional centers of power in the Arab world. The main government body responsible for cultural development in the UAE is the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCTAD) The UAE's first ruler, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in investing oil and gas profits for the development and benefit of Emirate and its people. Ruler's initiative is key in understanding cultural policymaking in Abu Abu Dhabi. Following bodies today perform a critical role in cultural policy making. The Emirate adopts a top-down planning policy, with private initiative in private initiative. The UAE has a diverse cultural history, with a rich heritage of traditions and customs. The city did not engage in any serious urban development strategy until the discovery of oil in 1962. Thereafter, economic prosperity in the 60s and 70s has resulted in exposure to foreign influxes that jeopardized the integrity of local heritage.