Dubai to Honour all International Patronage in Visual Arts, Film, Literature and Performing Arts

DUBAI, U.A.E., January 27 - Dubai is honouring all regional and international patrons of
the arts, who have made financial contributions towards strengthening Dubai's
art scene, with the first ever recognition of its sort in the Arab world.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the
Emirate's dedicated organisation for developing, promoting and preserving
culture, heritage and the arts, is inviting submissions for the Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, which will honour
patrons of art or cultural events in Dubai or a Dubai-affiliated initiative.

The awards were announced during Art Dubai 2009 by His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime
Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

"By extending the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Patrons of the Arts Awards to patrons from the region and beyond, Dubai is
leading a new dynamic to promote the arts," said Mishaal Al Gergawi, Project
& Events Manager of Dubai Culture.

"With this global outreach, we underscore our gratitude to all
art patrons who support Dubai's art scene. Their patronage has helped Dubai
build an established platform today to drive the growth of the arts," added
Al Gergawi.

The awards honour financial contributions or in kind support
to visual arts, performing arts, films and literary initiatives in Dubai from
January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009. The Awards will be conferred in four
categories: 'Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,' 'Patrons of the Arts,'
'Supporters of the Arts,' and 'Friends of the Arts'.

Al Gergawi said the city's cultural sphere has gained
tremendously from the support of patrons not only in the UAE but also across
the GCC region and globally. "The far-reaching patronage to the disciplines
of literature, visual arts, film and performing arts highlights Dubai's
evolution from being a platform for content exhibition to that of content
creation."

The awards will be presented in March 2010 at Art Dubai 2010.
Individuals or organisations can nominate by downloading the application form
from www.dubaiculture.ae/paa. Entries must be submitted by mail to:
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, Dubai
Culture & Arts Authority, Level 15, The Gate Building, Dubai International
Financial Centre, PO Box 125115, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    For more information, please contact:

    Kelly Home
    ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
    +971-4-334-4550
    k.home@asdaa.com

For more information, please contact: Kelly Home, ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, +971-4-334-4550, k.home at asdaa.com