DUBAI, fifth November, 2026 (WAM) — The inaugural cohort of the Global Fellowship, co-founded by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the World Cities Culture Forum, accomplished its first studying expertise throughout the fifteenth World Cities Culture Summit, held in Tokyo, Japan, from twenty eighth to thirtieth October 2026.
Bringing collectively 20 cultural professionals from Dubai and cities throughout the World Cities Culture Forum community, the programme supplied individuals alternatives to alternate information, strengthen their management capabilities and discover revolutionary approaches to cultural policymaking by means of a sequence of interactive periods, sensible discussions and exchanges with worldwide consultants.
The summit introduced collectively cultural leaders, policymakers, consultants and specialists from all over the world, alongside a Dubai Culture delegation comprising Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture; Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture; Sara Saleh Al Pachachi, Senior Project Manager within the Corporate Communication and Marketing Department; and Lina Abbas, Marketing Specialist within the Corporate Communication and Marketing Department.
The participation displays Dubai Culture’s dedication to investing in expertise, creating management capabilities and increasing worldwide information alternate. It goals to equip a brand new technology of cultural policymakers to develop revolutionary options that assist sustainable city improvement, improve high quality of life and strengthen tradition’s contribution to cities and communities.
Badri mentioned that the fellows’ participation within the Tokyo summit displays Dubai’s dedication to investing in individuals and creating leaders who can anticipate change and form cultural insurance policies that reply to communities’ wants and aspirations whereas enhancing high quality of life.
She mentioned, “The World Cities Culture Summit in Tokyo offered our Global Fellowship participants a valuable opportunity to learn from international expertise, expand their professional networks and explore new approaches to shared challenges. The experience has helped broaden their perspectives, advance their projects and lay the foundations for lasting collaboration among cultural professionals from different cities, strengthening culture’s role in shaping the future.”
Badri additionally highlighted the significance of worldwide partnerships in increasing alternatives for cooperation and information alternate, and in translating concepts into initiatives that ship tangible affect for communities.
The summit marked the primary main milestone for the Global Fellowship, the primary programme of its form globally. Through devoted periods that mixed dialogue with sensible utility, fellows explored totally different management approaches, exchanged views, and examined challenges going through the cultural sectors of their cities.
The programme included an “Early Reflections” session, throughout which fellows mirrored on the experiences and cultural backgrounds which have formed their method to management, their obligations to their cities, and their future aspirations.
They additionally participated in “Courageous Leadership with Obi James”, led by Obi James, Programme Director of The Leadership Catalyst and a management coach and marketing consultant. The session explored methods to construct confidence, embrace alternatives and translate aspirations into sensible steps all through the Fellowship.
Justine Simons OBE, Founder and Chair of the World Cities Culture Forum, mentioned, “The Global Fellowship responds to the growing need to support and connect the next generation of cultural city leaders. Twenty fellows came together at the 15th World Cities Culture Summit to learn from each other and from cultural leaders across our global network, taking fresh ideas and perspectives back to their cities.
She added, “We sit up for our continued collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Global Fellowship residency programme in Dubai subsequent spring.”
During the “Get to Know Your Peer” session, fellows presented their city projects, explored one another’s work and exchanged constructive feedback, helping them refine their ideas and strengthen professional relationships. The programme also combined an exploration of Japanese culture with opportunities to develop leadership knowledge and skills.
Fellows took part in a walk through Meiji Jingu Forest, followed by a reflection session on “Omotenashi”, the Japanese art of hospitality centred on care for others and anticipating their needs. The session explored how empathy and initiative can build professional relationships grounded in trust and cooperation.
Fellows also participated in the “Leadership Surgery,” which brought together experienced international leaders and experts, including Jen Benoit-Bryan, Director of SMU DataArts; Touria Meliani, former Deputy Mayor for Culture, Amsterdam; Branislav Henselmann, Executive Director of San Francisco Ballet; Mariama Whitmore, Heritage Tourism Cluster Lead at Freetown City Council; and Lisa Colley, Cultural Planner.
The session enabled participants to examine practical challenges relating to cultural policymaking and the creative industries, discuss their city projects and initiatives, and benefit from the contributors’ expertise in data analysis, partnerships, funding, tourism and heritage, and cultural planning and strategy.
From November 2026 to March 2027, fellows will continue their professional development through online masterclasses covering leadership, cultural policymaking, public-private partnerships, and integrating culture into urban planning and infrastructure. The sessions will also explore collaboration across government entities, new approaches to working together and long-term sustainability in the cultural sector.
Each fellow will develop a strategic cultural project addressing their city’s needs and challenges, supported by individual mentoring, expert guidance and exchanges with peers.
The programme will conclude with a five-day residency in Dubai in spring 2027, where fellows will put their learning into practice, engage with cultural institutions, and explore the emirate’s approaches to cultural development, innovation and collaboration across sectors.
The residency will help participants refine their projects and develop practical implementation plans for their cities.
The Global Fellowship builds on the legacy of the 13th World Cities Culture Summit, hosted by Dubai in 2024, for the first time in the MENA region, under the theme “Tomorrow’s Culture: How Will the Next Generation Shape Our World?”.
The Fellowship’s tutorial programme is delivered in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums and the Aspen Institute, drawing on their experience in management improvement, cultural coverage and metropolis improvement.