The Creative Imperative
Redefining Growth and Influence in the Post-Oil Arab World
Summary of MP Perspective – June 2025
Introduction
Key insights from The Creative Imperative: Redefining Growth and Influence in the Post-Oil Arab World, the third edition of the MP Perspective series, are presented here to explore the transformative role of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) in shaping the future of the Arab world. Based on the expert analysis of Hysham Abdelnour, Senior Principal at Management Partners, this full article—available for download—examines how CCIs are emerging as powerful economic engines that can propel nations towards sustained growth, social development, and global influence in a post-oil era.
This document is crafted for decision-makers across sectors including government, private enterprises, cultural leaders, and development actors. It offers strategic guidance on how to leverage creativity and culture as drivers of both economic diversification and soft power in the GCC, Jordan, and Iraq. The time to act is now—those who embrace the full potential of CCIs will lead the charge into a more dynamic, innovative, and globally engaged future.
The Gulf region has already embarked on a bold journey of economic diversification. Traditional sectors such as real estate, tourism, and infrastructure laid the groundwork for modern economies, yet the next chapter demands a shift towards intangible assets—such as creativity, culture, and innovation. This shift represents more than just a sectoral change; it is a profound rethinking of how economies evolve, develop, and compete. Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs) offer a path to diversification that aligns with the aspirations of youthful societies and the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world, unlocking new economic, social, and geopolitical opportunities.
CCIs are not peripheral sectors. Globally, they contribute over 3.1% to GDP and employ over 30 million people. These industries are among the fastest-growing sectors, creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, while regenerating urban districts and attracting global talent. In the Arab world, CCIs can become central pillars of economic transformation, particularly as countries transition from oil-dependence to knowledge and creativity-driven prosperity. This transformation is not only about economic diversification—it is about reshaping how nations express their identity, build soft power, and engage with the world.
To truly harness the potential of CCIs, nations must go beyond aspirations. Integrated value chains must be built, encompassing talent development, education-to-industry linkages, and the establishment of governance frameworks that protect intellectual property and support industry growth. These actions will ensure that local content remains sustainable, while fostering a culture of innovation and global competitiveness.
At the heart of this transformation lies talent development. The creative economy thrives on a continuous influx of skilled individuals, whether through formal education or industry-specific training. Educational systems must be reformed to foster creativity from early stages, while building strong connections between academic institutions and creative industries. Governments and private enterprises alike must focus on nurturing local talent and attracting international practitioners through programs like residencies, internships, and cross-cultural exchanges.
Furthermore, effective governance models are essential. Many parts of the Arab world suffer from fragmented regulatory structures, making coordinated policy development challenging. Inclusive governance councils, bringing together public institutions, private companies, and creative practitioners, are key to aligning national visions with sector-specific actions. These councils should also support policy design, funding allocations, and strategic prioritization of high-return sectors like digital content, fashion, and culinary arts.
The region’s investment in CCIs should be matched by efforts to stimulate demand. Public procurement policies that prioritize local creative industries—ranging from architecture to fashion—will send a strong signal to the market. National festivals, creative competitions, and award shows will foster industry recognition and encourage public engagement with local products. However, demand generation is not limited to economic incentives; it requires shaping public taste through education, media, and cultural engagement, thus ensuring cultural investment becomes ingrained within the societal fabric.
As these industries expand, regional collaboration becomes crucial. Shared infrastructures and interoperable governance models can scale up the impact of creative initiatives, particularly in high-investment areas such as gaming, fashion, and film production. The Gulf region, already a hub for international trade and investment, is uniquely positioned to develop cross-border creative collaborations, whether through shared R&D or co-developed export platforms. Digital platforms are critical in this regard, enabling creatives to access global markets and expand their reach across borders.
CCIs are not only economic assets—they are instruments of soft power. By promoting culture through exports like film, music, fashion, and culinary arts, nations can project positive narratives, enhance national branding, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and the UK have proven that creative industries can significantly enhance a nation’s global influence and attract international talent and investment. This soft power dynamic can be particularly important for reshaping the Arab region’s international image, countering historical stereotypes and highlighting its cultural richness.
Despite the opportunities, there are substantial barriers that hinder the full realization of CCIs’ potential. Many creative sub-sectors face challenges such as strategic fragmentation, financial limitations, and insufficient infrastructure. Addressing these gaps requires a coordinated policy framework that aligns education, regulation, funding, and infrastructure across sectors. National governments must prioritize CCIs not as a luxury but as essential elements of economic policy, ensuring that creative industries are integrated into the broader national development plans.
To accelerate growth, three actionable strategies emerge as priorities for governments in the early stages of CCI development:
- Launch flagship cultural programs, such as design hackathons, national awards, or creative showcases that provide visibility, engage the public, and signal a nation’s commitment to the global creative community.
- Establish inclusive governance councils that bring together voices from all sectors—public, private, and creative—to steer national strategy and foster cross-sector collaboration.
- Strengthen education-to-industry pathways through targeted programs, residencies, and global partnerships to nurture talent and stimulate local and international collaboration.
The creative century is upon us, and it is reshaping how nations grow, connect, and lead. For the Arab world, the transformation driven by Creative and Cultural Industries is not optional—it is a strategic necessity. Embracing this change will enable governments, businesses, and creative leaders to define the future, engage with global markets, and ensure long-term prosperity. The time to act is now.
The full MP Perspective article The Creative Imperative explores these themes in greater depth, offering strategic recommendations for governments, businesses, and cultural institutions to lead the charge in the creative economy. This is a summary. The full article is available here for download, for those interested in a comprehensive exploration of the topic.
We invite policymakers, business leaders, and creative professionals seeking to drive or enhance their country’s cultural strategy to connect with us. Whether the focus is on developing creative sectors, fostering economic growth, or expanding cultural diplomacy, our team is ready to support dialogue and action on the challenges and opportunities ahead. To start the conversation, please click the Contact Us button or call us directly at +971 4 3589 920.
