Creative Industry Freelancers & SMEs in the UAE Can Now Apply for Government Grants Up To AED 50,000

UAE-based creatives can breathe a sigh of relief today as the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development opens applications for The National Creative Relief Programme from Sunday, 17th May 2020. The relief programme is designed for freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses operating in the cultural and creative industries and offers grants between AED 15,000 - AED 50,000 for successful applicants.

Specifically, the UAE has earmarked the fund for individuals and small businesses and non-profits operating in natural and cultural heritage, performing arts, visual arts, audiovisual and interactive media, literature, press and design. The programme comes as the UAE looks to retain its status as a creative hub and cultural incubator in the region amid the difficulties the Coronavirus pandemic has caused for entities operating in the creative industries.

Any UAE resident (foreign or national) can apply for a grant in this programme, so long as they and/or their company works within the cultural and creative industries, and the grant does not need to be paid back even after the pandemic subsides.All applicants will be evaluated by the following criteria: the size of loss incurred by an individual or a company during March, April and May as a result of cancellation of contracts or work; the amount of financial difficulties on individuals and companies in view of the available cash amounts in relation to financial obligations in the next three months (May, June and July 2020); their track record for producing creative content in the UAE since 2019 and the steps that are taken by the applicant to sustain their business for the time being.

You can find out more and apply here.