Data and evidence development
Robust, accessible data on cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in the Gulf and MENA regions remains limited—particularly when it comes to the lived realities of creative workers, institutional development, and the socio-economic impacts of national cultural policies. This evidence gap presents a major challenge for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers seeking to understand and support these sectors during a period of accelerated change.
CEME is committed to addressing this problem by producing world-leading, qualitative research that offers depth, nuance, and context where official statistics often fall short. Through long-form interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic fieldwork, our team documents the cultural, economic, and regulatory conditions shaping creative practice—starting with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing film industry.
Through the integration of sector-specific insight with broader policy analysis, CEME’s research supports informed decision-making and fosters cross-sector collaboration. As the region’s cultural economies continue to expand, our evidence base will grow to include other GCC countries, providing much-needed intelligence for national and international stakeholders alike.
Creative education and skills
CEME is uniquely positioned to connect academic insight with industry practice across the UK and the Middle East. Our members include researchers, filmmakers, festival organisers, and cultural consultants working within leading universities, production houses, and cultural institutions—creating a vibrant platform for collaboration on education, training, and workforce development in the cultural and creative industries.
At a time when Gulf states are investing heavily in skills development through Vision 2030 and other national strategies, we are building partnerships that bridge research, policy, and production environments. Our work examines how education and training initiatives are designed and delivered—from state-led filmmaking programmes to independent skill-sharing ecosystems emerging from within the industry itself.
Through joint fieldwork, mentorship, and research-led teaching, CEME advances a model of creative education that is transnational, practice-informed, and policy-relevant. Our network members have experience designing courses, advising institutions, and working directly with emerging talent in both the UK and the GCC, ensuring that skills development is grounded in real-world knowledge of local challenges and global trends.
Policy and partnerships
CEME is at the forefront of advancing the UK’s transnational education (TNE) and creative industries agenda across the Gulf region. Our network serves as a dynamic platform connecting UK universities, Gulf-based cultural institutions, and creative sector professionals to foster sustainable, research-driven partnerships.
Our work directly supports the UK government’s International Education Strategy, which recognizes TNE as a key driver for global engagement and economic growth. According to Universities UK International, over 510,000 students were enrolled in UK TNE programs across 228 countries and territories in 2020–21, with the Middle East accounting for 13.8% of this total.
CEME’s unique cross-sector composition—spanning academia, film production, and cultural policy—enables us to:
- Bridge Academic and Industry Expertise: Our members are embedded in leading universities, production houses, and film festivals across the UK and the Gulf, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative projects.
- Inform Policy Development: Through qualitative research and fieldwork, we provide insights into the evolving landscape of Gulf creative economies, aiding policymakers in crafting informed strategies.
- Support Capacity Building: We contribute to the development of educational programs and training initiatives that align with both UK and Gulf priorities, enhancing skills and employability in the creative sectors.
Aligning CEME’s initiatives with the UK’s TNE objectives and the Gulf’s cultural development goals serves a pivotal role in shaping a collaborative future for creative education and industry partnerships.
Cultural and creative infrastructure
Media and creative industries increasingly play a central role in localized forms of economic and cultural regeneration around the world. From urban revitalisation through film production to the repurposing of heritage sites for cultural use, creative infrastructure is a powerful engine for place-making, talent retention, and international visibility.
CEME’s research explores how this process is unfolding across the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where new institutions such as the Red Sea International Film Festival, Ithra, and Film Alula are driving regional development agendas. These initiatives don’t merely attract investment—they foster new professional ecosystems, reimagine public space, and contribute to the international branding of place.
Our work highlights:
- How film production hubs like Alula and NEOM are transforming rural and underdeveloped areas into globally oriented creative zones
- The cultural logic behind media-led development strategies tied to national visions (e.g. Saudi Vision 2030)
- Comparative insights from regeneration projects in the UK and Europe, drawing on member expertise in both regions
- The risks of cultural displacement and the importance of inclusive infrastructure planning that involves local voices
CEME is committed to understanding creative infrastructure not just as a tool of economic development, but as a cultural project—one that reshapes how communities live, work, and imagine their futures.
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