Culture is no longer a symbolic realm separate from development tracks in today's world. Instead, it has become a core foundation of sustainable economic development due to its ability to generate value, stimulate creativity, diversify sources of income, and enhance human capital. Culture, with its heritage, identity, knowledge, and creativity, represents a renewable intangible resource that can be effectively used in building an economy based on human innovation capabilities, not just on finite resources.
At the local level in Jordan, the importance of culture is evident in its vital role in stimulating the economy, notably through cultural tourism and creative industries. Archaeological and historical sites such as Petra, Jerash, and Umm Qais form an important economic tributary, contributing to attracting tourists and mobilizing various sectors like hospitality, transportation, and services, in addition to providing job opportunities for local communities. Traditional crafts, mosaic making, and handicrafts represent a clear model of transforming cultural heritage into economic products with added value, enhancing income while preserving national identity. Besides, modern creative industries, such as filmmaking, design, and digital content, are carving their way into the economic scene in Jordan, reflecting promising potentials for integrating culture into the knowledge economy.
At the regional level in the Arab surroundings, recent years have seen an increase in awareness of the importance of culture as a lever for economic development. In Morocco, investment in ancient cities and traditional industries has supported the local economy and linked culture to sustainable tourism. In Egypt, cinema, arts, and antiquities form a pillar of the cultural economy, providing financial returns and job opportunities, in addition to enhancing the cultural presence both regionally and internationally. The Arab Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have moved toward integrating culture into economic diversification strategies through supporting cultural and entertainment industries, establishing world-class museums, creative zones, and organizing major festivals, making culture an active element in building a post-oil economy.
On the international level, global experiences confirm that culture can form a pivotal economic sector. In France, cultural and creative industries are fundamental pillars of the national economy, contributing to GDP and providing millions of jobs across cinema, publishing, arts, and museums. In South Korea, popular culture, including music, drama, and digital games, has transformed into a global economic force, enhancing the country's international status and generating significant revenues. Creative industries in the United Kingdom represent one of the fastest-growing sectors, revitalizing cities and enhancing an economy based on innovation and knowledge.
These experiences, whether local, regional, or international, confirm that culture is not a luxury, but a strategic choice for comprehensive economic development. When culture is integrated into developmental policies within a balanced vision, it contributes to economic growth, enhances identity, develops human capital, and builds a more sustainable and humane economy. Therefore, investing in culture is an investment in humans, in their creative potential, and in the future of development with integrated economic, social, and civilizational dimensions.
