Dubai Culture and Arts Authority: A Leader in Cultural Heritage Preservation through AI
Celebrating Innovation at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has recently garnered significant recognition by receiving the ‘Innovate for Impact’ award in the Smart Home/Cities category at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit. Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this summit is an essential platform for discussing how digital technologies can benefit society, particularly in enhancing public services.
Pioneering AI in Cultural Heritage
This prestigious award acknowledges Dubai Culture’s groundbreaking initiative titled “AI–Enhanced Detection and Prediction at the Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.” This project exemplifies the integration of artificial intelligence in the preservation of cultural heritage, showcasing the innovative spirit that characterizes Dubai.
Designated as one of the summit’s winning use cases, the Saruq Al Hadid project is featured in ITU’s final report. It was highlighted during a key session known as ‘Innovation for Impact: Winning Case Studies’. The initiative emphasizes how technology can significantly contribute to archaeology and heritage preservation.
The Saruq Al Hadid Project: An Overview
In collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Dubai Culture’s project harnesses advanced technologies such as Remote Sensing, AI applications, and Geophysical Surveying tools— including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and magnetic surveys. These innovative methods allow researchers to delve into one of the region’s most significant Iron Age sites without invasive excavation.
Remarkably, this project has identified over 2,500 anomalies, suggesting the potential presence of artifacts and other archaeological features. Such findings not only enhance understanding of the site but also emphasize the importance of utilizing technology in exploring our shared human history.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals
The recognition by ITU also highlights how Dubai Culture is actively contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This alignment underscores the authority’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefits, particularly within the cultural sector. The initiative serves to empower local talent and promote creative innovation, reinforcing Dubai’s aspiration to be a global capital of culture and knowledge.
Voices from Dubai Culture Leadership
Hala Badri, the Director General of Dubai Culture, articulated the importance of this recognition, stating, “Receiving this award affirms our commitment to adopting forward-thinking technologies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage.” By embracing artificial intelligence and other non-invasive technologies, Dubai Culture aims not only to safeguard the past but also to elevate Dubai’s cultural presence on the world stage.
Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that heritage and innovation are complementary. She remarked, “At Dubai Culture, we are proud to use emerging technologies with the right partners to protect our past and reimagine how it can inform and inspire the future.” Projects like Saruq Al Hadid position Dubai as a leader in redefining cultural heritage preservation on both regional and global levels.
Collaboration with Khalifa University
The success of the Saruq Al Hadid initiative is strongly linked to the collaboration with Khalifa University, which developed the advanced non-invasive surveying technology essential for the project’s implementation. This partnership exemplifies the synergy between academia and cultural institutions, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and innovative approaches to archaeology.
The Impact of the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit
The Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit serves as a crucial gathering of global leaders and innovators, aiming to explore the transformative potential of AI across various sectors. Dubai Culture’s participation highlights the Emirate’s growing leadership in leveraging technology not only for cultural preservation but also for overall progress in the creative economy.
In summary, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s recognition at the AI for Public Good Summit marks a transformative moment in the intersection of culture, technology, and heritage preservation. The initiatives undertaken by Dubai Culture stand as a testament to the power of innovation in shaping our understanding of history while paving the way for a culturally rich future.
