Dubai Culture and Google Unveil Phase 2 of Heritage Project on Arts Platform

Photo : Dubai government media office

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with Google, has officially launched the second phase of the Dubai Culture and Heritage project on the Google Arts & Culture platform. This announcement was made at a special event held at the Etihad Museum, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership focused on preserving and promoting Dubai’s rich cultural heritage.

This initiative aims to enhance awareness of Dubai’s vibrant museum landscape as the city prepares for upcoming high-profile events, including the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit (WCCS) and the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference in 2025. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to solidify Dubai’s position as a global hub for culture and the arts.

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The launch event featured key figures, including Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture; Anthony Nacache, Managing Director at Google MENA; Rami Jawhar, EMEA Regional Lead at Google Arts & Culture; and Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director of the Marketing & Corporate Communication Department at Dubai Culture. Their presence underscored the importance of this partnership in enhancing cultural engagement in the emirate.

This project aligns with Dubai Culture’s commitment to realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative is designed to establish Dubai as a global center for culture, foster creativity, and nurture local talent. It also complements the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which aims to improve the emirate’s quality of life through cultural enrichment.

In the second phase of the Culture and Heritage project, Dubai Culture is collaborating with creatives across various fields to curate over 130 expert-curated stories in both Arabic and English, supplemented by more than 1,200 images and 40 videos. This comprehensive documentation will highlight Dubai’s diverse heritage, local handicrafts, and unique lifestyle, providing global audiences the opportunity to explore the emirate's dynamic cultural landscape.

The project’s visual identity features unique designs and illustrations by artist Khalid Mezaina, who drew inspiration from the collection of stories and images. The artwork aims to reveal Dubai's hidden treasures, showcasing elements such as traditional clothing, public art, and community life.

During the event, it was also announced that the second edition of the MENA Creatives Bootcamp will take place in February 2025, focusing on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This bootcamp aims to empower the creative community to leverage AI technologies, enhancing their projects and creative presence.

Her Excellency Hala Badri emphasized the initiative's role in enriching Arab cultural content online. She stated, “This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving Dubai's cultural, audio, and visual heritage. It provides an innovative platform for global audiences to explore our unique environment, creative scene, and cultural experiences, bringing local culture to life. At Dubai Culture, we aim to harness digital tools and technology to strengthen our cultural and creative industries, which are vital to the creative economy."

Anthony Nacache expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing partnership, highlighting their shared mission to showcase Dubai’s cultural gems and unique discoveries. He stated, “The second phase of Dubai's Culture and Heritage project on the Google Arts & Culture platform showcases the emirate’s diverse cultural scene across art, architecture, photography, fashion, and music, all while prioritizing sustainable practices."

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi commented on how the project spotlights the richness of Dubai’s cultural landscape. “Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to expand opportunities for Emirati and UAE-based talent, empowering them to express their visions through various artistic productions, including photography, traditional crafts, music, and public art,” she noted.

Overall, the Dubai Culture and Heritage project stands as a testament to Dubai's commitment to celebrating its cultural diversity and dynamic sub-communities, offering visitors a plethora of unique cultural experiences that capture the city's evolving spirit and boundless potential.