Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: WAM
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, also known as Dubai Culture, has received a prestigious international award. The award is called ‘Innovate for Impact’, and it was given in the Smart Home/Cities category during the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit. This event was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is a part of the United Nations (UN) and focuses on digital technologies.
This award was given to honour Dubai Culture’s efforts in using artificial intelligence (AI) to help protect and study historical sites. Their award-winning project is called “AI–Enhanced Detection and Prediction at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.”
What is the Saruq Al-Hadid Project?
The Saruq Al-Hadid archaeological site is one of the most important places from the Iron Age in the region. It holds ancient items and traces of early human activities. To better study this site without damaging it, Dubai Culture, in partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, used new-age technology like:
- Remote Sensing Technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Magnetic Survey Tools
- High-Precision Mapping
Using these non-invasive methods, the project was able to detect over 2,500 anomalies in the area. These are signs that there may be hidden artifacts or structures under the ground. This means that important historical items could still be buried, waiting to be found.
What’s amazing is that this method does not require digging, which helps preserve the site and protects it from possible damage.
Why Was the Award Given?
The ITU Summit selected this Dubai Culture project as one of the top real-world uses of AI. It was even included in the final ITU report and showcased during the event’s session called ‘Innovation for Impact: Winning Case Studies’.
The award is not just a trophy — it shows the world that Dubai is a leader in using smart technology in areas like culture, creativity, and history. It also proves how AI and smart tools can help protect our past for future generations.
What Did Dubai Culture Say?
Hala Badri, the Director General of Dubai Culture, expressed her happiness and pride in receiving the award. She said:
“This award shows how serious we are about using new and smart technologies to protect and promote our cultural heritage. AI and non-invasive methods help us study the past in a way that’s safer and more respectful. It also helps make Dubai’s cultural message stronger around the world.”
Innovation and Tradition Can Go Together
Muna Al Gurg, who is the CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, also shared her thoughts. She said that technology and tradition are not enemies — they can support each other. In fact, new technology can help us see the past in new ways.
She said:
“We at Dubai Culture believe that heritage and innovation are two sides of the same coin. Working with partners who share our vision helps us protect history while imagining a better future. Projects like Saruq Al-Hadid allow Dubai to lead not just in the region, but worldwide in redefining how cultural heritage is preserved.”
Khalifa University’s Role
The technology used in the project was created by Khalifa University. Their expertise and research played a big role in the project’s success. Their tools made it possible to scan and map the archaeological site without digging, which is one of the most modern and responsible ways to study such important places.
This collaboration between an academic institution and a government cultural body shows how working together can lead to meaningful success.
What is the ITU Summit?
The award was given during a major event called the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit. This summit is held in Geneva and is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is supported by over 40 other UN organizations.
The goal of this summit is to bring world leaders, scientists, and technology experts together to talk about how AI can help improve lives and make a better world. The summit covers many areas like education, health, environment, and culture.
Dubai Culture’s presence at the summit shows that the Emirate of Dubai is becoming a global leader at the meeting point of technology, creativity, and innovation.
Why This Matters
This award and project show that Dubai is not just building tall skyscrapers and advanced technology — it is also using that same technology to take care of its roots and history.
By applying AI in smart ways, Dubai is setting an example for how modern cities can still stay connected to their past. More importantly, it is doing so in a way that is non-destructive, efficient, and globally appreciated.
This success supports Dubai’s larger mission to:
- Empower young talents
- Promote innovation in arts and culture
- Establish Dubai as a global cultural and knowledge capital
- Support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
What Happens Next?
The story of Saruq Al-Hadid is far from over. Now that many possible artifact locations have been found, future research and studies can continue. Dubai Culture plans to keep using AI and other smart technologies to explore and protect more cultural sites across the emirate.
This way, history can be preserved responsibly while also being shared with the world in new, exciting ways.
The award from the UN’s ITU shows that Dubai is doing more than just talking about smart cities — it is actively building them in thoughtful ways. And through Dubai Culture, the city is proving that preserving the past and embracing the future can go hand-in-hand.
By using advanced AI tools and partnering with world-class institutions like Khalifa University, Dubai is leading by example, showing the world that culture, technology, and innovation can create a brighter, more respectful future for everyone.
This is not just a win for Dubai Culture — it's a proud moment for anyone who believes that our past deserves to be protected, studied, and celebrated.
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