Abu Dhabi's DCT Honoured With Special Achievement By ESRI For Heritage Preservation Efforts

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has been honoured with a Special Achievement Award at the 2024 Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) User Conference in San Diego, California. This recognition highlights the exceptional development of the Abu Dhabi Historic Environment Record (ADHER) platform.

ADHER, created by DCT Abu Dhabi's Historic Environment department, serves as a central repository for heritage data. It provides current information on cultural heritage sites' locations, significance, and threats across Abu Dhabi. The platform is linked to other systems, aiding heritage professionals in making informed decisions at various levels.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage amid rapid urbanisation. He stated: "As Abu Dhabi undergoes rapid transformation, preserving its rich cultural heritage becomes increasingly vital. The ADHER platform plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the essential resources and knowledge that we are responsible for passing down to future generations. Our vision has always been defined by Abu Dhabi's heritage, language, and landscape and this award reinforces the critical role cultural resources play in shaping our societal fabric and identity. We remain committed to our mission of preserving Abu Dhabi's rich cultural heritage and sharing it with the world."

The ESRI User Conference took place from 15th to 19th July and was hosted by ESRI, a leader in GIS software and geospatial analytics since 1969. ESRI focuses on geographic science and uses enterprise-grade GIS technology for problem-solving.

The award acknowledges DCT Abu Dhabi’s innovative use of ESRI technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A panel of judges selected DCT Abu Dhabi from 197 nominees out of over 100,000 ESRI clients worldwide.

Commitment to Heritage

This accolade underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to preserving the emirate’s cultural legacy amidst urban growth. It also highlights their efforts in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for culture and creativity.

The ADHER platform not only preserves digital and non-digital heritage resources but also ensures they are accessible for future generations. This initiative reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission to safeguard the emirate's rich cultural history while sharing it globally.

The recognition at the ESRI User Conference is a testament to DCT Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to cultural preservation through advanced technological solutions.

With inputs from WAM