Dubai Culture And Google Unveil Phase 2 Of Cultural Heritage Project On Google Arts & Culture Platform

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in collaboration with Google, has unveiled the second phase of Dubai’s Culture and Heritage project on the Google Arts & Culture platform. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership aimed at preserving and promoting Dubai's cultural heritage. The project seeks to enhance awareness of Dubai's museum scene as the city gears up for the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit and the 27th International Council of Museums General Conference in 2025.

This project aligns with Dubai Culture’s mission to realise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision. The aim is to position Dubai as a global cultural centre, fostering creativity and talent. It also supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, approved by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which focuses on enriching the emirate’s cultural landscape.

The event at Etihad Museum was attended by key figures including Hala Badri from Dubai Culture and Anthony Nacache from Google MENA. Rami Jawhar from Google Arts & Culture and Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi from Dubai Culture were also present. Representatives from both organisations participated in this significant announcement.

In this project's second phase, over 130 stories curated by experts will be shared in Arabic and English. More than 1,200 images and 40 videos will document heritage elements, traditions, local crafts, and lifestyle. This offers a global audience a glimpse into Dubai's vibrant cultural scene.

Artist Khalid Mezaina designed unique illustrations for the project’s façade. His artwork draws inspiration from the stories and images featured in the initiative. It highlights Dubai's hidden treasures and authentic cultural elements like traditional clothing, public art, and local communities.

Hala Badri emphasised the project's role in enriching Arab cultural content online. "This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving Dubai's cultural, audio, and visual heritage, a key priority for the sector." She noted that it provides an innovative platform for global audiences to explore Dubai's creative environment.

Empowering Creativity with AI

Dubai Culture and Google announced that February 2025 will see the second edition of the MENA Creatives Bootcamp. This event will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to empower creatives to use AI technology effectively in their projects.

Anthony Nacache expressed satisfaction with their five-year partnership with Dubai Culture. "We are happy to have established a five-year partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority," he said. The second phase showcases diverse emerging cultural scenes across various fields while considering sustainable practices.

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi highlighted how this project showcases Dubai’s rich cultural landscape. "Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to expand opportunities for Emirati and UAE-based talent," she stated. The platform reflects the city's vibrant diversity and dynamic sub-communities.

The initiative not only celebrates local creativity but also raises awareness about investment opportunities within the sector. It captures iconic landmarks through an interactive approach that brings local culture alive using digital tools essential for strengthening creative industries vital to economic growth.

As part of its broader objectives, this project continues to contribute significantly towards enhancing quality life strategies by enriching entertainment landscapes within Emirates while showcasing unique identities globally through innovative platforms like Google Arts & Culture.

With inputs from WAM