Dubai Culture Wins ITU Innovate For Impact Award For AI-driven Cultural Heritage Project At Saruq Al Hadid

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has been recognised with the ‘Innovate for Impact’ award in the Smart Home/Cities category. This accolade was presented at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency focused on digital technologies. The award highlights Dubai Culture's innovative use of AI in preserving cultural heritage through their project at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.

The Saruq Al-Hadid initiative was chosen as a winning case study at the summit. It will be featured in ITU’s final report and was highlighted during the session ‘Innovation for Impact: Winning Case Studies’. Developed with Khalifa University, this project uses remote sensing, AI applications, and geophysical survey technology like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to explore an important Iron Age site.

The project has identified over 2,500 anomalies that suggest potential archaeological artefacts and features. This collaboration with Khalifa University was crucial, as they developed the non-invasive surveying technology used in this research. The initiative demonstrates how innovation can enhance cultural preservation efforts.

The ITU award emphasises Dubai Culture’s role in integrating innovation within the cultural sector. It also supports their mission to empower talent and promote creative innovation, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recognition positions Dubai as a global leader in culture and knowledge.

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, stated: "Receiving this award affirms our commitment to adopting forward-thinking technologies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage." She added that using AI and non-invasive methods helps safeguard history while enhancing Dubai’s cultural presence internationally.

Innovation Meets Tradition

Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, remarked: "This recognition is a reflection of our belief that heritage and innovation are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary forces." She noted that projects like Saruq Al-Hadid enable Dubai Culture to lead regionally and globally in redefining cultural heritage preservation.

The Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit took place in Geneva, supported by over 40 UN entities. It gathers global leaders to discuss how AI can drive progress across sectors. Dubai Culture’s involvement highlights its leadership at the intersection of technology, innovation, and creativity.

Dubai's efforts in merging technology with cultural preservation have gained international attention. By leveraging advanced tools like AI, they are not only protecting historical sites but also setting new standards for how heritage can inform future generations.

With inputs from WAM