The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled the second phase of the Dubai Culture and Heritage project on the Google Arts & Culture platform. This move, in collaboration with Google, is part of a wider strategy to preserve and promote Dubai’s rich heritage while solidifying its status as a global cultural hub.
Strategic Partnership to Boost Dubai’s Cultural Profile
This latest phase of the project was revealed during an event at the Etihad Museum, showcasing the strong partnership between Dubai Culture and Google. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader cultural strategy, which aims to enhance the city’s status as a centre for creativity, while preparing for upcoming international events like the 2024 World Cities Culture Summit and the 2025 International Council of Museums General Conference.
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, explained, “This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving Dubai’s cultural, audio, and visual heritage, a key priority for the sector. It offers an innovative platform for global audiences to explore Dubai’s distinctive environment, creative scene, robust infrastructure, and rich diversity.”
Showcasing Dubai’s Vibrant Cultural Scene
In its second phase, the project highlights over 130 expertly curated stories and more than 1,200 images and videos in both Arabic and English, offering audiences a unique window into Dubai’s cultural landscape. From documenting heritage elements and local crafts to showcasing Dubai’s distinctive lifestyle, this project opens up new avenues for exploring the emirate’s creative history and its evolving modern culture.
The project’s façade includes original artwork by Khalid Mezaina, inspired by the stories and images of Dubai’s hidden treasures, from traditional clothing to public art, that form part of the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Expanding Digital Platforms for Local Talent
HE Hala Badri also emphasized the role of digital platforms in enhancing the emirate’s creative economy. “At Dubai Culture, we aim to harness digital tools and technology to strengthen the cultural and creative industries, which are vital to the creative economy. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness of the sector’s importance, its unique investment and development opportunities, and celebrates the creativity of local talent,” she added.
Creatives Empowered by New AI-Centric Bootcamp
In conjunction with the cultural heritage project, Dubai Culture and Google announced the second edition of the MENA Creatives Bootcamp, set for February 2025. This year’s bootcamp will focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used by the creative community to enhance their projects and expand their presence in the digital world.
Anthony Nacache, Managing Director at Google MENA, praised the ongoing collaboration: “We are happy to have established a five-year partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, mirroring a joint mission to highlight the emirate’s cultural gems and share such unique discoveries with the world.”
Celebrating Dubai’s Cultural Diversity
The initiative also aims to foster opportunities for Emirati and UAE-based talent, giving them a global platform to showcase their creative expressions. Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication at Dubai Culture, noted, “Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to expand opportunities for Emirati and UAE-based talent, empowering them to express their visions and ideas through a wide range of artistic productions.”
The second phase of the Dubai Culture and Heritage project continues to highlight Dubai’s dynamic arts and culture sector, ensuring that the emirate remains a key player on the global cultural stage.
