Dubai Culture and Khalifa University collaborate for archaeological works
Meeting during the signing of the MoU.
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise and best practices in areas related to archaeological excavations in Dubai.
The agreement also facilitates the use of advanced technologies in the Saruq Al Hadid and Al Ashoosh sites, to further bolster studies and research in the findings of both locations. The MoU stipulates support for ongoing excavation works through the use of remote sensing satellite technology and advanced geophysical survey techniques developed by Khalifa University scientists and researchers to uncover buried structures, tombs or remains at the Saruq Al Hadid and Al Ashoosh archaeological sites.
Advanced processing techniques for discoveries will be applied, enabling researchers to create three-dimensional models of features and place them within their archaeological and environmental contexts.
On the sidelines of the signing of the MoU, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, met with the university delegation, which included Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at Khalifa University of Science and Technology; Dr. Fahd Al Maskari, Director of the Executive Vice President’s Office; and Associate Professor Dr. Khaled Al Awadi.
The meeting, held at the Authority’s headquarters and attended by Muna Faisal Algurg, CEO of the Culture and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture and Engineer Bader Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Antiquities Department at the Authority, discussed ways to enhance long-term cooperation between the two partners in the fields of scientific research and the use of modern technologies in archaeology.
Algurg said that “the archaeological sites in Dubai are a rich source of knowledge, especially for researchers looking to understand the relationship between Dubai and other civilisations. The surveying and excavation works in these sites have documented many unique findings, which are a significant resource for studies and research related to Dubai’s ancient history and antiquities.
Partnering with a prestigious academic intuition such as the Khalifa University further enhances the efforts put forward to uncover the rich history of the Saruq Al Hadid and Al Ashoosh sites. The utilisation of advanced technologies … contributes to additional scientific research, which aligns with the Authority’s commitment to establishing Dubai’s position on the global heritage map.”
Al Hammadi noted that “researchers from our Earth Sciences Department continue to automate processes and set benchmarks for national and regional remote sensing capabilities, significantly impacting the future of archaeological studies.
By combining our expertise in intelligent systems, machine learning and remote sensing with Dubai Culture’s deep understanding of the areas related to archaeological excavations, especially at the Saruq Al Hadid and Al Ashoosh sites, we aim to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage.”
The mandate of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), under the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is to enrich Dubai’s cultural scene based on the UAE’s heritage. It builds bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Dubai Culture’s activities are in line with its strategic roadmap 2020 – 2025. The Authority manages five heritage sites, five museums, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, 17 archaeological sites and nine Dubai Public Library branches.
Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, focuses on developing world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering and health sciences. It is a world-class university that endeavours to be a catalyst for the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy as an education destination of choice and a global leader among acknowledged international universities.
Dubai Culture also concluded its participation in the 16th UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference (July 1 - 5). Taking place in Braga, Portugal, the event aimed to enhance cooperation between cities that integrate creativity into their urban development strategies and practices, supporting cultural and creative industries and their role in sustainable development.
At the five-day conference, Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, took part in a panel discussion addressing ways to empower future generations through culture and arts education.
He highlighted the close relationship between culture and education and how creative cities contribute to enriching the knowledge of their residents, motivating them to develop diverse skills. He also introduced attendees to the Authority’s ‘School of Life’ project that began in 2022, aimed at building and developing life, cultural and creative skills in the public, as well as transforming public libraries into creative spaces and continuous learning platforms.
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department at Dubai Culture, focused on sharing best practices from Dubai at the Design Creative Cities sub-network meetings during her participation in the conference. In line with the conference theme ‘Bringing Youth to the Table,’ she introduced the ‘Youth Design Collective’ project by the Dubai Design Lab, directed towards empowering youth to shape the future by developing their capabilities and providing essential skills and tools to stimulate creative thinking and devise new solutions to potential challenges. In 2017, Dubai was designated as the first ‘Creative City of Design’ in the Middle East in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which was established in 2004 and includes 354 cities worldwide.
