Dubai Culture reaffirms commitment to preserving audiovisual heritage through digital innovation
On the occasion of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), emphasized the vital role of audiovisual heritage in strengthening cultural identity and preserving the memory of communities.
Al Gurg described audiovisual heritage as a “fundamental pillar that enhances cultural identity,” capturing the stories and aspirations that shape Dubai’s history and vision for the future. She noted that the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is a significant opportunity to shed light on Dubai’s cultural richness and the value of preserving its unique legacy.
“Dubai's heritage is distinguished by its aesthetics and deep connection to storytelling, making it a valuable source of knowledge and an indispensable cultural treasure,” Al Gurg said. “It preserves the memory of the local community while showcasing its identity, arts, traditions, and customs that reflect the authenticity of our values.”
Al Gurg underscored Dubai Culture’s commitment to raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding audiovisual heritage, describing it as a bridge between generations. She explained that the Authority continues to implement innovative projects and initiatives designed to promote Dubai’s cultural heritage both locally and globally.
Highlighting the role of technology and digital archiving, Al Gurg added:
“Dubai Culture seeks to harness digital tools to protect and document audiovisual heritage and community stories, ensuring the continuity of national identity and intergenerational knowledge transfer.”
She noted that the Authority has launched innovative platforms that document community stories and compile them in a comprehensive digital archive, including initiatives such as the ‘Dubai Culture and Heritage’ project on the Google Arts & Culture platform and the ‘#DigitizingHeritage’ series, both of which celebrate and preserve Dubai’s artistic and cultural history.
Through these initiatives, Dubai Culture continues to play a key role in safeguarding the emirate’s audiovisual memory, promoting knowledge-sharing, and positioning Dubai as a global hub for heritage preservation and cultural innovation.
