ITU innovation award winner Dubai Culture celebrates palm and piano

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has been honoured with the ‘Innovate for Impact’ award in the Smart Home/Cities category at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations’ specialised agency for digital technologies.

The award recognises the Authority’s pioneering efforts in applying artificial intelligence to cultural heritage preservation through the project ‘AI-Enhanced Detection and Prediction at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.’ Developed in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the project harnesses remote sensing technology, AI Applications and Geophysical Survey technology such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetic surveys and high-precision mapping, to explore one of the region’s most significant Iron Age sites.

The research has led to the identification of over 2,500 anomalies that indicate the possibility of the presence of artifacts and features of archaeological significance. “Receiving this award affirms our commitment to adopting forward-thinking technologies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage,” said Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture.

“By applying AI and other non-invasive methods, we not only safeguard the past but also strengthen Dubai’s cultural voice on the international stage.” Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said that “this recognition is a reflection of our belief that heritage and innovation are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary forces. Projects like Saruq Al-Hadid allow us to lead regionally and globally in redefining cultural heritage preservation.” The collaboration with Khalifa University was instrumental to the success of the project, as the university is the original developer of the cutting-edge non-invasive surveying technology used in the study.

Dubai Culture hosts a Piano Camp.

Dubai Culture has also announced the second edition of its Summer Blessings event, July 25-27, as part of the Dubai Destinations summer campaign. The event aims to honour the palm harvest season and highlight the cultural and historical significance of the palm tree as a national symbol and an integral part of local tradition. The initiative aligns with the Authority’s priority to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage and to elevate its presence on the global cultural map. Hosted at Al Shindagha Museum, the largest heritage museum in the UAE, the programme will feature a variety of interactive workshops and culinary experiences, led by heritage experts.

At the Traditional Food House, visitors can join a workshop on preparing ‘Betheetha’ - a traditional Emirati sweet made from dates, flour, and aromatic spices. Meanwhile, at the Dates Tasting Corner, guests will explore local date varieties and their use in preparing traditional Emirati dishes. They will also discover the secrets of making date syrup ‘dibs’ and methods for preserving it. In the Life on Land: Water, Flora and Fauna, visitors will enjoy a screening of the documentary ‘Palm Harvest’, which captures the communal traditions of date picking and the values of generosity and cultural legacy embedded in the practice. Simultaneously, the Turath Centre for Traditional Handicrafts, which is the educational arm of Al Shindagha Museum, will offer training on creating modern items using ‘khoos.’ In the Children’s Pavilion, youngsters can take part in a ‘Palm Frond Painting’ workshop, where they will learn to create keepsakes using palm leaves.

Al Shindagha Museum.

In addition, Dubai Culture has allocated a dedicated space within the Visitors’ Centre for a Palm Handicraft Market, showcasing a curated selection of handmade items crafted from different parts of the palm tree. The market will also feature the creative works of local artisans, entrepreneurs,and talented individuals, offering them a platform to showcase their crafts to the wider community. The Visitors’ Centre will also serve as a gathering space for families to participate in the Sefafah Workshop, where they can be taught the traditional techniques of palm weaving, deepening their connection to the cultural practice. Remarking on the initiative, Abdallah Al Obeidli, Acting Manager of Al Shindagha Museum at Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of the Summer Blessings event in strengthening the bond between future generations and the palm tree, the date harvest season, and associated traditional crafts.

“The palm tree symbolises the generosity and giving spirit of the Emirati people,” he said. “For decades, it played a vital economic role for the people of the UAE and gave rise to many of the traditional crafts that inspired Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.” He further noted that the event contributes to promoting cultural tourism. Dubai Culture has meanwhile announced the launch of the second edition of Piano Camp, held in partnership with House of Pianos. The programme aims to identify promising young musicians and offer dedicated piano instruction. The Piano Camp is part of the Dubai Cultural Grant, a key initiative under the emirate’s Quality of Life Strategy. It will run from October 2025 to May 2026, selecting 50 children and teens aged 6 to 17, as well as 10 young adults aged 18 and above.

Participants will study both classical and Arabic piano repertoire, building a foundation in music theory and history. The camp features hands-on sessions and masterclasses led by acclaimed local teachers and musicians. The programme includes field trips to leading institutions across the UAE, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and helping forge connections within the cultural community. Dubai Culture invites Emirati musicians to apply. Registration opens August 1 and applications close on September 15.