As part of UAE Innovation Month, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched an innovative new digital platform, Abu Dhabi Culture; an all-encompassing digital hub which will act as a ‘one-stop’ reference for all arts, cultural, and heritage information in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Culture encompasses an interactive website, a handy mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, and engaging social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Podcasts are also available on Soundcloud and iTunes, which feature weekly broadcasts of cultural topics and discussions with experts.
By covering such a wide range of interfaces and with comprehensive content, Abu Dhabi Culture looks to offer a gateway of information for visitors to Abu Dhabi, as well as the local communities and residents. The promise is compelling; an opportunity to know all that you can about the culture of Abu Dhabi, and receive continuous updates on the limitless variety of arts and cultural events and activities.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Culture platform is an important step in our journey to present Abu Dhabi’s rich culture to the world, as it represents our continuous efforts in reinforcing the emirate’s cultural and intellectual presence, as well as contributing to the UAE’s position internationally in the application of technology and digital transformation. It is our vision at DCT Abu Dhabi to promote and sustain the rich culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi for future generations, which we can only be achieve through the adoption of the latest technologies that are aimed at the transfer of knowledge, underpinning our commitment to exploring new cultural horizons that pave the way for a more innovative digital life. Through launching an accessible digital platform of this level of diversity and inclusivity, we are ensuring that we encourage creativity, and supporting the spread of innovative thinking within society, benefitting users from all backgrounds and interests.”
Importantly, the initiative promises to address a mix of audiences with in-depth studies and information that support academics and cultural researchers. Abu Dhabi Culture will also provide education kits for many of the cultural and heritage locations
“Abu Dhabi has a deep treasure trove of culture, both contemporary and historic, and the richest heritage”, said HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “What makes this a landmark moment is our opportunity to bring all of this information, the richness of this immersion, together for the first time in an easy-to-use, accessible form.”
From a user-experience perspective, Abu Dhabi Culture will use the very latest technologies and functionality, it will feature continuously updated content, fresh new photos and videos, a 360° interactive tour of each cultural location or activity, contact information, and an interactive map, plus there’ll also be options to book an event or attraction for individuals, groups and schools.
“By using the latest digital techniques, and by understanding how people view technology as an enhancement of experience, Abu Dhabi Culture is a perfect ‘go-to’ solution for every Abu Dhabi visitor looking for inspiration, as well as all of those academics and researchers delving deep into the emirate’s rich culture,” HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Additional features of Abu Dhabi Culture include a ‘Send a Postcard’ option, a comprehensive events calendar, a ‘Make a Contribution’ mechanism to allow users to support different assets, nearby recommendations, driving directions for each location (integration with multiple navigation apps), and personalised content.
Abu Dhabi Culture perfectly embodies the overarching ethos of UAE Innovation Month, strengthening the country’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge technology, enhancing the development of new ideas and capabilities, and creating a widespread culture of innovation in the country.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
