The DCT - Abu Dhabi unveils smart systems to enhance customer and partner experiences

• 1,200 intangible cultural elements will be safeguarded for future generations with new digital register

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled smart systems and platforms aimed at enhancing its administrative and operational procedures.

Launched during DCT Abu Dhabi’s participation at the 41st edition of GITEX Technology Week, the systems include a digital register of more than 1,200 elements of intangible heritage assets, ensuring a commitment to safeguarding and sustaining them for future generations. The systems will also link data and reports to support up-to-date and accurate decision-making.

DCT Abu Dhabi has also adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop a smart scheduling system for hotel inspections, where task forces are helped by visual cross-checking of inspected items through smartphones and tablets. The system’s benefits include upgrading the services provided to hotels by reducing inspection time, and organising the working hours of the inspectors through smart planning and guidance to check their availability near the hotel facilities due for inspection.

The digital register of intangible heritage assets, which is included within DCT Abu Dhabi’s ‘CulturAll’ platform, consists of 1,200 registered and certified heritage elements. This initiative sets two major objectives for safeguarding intangible heritage. The first is to identify, organise and update these elements with information and photos on a regular basis with the help of experts, authorities, academics, research centres and members of the public who apply or engage in safeguarding the elements.

The second objective is to promote these elements and strengthen awareness about their importance. The register is considered one of the standards of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to list an element on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It also has a key role in promoting sustainable development and is an important means of achieving greater community participation in safeguarding heritage and sustaining it for generations to come.

“We are proud that the UAE capital is becoming a role model in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence systems across all its vital sectors, including the tourism, culture and creative industries,” said HE Saeed Ali Obaid Farazi, Executive Director of Support Services at DCT Abu Dhabi. “The development of these applications and platforms is part of our digital transformation strategy. Through smart applications and solutions, we aim to simplify and accelerate administrative and operational procedures, achieve transparency, and improve services for the public and our partners. Our interactive platforms highlight the tourism, cultural and entertainment experiences that Abu Dhabi offers to both residents and visitors.”

As part of its investment in social media channels to communicate directly with targeted audiences and markets, DCT Abu Dhabi has developed the ‘One View’ platform to link and integrate performance reports and indicators of its social media profiles and websites. The platform ensures transparency and accuracy in supporting digital strategies and delivering relevant campaign messages to target markets and client groups.

DCT Abu Dhabi will also conduct live interactive workshops to teach the basics of AI, design, circuits and robots to children aged eight and above. These workshops fall under the remit of the work of the Abu Dhabi Children's Library, the place where imagination meets culture and reality to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for children of all ages and interests.

GITEX Technology Week 2021 is taking place from 17 to 21 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. DCT Abu Dhabi is based within the Abu Dhabi Government pavilion, where the focus is on four main areas: providing a seamless and simple experience designed to meet the needs of clients through digital channels and service centres; promoting cooperation and support for joint initiatives in various government entities and agencies to attain the best results; leveraging safe and effective data exchange to support decision-making and promote government proactive action; and increasing social and economic growth by expediting integration with digital systems, applications, clients and business partners.

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About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

© Press Release 2021