Dubai Culture Honours Innovation Stars
Dubai, UAE – 06 August 2025: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has honored a distinguished group of its employees, along with peers from Dubai Government entities, to commend their efforts and innovative contributions to enhancing the Authority’s innovation portfolio, particularly in the areas of cultural development, heritage preservation, inclusion, and institutional excellence. The recognition of the Innovation Stars reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to supporting the UAE National Innovation Strategy, which aims to place the nation among the world’s most innovative, strengthen international competitiveness and sustainability, and foster breakthrough thinking across government and society.
The ceremony of Innovation Stars recognition, attended by Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and CEO’s, honored 16 employees and 3 peer employees, who were selected based on specific criteria reflecting the Authority’s dedication to supporting innovation, safeguarding cultural heritage, and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global center for the creative economy.
As part of the ceremony, Dubai Culture’s Antiquities Department was celebrated under the ‘Innovation Success Story’ category for its AI-powered Remote Sensing Project at the Saruq Al-Hadid archaeological site, implemented in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The project leverages satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and non-invasive sensing techniques to identify over 2,500 potential archaeological anomalies, eliminating the need for traditional excavation methods. This sustainable approach preserves the historical layers of the site while minimizing environmental disruption, establishing a model for responsible cultural discovery. The project directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11.4, by strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage; SDG 13, by supporting climate action through the reduction of environmental impact; and SDG 15, by promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Under the ‘Best Innovators’ category, the Authority recognized employees who earned the highest number of points in the Innovation Management System during the first half of 2025, as a result of submitting and implementing impactful ideas that enhanced institutional performance and contributed to a culture of continuous improvement across Dubai Culture’s organizational units.
The ceremony also honored the winners of the ‘We Innovate to Enable’ initiative, launched by Dubai Culture in May 2025, to encourage staff members from across the Dubai Government to submit novel ideas that support and empower People of Determination. The top four solutions were selected based on their impact, focusing on inclusive design, accessibility, and community empowerment across museums, public libraries, heritage sites, and cultural centers. The drive aligns with the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination and upholds the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to reducing inequalities and building inclusive communities.
Commenting on the occasion, Her Excellency Hala Badri affirmed: “Innovation is a key driver of development and a vital pillar for advancing cultural and creative industries. Dubai has succeeded in establishing itself as an epicenter for innovation, attracting exceptional talent and empowering them through strategic programs, impactful initiatives, and advanced digital tools. At Dubai Culture, we are committed to enabling innovators to deliver meaningful experiences that blend creativity with heritage and generate tangible societal value.”
She added that the Authority is dedicated to adopting global best practices in innovation management as part of its overarching strategy to elevate operational performance and contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
