Dubai Culture Mobile Application to Represent UAE at the World Summit Award Mobile

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate's dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, has achieved a prestigious nomination to represent the UAE in The World Summit Award Mobile (WSA-mobile) in cooperation with United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and organised in collaboration with UNESCO, UNIDO, and UN GAID. 

WSA-mobile is a global platform that selects and promotes the world's best mobile content and applications. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony in December 2016 in Abu Dhabi, which this year will emphasizes cultural diversity and identity, and the creation of varied content. 

Dubai Culture’s application was chosen from number of smart applications, with selection criteria to identify the most innovative applications which deliver significant benefits to their users. This nomination for the Authority’s mobile application is of great significance, especially as it has been given by some of the foremost United Nations subject matter experts and partners from across the region. 

The Authority’s nomination also underscores its successful adoption of best practices in mobile technology to service its objective of highlighting the ever progressive artistic and cultural scene in the Emirate of Dubai. In addition, the nomination demonstrates the Authority’s successful implementation of advanced technologies towards promoting cultural programmes and information in particular among the younger generation.

Mohamed Yousif Al Hammadi, Acting Director of Information Technology Department of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority said: “This nomination is a tribute to our focus on tailoring the latest technologies to serve the culture and heritage scene of the Emirate.  We have in place an expert IT management team that continuously develops and launch services and applications aimed at enhancing the experiences of all visitors to our heritage, cultural and artistic sites. This team is instrumental in delivering on our commitment to the Smart Dubai vision announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and is as per the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, to mark the transformation of Dubai into a Smart City.”

The Authority’s application currently provides historical and geographical information in entertaining and innovative ways, and provides an opportunity for users to interact with unique content that sheds light on Dubai’s unique characteristics. The application also employs a wide variety of media and other features including virtual reality, aerial photographic technology, and interactive technical maps which share interesting historical and cultural information about the Emirate of Dubai. 

Furthermore, the application provides access to details and information about heritage sites and culture destinations across the Emirate of Dubai – much as an intelligent tour guide would provide, as well as a whole host of other additional services. Users of the application can share opinions about their experiences across a number of popular social networking platforms, interact with other users about the Emirati creative scene, and participate in cultural activities with individuals from around the world.

WSA-mobile is a global initiative that aims to encourage innovative mobile applications that provide high value digital content. Nominated applications will be evaluated by an international jury comprising of representatives from every continent, who are drawn from across a number of creative industries including communications, advertising, marketing and other related fields. It also includes members from international authorities and organisations from the information technology field.

Founded in 2010 as the sister to the World Summit Award, WSA-mobile aims to raise public awareness and recognition for the highest quality, most innovative e-Content produced worldwide and to make the best products accessible and meaningful around the world.