As part of UAE Innovation Month, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a comprehensive new digital initiative which will act as a ‘one-stop’ reference for all cultural information for the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The digital platform, Abu Dhabi Culture, will allow users to gain instant access to every possible aspect of cultural life and heritage in the emirate.

The ‘Portal’ lays a marker by encompassing a website as the main hub for information, a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, as well as Podcasts on Soundcloud and iTunes that feature weekly broadcasts of cultural topics and discussions with experts.

By covering such a wide range of interfaces, and 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 about the culture of Abu Dhabi, and provide continuous updates on the limitless variety of arts and cultural activities. In this way the Portal seeks to offer connection and dialogue with the cultural pulse of the emirate.

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 addresses a mix of audiences. Abu Dhabi Culture will also support culture researchers and academics by providing in-depth studies, information about the many historic sites in the capital.

As a user experience, Abu Dhabi Culture aims to bring together every possible aspect of Abu Dhabi’s cultural offer into one place. It will use the very latest technologies and functionality, it will feature continuously updated content, fresh new photos and videos, a 360 walkthrough for each cultural location or activity, contact information and an interactive map, a ‘book a visit’ option for individuals, groups and schools, as well as an education kit for multiple locations.

"Abu Dhabi has a deep treasure trove of culture, both contemporary and historic, and the richest heritage," said 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."

"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."

The key to delivering this user-friendliness is to make the interface as comprehensive a touch-point as it can be. So it is that Abu Dhabi Culture features a ‘Send a Postcard’ option, an event calendar, a 'Make a contribution' mechanism to allow users to support a favored asset, nearby recommendations, driving directions for each location (integration with multiple navigation apps) as well as personalised content.

Abu Dhabi Culture perfectly embodies the overarching ethos of the UAE Innovation Month, strengthening the country's position as a global hub for leading edge thinking, enhancing the development of new ideas and capabilities, and creating a widespread culture of innovation in the country.

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