Dubai Culture Signs MoU With Khalifa University To Advance Archaeological Excavations

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) signed an agreement with Khalifa University of Science and Technology to enhance cooperation and best practices related to archaeological excavations in the emirate.

The agreement focuses on sharing expertise and using advanced technologies at the Saruq Al Hadid and Al Ashoosh sites to improve studies and research on their findings.

Moreover, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) supports ongoing excavations using remote sensing satellite technology and advanced geophysical survey techniques from Khalifa University.

These methods aim to uncover buried structures, tombs and remains at archaeological sites. Researchers will use advanced processing techniques to create 3D models of discoveries, placing them in their archaeological and environmental contexts.

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, met with a Khalifa University of Science and Technology delegation on the sidelines of the MoU signing.

The delegation included Executive Vice President Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President's Office Director Dr. Fahd Al Maskari, and Associate Professor Dr. Khaled Al Awadi.

The meeting took place at Dubai Culture's headquarters and was attended by Muna Faisal Algurg, CEO of the Culture and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, and Engineer Bader Mohammed Al Ali, Director of the Antiquities Department at the Authority.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in scientific research and the use of modern technologies in archaeology for long-term collaboration between the two parties.

"The archaeological sites in Dubai are a rich source of knowledge, especially for researchers looking to understand the relationship between Dubai and other civilizations. The surveying and excavation works in these sites have documented many unique findings, which are a significant resource for studies and research related to Dubai's ancient history and antiquities," Algurg was quoted as saying by WAM.

"Partnering with a prestigious academic institution such as Khalifa University further enhances the efforts put forward to uncover the rich history of the Saruq Al Hadid and Al Ashoosh sites," he added.

Speaking at the meeting, Al Hammadi said that the researchers from the Earth Sciences Department continue to automate processes and set a benchmark for national and regional remote sensing capabilities, making a huge impact on the future of archaeological studies.