Page 19 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

cultural and creative industries are adapting policies, practices and ethics to address the rapid
evolution of AI, biotechnology and digital ecosystems.

In his opening remarks, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said culture is
foundational to Abu Dhabi’s development, noting, “These gatherings matter more than ever, as they
offer us the opportunity to chart a path towards a more sustainable and human-centred global
society -- with culture as its compass.”

On day two, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, affirmed the enduring role of
culture in shaping societies and guiding innovation. “Culture remains our enduring guide –
transforming ideas into action, inspiring communities, and ensuring that creativity remains at the
heart of human progress,” he said.

A key highlight was the 2025 MONDIACULT Ministerial Dialogue, co-organised with UNESCO.
Culture ministers addressed the intersection of AI and creativity, exploring its impact on
rightsholders, youth engagement, and the preservation of heritage. Al Mubarak noted that the
collaboration underscored the growing recognition of culture as a governmental priority that
transcends sectors and accelerates sustainable development.

AI emerged as a central theme across sessions. On day one, Mo Gawdat, author and former Chief
Business Officer at Google X, warned of the challenges posed by AI despite its utility. A panel on
human creativity emphasised that while AI is capable, it lacks the inspiration inherent to human art.

Additional discussions featured perspectives from jewellery designer Lama Hourani, Dubai Opera’s
Paolo Petrocelli, and designer David Korins, who framed disruption as a catalyst for innovation.
Other sessions explored AI’s role in amplifying creativity rather than replacing it, with insights from
Riyad Joucka, Stephen King, Imad Mesdoua and Dr Patrick Noack.

The Summit also addressed the evolving relevance of museums and arts institutions, the
intellectual power of fashion, and non-human-centred design thinking. Keynotes were delivered by
Susan Buck-Morss, Glenn D. Lowry, Sir William Sargent, and Iyad Rahwan.

Cultural performances included appearances by Ibrahim Maalouf, Kinan Azmeh and Kyle Sanna,
Angélique Kidjo, Qusai Al Mamari, and traditional Emirati groups presenting Al-Ayyala and Al-Azi.

The Summit was hosted by DCT Abu Dhabi in partnership with UNESCO, The Economist Impact,
Google, the Design Museum, the Recording Academy, and others. It reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s
mission to preserve the emirate’s cultural heritage and foster creativity as a foundation for
inclusive, sustainable global progress.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bjf7t8d-culture-summit-abu-dhabi-explores-impact-culture