Page 20 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

4/30/25, 1:32 PM Culture Summit Abu Dhabi explores impact of AI on culture, humanity – The Gulf Time Newspaper
Culture Summit Abu Dhabi explores impact of AI on

culture, humanity

ABU DHABI / WAM

The seventh edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi concluded today following three days of high-level keynotes, panels,
performances and workshops exploring the theme “Culture for Humanity and Beyond”. Organised by the Department of
Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event brought together over 3,700 attendees, 300 participants, 200 speakers and more
than 100 sessions, representing over 90 countries.
Opening on April 27, the Summit examined the role of culture in an era of global transformation, with a focus on digital
innovation and artificial intelligence. The programme spotlighted how the 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

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