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The Digital Heritage Forum 2025, hosted by DCT Abu Dhabi from 3–5 November at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, gathers innovators, academicians, and practitioners to explore how technology is transforming the ways cultural heritage is recorded, interpreted, and shared. Keynotes, panels, technical sessions, and immersive showcases will drive dialogue, exchange, and collaboration toward the future of digital heritage.
Dates: 3–5 November 2025
Venue: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Host: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Immersive Heritage: Dual‑Use of Digital Heritage Data with XR, Gamification & AI Inspection
Co‑convenors: Tomas Barnas, Ted Strazmiri
Speakers: Mohamed Salama, Fabio Menna, Josip R., Alberto Mendikute Garate, Nikola Jancovicova
· Study Room 1
Technical Session
Data of Experience: AI and Extended Reality in Cross‑Cultural Heritage
Co‑convenors: Nuno Nunes, Roch Thibault
Speakers: François Giligny, Toshikatsu Kiuchi, Hye Seung Shim, Miguel Escobar Varela
· Study Room 2
Technical Session
Future of the Past: Risk Mapping, Communication, and Community Resilience
Co‑convenors: Bijan Rouhani, Paola Di Giuseppantonio Di Franco
Speakers: Bernadette Devilat, Valentina Nisi, Simone Mantellini, Liu Shaobo, Kai Weise, Anwar Sabik, Sophie Abraham
· Theatre
Technical Session
Playful Pasts: Gamification and Inclusive Access in Heritage Learning
Co‑convenors: Eslam Nofal, Monette‑Mary Saade
Speakers: Gary Goldberger, Sara Tonelli, Naif Haddad, Marine Botton, Moza Humaid AlMazroua
· Study Room 1
Technical Session
Safeguarding Digital Heritage: Integrity, Ethics & Protection
Co‑convenors: Abdullatif Al‑Jasmi, Muhammed Nadat
Speakers: Emily Spratt, Wayne Graham, Daniel Pett, Victor Mateu
· Study Room 2
Technical Session
Digital Deep Dive: Digitizing Abu Dhabi’s Maritime Heritage
Co‑convenors: Vincent Creuze, Alessandro Ghidoni
Speakers: Dimitrios Skarlatos, Fraser Sturt, Mark James, Mohammad Khedr, Michel L’Hour, David Souto
· Theatre
Technical Session
Rooted in Place: Community, Storytelling, and the Digital Re‑imagination of Heritage
Co‑convenors: Kacey Hadick, Chance Coughenour
Speakers: John Ristevski, Merahi Atam, Rehaf Al Gassas, Santiago Giraldo
· Study Room 1
Technical Session
Building the Backbone: Infrastructure & Information Management for Heritage Futures
Co‑convenors: Koen Van Daele, Piraye Hacigüzeller
Speakers: Selim Germanos, Holly Wright, Sebastian Mukumbira, Maarten Vermeyen
· Study Room 2
Day 3 · Wednesday, 5 November
Keynote
KEYNOTE TITLE (TBD) — Prof. Douglas Pritchard
Professor, Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Robert Gordon University
· Theatre
Keynote
KEYNOTE TITLE (TBD) — Prof. Jonathan Adams
Director, Centre for Maritime Archaeology, University of Southampton
· Theatre
Panel
Reporting Back: Insights and Outcomes
Moderator: Dr. Ona Vileikis (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Panellists: Dr. Dimitriy Voyakin (National Commission for UNESCO & ICESCO; UCL CAAL), Prof. Grazia Tucci (University of Florence), Prof. Eugene Ch’ng (Beijing Normal–Hong Kong Baptist University), Dr. Felix Vega (TII), Prof. Bekeh Ukelina (SUNY Cortland / Nsibidi Institute)
· Theatre
Panel
Digitally Ever After? Inspiring the Next Chapter
Moderator: Hamad Ali Alrumaithi (DCT)
Panellists: Mohamed AlJneibi (Red Dunes Games / Government of Abu Dhabi), Chao Tayiana Maina (African Digital Heritage), Takashi Kudo (teamLab), Dr. David Mitchell (Historic Environment Scotland), Thomas Rigauts (UNESCO)
· Theatre
Event
Cultural Heritage Resonance
An experience of cultural heritage with sound from around the globe
· Theatre
Ongoing · 3–5 November
VR Experience
GAUDI, the Atelier of the Divine
Creators: GEDEON Experiences, Small Creative, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
A narrative VR journey into Gaudí’s studio to discover his visionary methods and universe. (Pre‑registration required)
