At SHD: Experts urge use of AI to preserve heritage

Sharjah 24: Experts and researchers specialising in history, archaeology, heritage, and culture have emphasised the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve cultural heritage. However, they stressed that prior capabilities and skills are necessary to achieve this goal.

They highlighted the need for modern scientific platforms, specialised conferences, and training programmes aligned with ethical, artistic, and knowledge standards for heritage, based on solid and reliable foundations. These efforts aim to foster global cultural connections based on shared knowledge.

The Cultural Café Session on AI and Heritage

This discussion took place during the first session of the Cultural Café, part of the Sharjah Heritage Days at the Cultural Heritage Centre "Al Bait Al Gharbi." The session, titled "Documenting Cultural Heritage in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," featured experts such as Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Dr Majid Bushalibi, Dr. Moza Ghabash, Dr Ahmed Bahy El-Din, and Dr Rashid Al-Mazrouei, moderated by Dr Khaled Al-Shahi.

Addressing the challenges of AI in heritage

Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam pointed out the challenges of relying too heavily on AI for heritage preservation, including the growing trend of researchers prioritising speed over quality. He called for national platforms to support sciences, including heritage, to establish optimal knowledge bases. Dr Al Musallam also revealed plans to host a future conference focused on AI’s role in documenting cultural heritage.

Training and ethical concerns with AI in heritage

Dr Majid Bushalibi emphasised AI’s role as a complement to human intelligence, urging the Sharjah Institute for Heritage to develop training programs for heritage researchers that incorporate ethical guidelines. Dr Ahmed Bahy El-Din noted the importance of balancing AI’s capabilities with human creativity and identity, while Dr Moza Ghabash stressed the need for AI to preserve national identities, not threaten them. Dr Rashid Al-Mazrouei highlighted the challenges AI faces in understanding local dialects and accurately representing folk heritage.