Abu Dhabi University and District1795 forge creative economy partnership

A landmark collaboration between the institution and the technology ecosystem will provide students and faculty with direct involvement in developing the region's arts and culture infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi University has entered into a strategic partnership with District1795, a technology ecosystem dedicated to advancing arts and culture, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement represents a significant step in bridging academic excellence with practical innovation in the creative sector.

The MoU was formalised by Prof. Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, and Kawthar Bin Sulayem, Founder and Chief Executive of District1795. Through this collaboration, ADU students and faculty will participate actively in the development, research and execution of initiatives that serve the arts and culture sector across the region.

Comprehensive Ecosystem Engagement

The partnership encompasses the full scope of the District1795 ecosystem, which comprises seven interconnected platforms. These cover diverse domains including Gather, Learn, Dhabian AI, Inside Arts and Culture, Showcase, Dhabiani Kids and Knowbase, collectively addressing arts, culture, technology, artificial intelligence, education, new media and community engagement.

Ms Bin Sulayem emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting that this represents District1795’s inaugural academic partnership. She highlighted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s core vision of creating an active ecosystem where the emerging generation shapes the creative economy rather than merely entering it upon graduation. ADU participants will contribute directly to real products and initiatives that strengthen the foundational infrastructure supporting arts and culture across the region.

Building Practical Capability

The District1795 founder underscored Abu Dhabi’s substantial investment in the creative economy, observing that the sector requires professionals capable of navigating across culture, technology, artificial intelligence and community dimensions. Such capability, she noted, develops through active participation rather than theoretical study alone.

Prof. Aouad welcomed the opportunity for ADU’s academic community to engage directly in projects that synthesise arts, culture, technology and artificial intelligence. He emphasised how the partnership creates a platform where students and faculty can integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience and industry-specific expertise, preparing the next generation for meaningful contribution to the emirate’s creative sectors.

Source: WAM