Qatar Museums has become the 3D Conversion Centre for the country, according to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) for digitising 3D materials.
The agreement was signed by Reem al-Mansoori, assistant undersecretary of Digital Society, ICT and Society, ictQATAR; and Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud, acting CEO of Qatar Museums.
ictQATAR is responsible for developing programs and taking the necessary actions required to digitise Qatar’s national cultural heritage as well as publishing it online in collaboration with authorities concerned.
Qatar Museums is the national body responsible for developing, promoting and sustaining Qatar’s cultural sector.
This MoU comes within the framework of the Media, Culture, and Heritage National Digitisation Plan unveiled in 2014. It also translates an ongoing governmental commitment to improving access to Qatari heritage and culture by digitising and making them available online in multiple digital formats.
“The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology believes in the importance of preserving Qatar’s heritage by harnessing the potential of ICT and capitalising on considerable expertise and skills owned by the parties connected to that sector,” al-Mansoori said.
“Working closely with all bodies in fields of media, culture and heritage, we can develop new methods not only on how to preserve our national heritage but also on how to make it available and accessible in newer digital formats in line with best international practices,” the official explained.
Al-Mansoori described the MoU as “another step forward on implementing ictQATAR’s digitisation project that aims at preserving and sharing the Arabic and Islamic heritage of the State of Qatar”.
“3D materials digitisation is important in making our heritage available for students and researchers here and from around the world thus enriching the knowledge of our history by introducing it to local and international audiences,” al-Mahmoud said.
3D digitisation allows for the virtual examination of 3D objects, reduces the risk of damage to 3D objects and facilitates comparative study. It also assists with the restoration of 3D objects by making it easier to replicate delicate parts.
On the sidelines of the MoU signing ceremony, ictQATAR and the Qatar National Library organised a workshop on heritage digitisation. A total of 24 professionals, enthusiasts and project owners from various institutions such as the Emiri Diwan, the Supreme Education Council, Qatar University and QNA, attended.
In 2014 during Qatar’s Qitcom, a tripartite MoU was signed by ictQATAR, QNL and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage for the digitisation of the 2D materials owned by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. As per that MoU, QNL became the national 2D conversion centre of Qatar.
