ictQATAR, Qatar Museums Sign MoU for Digitizing 3D Materials

Doha, March 29 (QNA) - The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) and Qatar Museums have signed a MoU for digitizing 3D materials. As per the MoU, Qatar Museums becomes the 3D Conversion Center for the State of Qatar. 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 digitize Qatar’s national cultural heritage, as well as publishing it online in collaboration with all concerned authorities. Qatar Museums is the national body responsible for developing, promoting and sustaining Qatars cultural sector. This MoU comes within the framework of the Media, Culture, and Heritage National Digitization Plan unveiled in 2014. It also translates an ongoing governmental commitment to improving access to Qatari heritage and culture by digitizing 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 ICTs and capitalizing on considerable expertise and skills owned by the parties connected to that sector. 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," Al-Mansoori said. She added, "Our MoU inked today is just another step forward on implementing ictQATARs digitization project that aims at preserving and sharing the Arabic and Islamic heritage of the State of Qatar. Making our 3D heritage available online, we hope the project would be of a great value and benefit for our citizens, students, researchers and all those interested in studying Qatari heritage and culture." Al-Mahmoud said, "We are happy to ink this important MoU with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology; an agreement that translates our vision for developing, promoting and sustaining the cultural sector at the highest standards." "3D materials digitization 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," he added. 3D digitization 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 organized a workshop on heritage digitization. The workshop was attended by around 24 professionals, enthusiasts and project owners from various institutions such as the Amiri Diwan, the Supreme Education Council, Qatar University and QNA. Back in 2014 during Qatars QITCOM, a tripartite MoU was signed by ictQATAR, QNL and Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage for the digitization of the 2D materials owned by MoCAH. As per that MoU, QNL became the national 2D conversion center of Qatar. (QNA)