Preserving cultural heritage is a global responsibility. In the United Arab Emirates, Wiki Loves Monuments (WLM) 2024 has emerged as a significant initiative in documenting and promoting the country’s diverse historical and cultural landmarks. As part of this global photography competition organized by the Wikimedia community, participants in the UAE captured striking visuals of their nation’s monuments, contributing to a shared goal of freely accessible knowledge.
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Highlighting UAE’s Cultural Richness
The UAE is known for its modern skyline, but its rich cultural history runs much deeper. From the intricate architecture of mosques to the ancient forts and archaeological sites, each monument tells a story. WLM 2024 provided an opportunity for people to document these stories visually and make them accessible to the world through Wikimedia Commons.
Participants captured stunning images of iconic sites such as the Al Jahili Fort, Ajman Fort, and Sharjah Fort. These contributions not only celebrate UAE’s cultural heritage but also support global knowledge-sharing platforms like Wikipedia.
Empowering Communities through Participation
This year’s Wiki Loves Monuments in the UAE focused on inclusivity. Photographers from diverse backgrounds, including residents and tourists, came together to showcase the beauty and significance of UAE’s landmarks. Workshops and online tutorials helped participants learn about photography techniques, monument documentation, and how to upload their work to Wikimedia Commons.
By engaging the community, the project inspired people to see their surroundings differently. Many participants shared how documenting monuments deepened their appreciation for the UAE’s history and traditions.
Strengthening Wikimedia’s Knowledge Ecosystem
The images contributed during WLM 2024 serve a larger purpose. They enrich Wikimedia projects, particularly Wikipedia, by providing high-quality visuals that enhance articles about the UAE’s history and culture. These photographs are now freely available for educational and non-commercial use, reinforcing Wikimedia’s mission to provide free knowledge to everyone.
For example, images of sites like Al Bidya Mosque and Jebel Hafeet Tombs now accompany Wikipedia articles, offering readers a more immersive experience. This visual enhancement is critical for fostering understanding and appreciation of heritage among global audiences.
Recognizing Efforts and Achievements
As the competition concludes, we extend our gratitude to all participants, organizers, and partners who made Wiki Loves Monuments 2024 in the UAE a success. Special thanks go to the dedicated volunteers who coordinated efforts locally, ensuring the seamless execution of events and uploads.
The winning photographs from the UAE have been submitted to the international stage of Wiki Loves Monuments. They will compete with entries from around the world, further showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage.
Looking Ahead
Wiki Loves Monuments 2024 in the UAE was more than a competition. It was a movement that brought people together to celebrate and document their shared heritage. As we reflect on its impact, we look forward to future opportunities to engage communities and preserve cultural landmarks through Wikimedia projects.
We invite everyone to continue contributing to Wikimedia Commons, ensuring that the stories of these monuments are never lost. Together, we can build a bridge between the past and the future, one image at a time.
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