Cultural identity in rapidly urbanizing cities: the role of public art, urban design, and digital engagement

1 Introduction

Public art and urban design are vital for preserving cultural identity, fostering community pride, and maintaining heritage, especially in rapidly modernizing contexts like the UAE (López Reus et al., 2020). As globalization reshapes local cultures, integrating public art into urban spaces helps sustain national identity (Cheung et al., 2021; Kortbek, 2018). Murals, sculptures, and Arabic calligraphy visually reflect cultural heritage and shared values (Gesare, 2024; Patel, 2024), while urban design incorporating traditional motifs and natural elements strengthens community identity (Hammadi, 2017; Kordi and Galal Ahmed, 2023).

Youth represent a pivotal demographic in the preservation and reinterpretation of cultural identity, navigating both digital platforms and global influences (Kiarie, 2024; Zhang et al., 2023). In the UAE, young people increasingly emphasize the importance of embedding traditional elements within contemporary urban planning to maintain a sense of belonging amid rapid modernization (Dubai Culture, 2023; Ozoral, 2024). Moreover, recent studies highlight that community awareness and socio-economic factors significantly influence how residents engage with environmental and social change, underscoring the broader role of public participation in strengthening collective identity and resilience (Alkaabi et al., 2025).

This study examines how public art, urban design, and digital public art platforms collectively contribute to preserving Emirati cultural identity in rapidly urbanizing cities. Digital public art platforms refer to websites, mobile applications, social media, virtual exhibitions, and other digital technologies that facilitate public interaction with cultural artworks. Rather than viewing public art as an isolated artistic intervention, the study conceptualizes it as one component of an integrated urban cultural ecosystem in which urban design shapes the physical experience of place while digital engagement extends cultural interaction beyond physical space. Findings aim to guide planners and policymakers in aligning design with community values to foster identity and pride, offering insights for contexts where tradition and modernity intersect.

The UAE has increasingly integrated public art into urban development strategies as part of broader efforts to strengthen national identity while supporting contemporary urban growth. Major cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have incorporated murals, sculptures, and heritage-inspired artworks into streets, cultural districts, and public spaces to create culturally meaningful urban environments.

Figure 1 illustrates representative examples of public art installations depicting traditional Emirati childhood games, pearl diving, fishing traditions, family relationships, and heritage practices. These artworks communicate collective memory through everyday public spaces and demonstrate how artistic interventions reinforce Emirati identity within rapidly modernizing cities. Although survey respondents evaluated their perceptions of public art generally rather than individual artworks, these installations provide the contextual setting through which residents experience public art across the UAE. Consequently, the visual examples presented in Figure 1 offer an important contextual framework for interpreting the survey findings.

2 Literature review

2.1 Globalization and youth cultural identity

Globalization and cultural identity are interconnected through trade, social integration, and media (Olivier et al., 2008; Sarungu, 2021). While globalization enables cultural exchange and hybrid identities (Kerubo, 2024), it risks cultural homogenization and language dominance (Kerubo, 2024; Nurullah, 2008; Alfarhan, 2016), as seen in Kazan where English signage has replaced Tatar (Sharafutdinov, 2018). Media and state policies mediate these shifts (Sarungu, 2021).

Youth are especially impacted, developing bicultural identities yet facing identity conflicts (Doku and Asante, 2011; Azhar et al., 2014). Preserving traditions and implementing cultural policies are essential for cultural resilience (Kerubo, 2024; Nurullah, 2008).

Global Citizenship (GC) offers frameworks for navigating these dynamics. Cosmopolitanism emphasizes global morality but may erode local identity (Bosio et al., 2023), while Global Citizenship Education promotes global awareness and respect for cultural diversity (Pittman, 2017; Torres, 2017). Transnationalism suggests GC can enrich rather than diminish heritage (Schattle, 2017).

GC fosters cultural exchange and global awareness, enhancing appreciation of traditions (Kerubo, 2024; Olivier et al., 2008; Wang, 2007; Sarungu, 2021), but may also lead to homogenization and identity conflicts (Kerubo, 2024; Nurullah, 2008; Doku and Asante, 2011; Alfarhan, 2016). Economic pressures can marginalize local traditions, highlighting the need for policies and education that balance GC with cultural preservation (Tabatabaei, 2021; Kerubo, 2024; Nurullah, 2008).

2.2 Global citizenship within the UAE context

The United Arab Emirates presents a distinctive context for Global Citizenship (GC), where international openness is pursued alongside the preservation of national identity and cultural heritage. Home to more than 200 nationalities, the UAE promotes intercultural dialog, tolerance, and social cohesion while emphasizing the importance of Emirati values and traditions (Alnaqbi and Ghazali, 2025). National initiatives, including the UAE’s designation of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance and the UAE Vision 2031, encourage cultural diversity and global engagement without compromising the country’s cultural identity. Rather than viewing global citizenship and national identity as competing concepts, the UAE adopts an integrated approach that promotes participation in a multicultural society while safeguarding local heritage, language, and historical traditions (Ozoral, 2024; Khater et al., 2025).

Within this context, public art and culturally responsive urban design provide important mechanisms for translating Global Citizenship principles into the built environment. Heritage-inspired public artworks, culturally meaningful public spaces, and digitally accessible cultural initiatives enable residents and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage with Emirati history and values while fostering intercultural understanding. Consequently, public art functions not only as an artistic expression but also as a medium for cultural dialog, civic participation, and heritage education, supporting the UAE’s vision of creating globally connected yet culturally distinctive cities (Dubai Culture, 2023; Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, 2018). This perspective provides an appropriate theoretical foundation for examining how public art, urban design, and digital engagement collectively contribute to preserving cultural identity within rapidly urbanizing and multicultural environments.

2.3 Urban design and community identity

Urban design shapes identity and preserves cultural heritage (Nazari and Özbek, 2023; Oktay and Bala, 2015; Oktay, 2017), integrating tradition with modernization while reinforcing local character. Conservation in Al Muharraq, Bahrain, maintains historical identity alongside urban development (Negri and Lelli, 2022; Yarwood, 2011). Beyond the overall urban form, specific urban design elements—including walkability, streetscapes, public plazas, wayfinding systems, landscape design, and the broader public realm—play an important role in strengthening cultural identity and community belonging. Walkable neighborhoods encourage social interaction and civic engagement, while streetscapes that incorporate local architectural styles, traditional materials, public seating, and native landscaping reinforce a city’s unique cultural character (Gehl, 2011; Carmona et al., 2021). Likewise, public plazas serve as venues for cultural events and social gatherings that foster collective identity, whereas culturally responsive wayfinding systems and heritage signage communicate local history and enhance visitors’ sense of place (Lynch, 1960; Arthur and Passini, 2002). Together, these urban design elements create culturally meaningful public spaces that support both heritage preservation and contemporary urban living (Beatley, 2011).

Regional studies further illustrate this relationship. In Iran, residential quality influences local identity (Valibeigi et al., 2020), while Kuwait’s urban transformation demonstrates the challenge of balancing modernization with cultural preservation (Fabbri, 2020). Gulf cities increasingly embed cultural identity within their master plans (Al-Mohannadi and Furlan, 2018), as illustrated by developments in Saadiyat and Msheireb. In the UAE, interventions such as strategic food truck placements (Alkaabi and Mehmood, 2025) and climate-responsive public space design (Alkaabi et al., 2024) shape socio-cultural experiences and strengthen place identity. Considering identity and character in urban planning is therefore essential for creating distinctive, inclusive, and culturally responsive urban environments (Abusaada and Elshater, 2023).

Public art also fosters community identity, social cohesion, and urban development (Gesare, 2024), serving as a visual cultural narrative and encouraging civic engagement (Umali, 2022). However, tensions exist between image-making and reflecting local identity (McCarthy, 2006), necessitating inclusive planning (Gesare, 2024). In the Arabian Peninsula, public art reinforces identity and heritage (Mounajjed, 2017). Qatar’s Katara Cultural Village demonstrates its role in cultural engagement (Al Suwaidi and Furlan, 2017), while contemporary practices raise questions of identity construction and soft power dynamics in the Gulf (Gray, 2017; Mounajjed, 2017). When combined with heritage preservation, public art fosters vibrant community spaces (Alraouf, 2021).

2.4 Digital engagement and cultural identity

Digital technologies have expanded opportunities for preserving and promoting cultural heritage by extending engagement beyond physical public spaces. Digital heritage includes the use of technologies such as virtual museums, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), QR codes, and online archives to document, interpret, and disseminate cultural assets (UNESCO, 2003; Bekele et al., 2018). These tools enhance public understanding of cultural heritage by providing interactive and accessible experiences, particularly for younger generations, while complementing rather than replacing physical public art and urban environments (Champion, 2015; tom Dieck and Jung, 2017).

Social media and digital platforms also play an increasingly important role in strengthening cultural identity by enabling cultural institutions, artists, and communities to share heritage, promote public art, and encourage civic participation (Giaccardi, 2012; Russo et al., 2010). In the UAE, initiatives led by Dubai Culture and the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi have integrated digital technologies into heritage promotion through virtual exhibitions, digital archives, and interactive cultural experiences, supporting the country’s smart city vision while reinforcing Emirati identity (Dubai Culture, 2023; Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, 2018). Together, public art, urban design, and digital engagement create an integrated cultural ecosystem that enhances community belonging and preserves cultural identity in rapidly urbanizing cities.

2.5 Public art as a tool for cultural preservation

Public art preserves cultural heritage by reinterpreting history and supporting cultural pluralism (Nugroho and Hardilla, 2020; Zitcer and Almanzar, 2019). It embeds local history in public spaces, reinforcing collective memory (Harding, 2003), while quality control ensures accuracy and appreciation (Makukula, 2022). Public interventions protect tangible and intangible heritage (Benhamou, 2013).

Case studies illustrate this role: in Malaysia, public art elevates colonial heritage (Tan and Choy, 2020); in South Africa, it negotiates representation (Marschall, 2010); and in France, it shapes cultural identity in New Towns (Vadelorge, 2020). It also engages youth with heritage through memorials and museum pedagogy (Hannum and Rhodes, 2018). Overall, public art aids heritage reinterpretation, urban regeneration, and community identity (Hall and Robertson, 2001), transforming spaces to reflect local identity (Fleming, 2007) and supporting sustainable cultural continuity (Prawata, 2024).

Public art preserves cultural heritage by reinterpreting historical narratives and promoting cultural pluralism (Nugroho and Hardilla, 2020; Zitcer and Almanzar, 2019). Harding (2003) suggests public art integrates local history into public spaces, reinforcing collective memory. However, quality control is essential to ensure historical accuracy and appreciation (Makukula, 2022). Public interventions are critical for safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage (Benhamou, 2013).

However, gaps remain regarding public art’s impact on UAE youth within globalization. While urban design’s role in cultural identity is studied (Oktay and Bala, 2015; Al-Mohannadi and Furlan, 2018), the links between public art, urban design, and community engagement in the UAE are underexplored. Additionally, the role of digital platforms in amplifying public art’s influence on identity requires further study. This research addresses these gaps by examining how public art and urban design shape national identity among UAE youth, informing future cultural and urban planning.

3 Methodology

3.1 Epistemological assumptions

This study adopts a mixed epistemological approach, integrating postpositivism and constructivism. Postpositivism supports hypothesis testing and correlation analysis, aligning with quantitative methods (Creswell and Plano Clark, 2018).

3.2 Research design

A quantitative, purposive sampling design was employed using an online survey targeting younger UAE residents. The survey assessed perceptions of public art (e.g., Arabic calligraphy, sculptures), urban design (e.g., natural elements), and local identity, measuring their impact on community and national pride (see Figure 1).

In addition to the questionnaire survey, the study incorporated a contextual visual analysis of representative public art installations in the UAE (Figure 1). The selected examples illustrate how Emirati cultural heritage is integrated into contemporary public spaces through murals and public artworks depicting traditional practices, local history, and community values. Although the visual analysis was not quantitatively assessed or directly evaluated by survey participants, it provided contextual support for interpreting the survey findings and strengthened the study through methodological triangulation by complementing the quantitative analysis with qualitative visual evidence.

Six hypotheses were tested regarding the role of public art, urban design, and digital engagement in cultural preservation amid globalization:

• H1: Public art installations, such as murals and sculptures, enhance the sense of identity and foster community pride within neighborhoods.
• H2: Younger generations in the UAE view public art as a crucial factor in preserving and promoting their local identity in the face of globalization.
• H3: Urban design incorporating public art strengthens local identity.
• H4: Urban planners who incorporate local heritage and landmarks into public art and urban design more effectively safeguard and empower community identity.
• H5: The UAE community acknowledges public art (PA), urban design (UD), and public art development projects (PADP) as vital contributors to the enhancement, preservation, and shaping of the nation’s cultural heritage and identity.
• H6: Demographic variables significantly affect how latent factors influence perceptions of national identity.

3.3 Data collection procedure

The online survey (Google Forms) was distributed from October to November 2024, following best practices (Roopa and Rani, 2012). Participants were informed of the study’s purpose, with reminders sent after 2 weeks to improve response rates (Cohen et al., 2019).

3.4 Sampling and participants

A quantitative approach was used for analysis (Williams, 2007). Purposive sampling aligned with the study’s objectives (Bernard, 2006; Lewis and Sheppard, 2006). Of 600 targeted participants, 543 responded (90.5% response rate). Participants were UAE nationals and residents aged 18 + (24.3% male, 75.7% female). Emiratis comprised 83.4%, non-Emiratis 16.6%, with 69.7% aged 18–24. All seven emirates were represented, with the highest from Abu Dhabi (58.6%) (Table 1).

Table 1. Demographic characteristics of the respondents.

Although respondents represented all seven emirates, the majority were residents of Abu Dhabi (58.6%). This reflects the concentration of higher education institutions and cultural infrastructure within the capital. Consequently, the findings primarily represent perceptions within Abu Dhabi while offering broader insights into cultural identity across the UAE. The results should therefore be interpreted with appropriate caution when generalizing to the national population.

3.5 Instrument

This quantitative study used an online questionnaire with eight sections and a demographic segment. Informed consent was obtained before collecting demographic data. The survey contained 87 items (excluding demographics), with 67 items measuring eight constructs: Public Art (PA, 6 items), Younger Generation Identity Perception (YGIP, 8 items), Urban Design (UD, 6 items), Public Art Types (PAT, 9 items), Special Urban Design Elements (SUDE, 6 items), Strategies for Preserving Identity (SPI, 10 items), Public Art in Digital Platforms (PADP, 11 items), and Overall Perception and Recommendation (OPR, 11 items). Each section applied targeted measurement instruments to assess relationships between latent and observed variables. A five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) was used for all items. Table 2 presents the item distribution across constructs.

Table 2. Reliability analysis and KMO-Bartlett’s test results.

Bold values indicate the key KMO and Bartlett’s test results, confirming adequate sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.963) and statistical significance (p < 0.001).

3.6 Instrument reliability and validity

A pilot study was conducted to assess the survey’s content validity and reliability. Forty-five of fifty randomly selected participants completed the questionnaire, aligning with Gudmundsdottir and Brock-Utne’s (2010) emphasis on pilot testing to enhance research validity and reliability. The pilot aimed to improve question clarity, relevance, instructions, and response options. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for the Likert-scale items to assess convergent reliability and internal consistency, ensuring the instrument’s reliability (Table 2).

Construct validity was assessed using factor analysis, a preferred method for measurement validation (Cavana et al., 2001, as cited in Li and Setiawan Sanusi, 2023). The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value of 0.963 (Table 2) indicated excellent sampling adequacy, while Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p < 0.001) confirmed suitability for factor analysis. These results validated the correlation matrix and construct representation. Additionally, research experts reviewed the questionnaire for construct and content validity, providing feedback on relevance, consistency, and readability, which informed refinements for clarity.

4 Data analysis and results

4.1 Data analysis procedures

This study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as the primary analytical approach to examine relationships among Public Art (PA), Urban Design (UD), Strategies for Preserving Identity (SPI), and Younger Generation National Identity (YGNI), consistent with the quantitative approach adopted in this study (Creswell and Plano Clark, 2018). Data collected through Google Forms were cleaned in Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics and AMOS (v29). Preliminary screening addressed missing values (<5%) and potentially problematic response patterns following Roni et al. (2020).

Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the measurement model, followed by direct path analysis to test the hypothesized relationships among latent constructs (Schumacker and Lomax, 2016; Byrne, 2016). Model fit was evaluated using established criteria, including CFI and TLI ≥ 0.90, RMSEA and SRMR < 0.08, and standardized regression weights ≥ 0.50 (Byrne, 2016). Relationships were interpreted as small (0.10–0.30), moderate (0.31–0.50), or large (≥0.51) following Pallant (2020).

Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests indicated non-normality of the data. Accordingly, non-parametric tests were applied where appropriate. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests examined demographic differences in perceptions of Public Art Types (PAT), Specific Urban Design Elements (SUDE), and Public Art in Digital Platforms (PADP). A one-sample Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test assessed overall perceptions and recommendations concerning the contribution of PA, UD, and PADP to UAE culture, heritage, and national identity (UCHNI), as well as perceptions of globalization’s influence on UAE national identity (UNI).

4.2 Confirmatory factor analysis

CFA was conducted on 21 observed variables representing PA, UD, SPI, and YGNI. As illustrated in Figure 2, standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.602 to 0.813, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.50 (Awang, 2012), while squared multiple correlations ranged from 0.362 to 0.660. Correlations among the latent constructs ranged from 0.580 to 0.758, indicating substantial positive relationships.

Model adequacy was assessed using multiple goodness-of-fit indices (Byrne, 2013; Hu and Bentler, 1999; Suhr, 2006; Schumacker and Lomax, 2016; Jain and Jena, 2020; Awang, 2012). As presented in Table 3, the normed chi-square was χ²/df = 3.005, within the acceptable range. Other indices also supported the model fit, including IFI = 0.925, TLI = 0.913, CFI = 0.924, and RMSEA = 0.065. Although the chi-square test was significant (p < 0.001), the combined fit indices indicated an acceptable measurement model.

Table 3. Model fit summary.

4.3 Structural model and path analysis

To address Research Questions 1, 3, and 4, direct path analysis within SEM examined the effects of PA, UD, and SPI on YGNI (Byrne, 2016). As illustrated in Figure 3, significant positive correlations were observed between PA and YGNI (r = 0.743), UD and YGNI (r = 0.758), and SPI and YGNI (r = 0.626).

The path analysis confirmed that all three constructs significantly predicted YGNI. Urban Design showed the strongest effect (β = 0.40, p < 0.001), followed by Public Art (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) and Strategies for Preserving Identity (β = 0.19, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the particularly important roles of culturally responsive urban design and public art in shaping younger generations’ perceptions of national identity in the UAE.

4.4 Demographic differences

Non-parametric analyses were conducted to examine demographic differences in perceptions of PAT, SUDE, and PADP. The Mann–Whitney U test identified a significant gender difference for PAT, with female respondents showing a higher mean rank (242.46) than male respondents (211.76; U = 17,586.00, Z = −2.196, p = 0.033). No significant gender differences were found for SUDE (p = 0.813) or PADP (p = 0.069) (Roni et al., 2020).

The Kruskal–Wallis test showed no significant differences among emirates for PAT (p = 0.118), whereas significant differences were identified for SUDE (T = 22.263, df = 6, p = 0.001) and PADP (T = 13.795, df = 6, p = 0.032). These results indicate that perceptions of specific urban-design elements and digital public-art engagement vary geographically, while perceptions of public-art types are relatively consistent across emirates.

4.5 Overall perceptions, recommendations, and globalization

The one-sample Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test showed strong overall support for the contribution of PA, UD, and PADP to UAE culture, heritage, and national identity. The overall UCHNI measure was statistically significant (N = 469, T = 110,152.5, Z = 18.756, p < 0.001). Respondents supported expanding public-art initiatives that reflect Emirati culture, strengthening the role of urban design in national identity, increasing public-art projects on digital platforms, and integrating public art into educational initiatives.

The globalization analysis was also statistically significant overall (N = 469, T = 109,310.5, Z = 18.503, p < 0.001). Respondents expressed concern that globalization may challenge UAE national identity, particularly among younger generations, while recognizing that public art integrated with culturally responsive urban design can help mitigate these pressures.

5 Discussion

This study applied Global Citizenship (GC) theories to examine the role of PA and UD in enhancing cultural heritage, community identity, and UNI. CFA validated the structural integrity of the PA, UD, YGNI, and SPI. Path analysis supported H1, H3, and H4, showing that PA, UD, and SPI significantly contribute to YGNI in the UAE. This aligns with Prawata (2024) and Al-Mohannadi and Furlan (2018), who argue that blending local heritage with modern infrastructure fosters place identity while adapting to globalization. The findings further indicate that urban planners incorporating heritage into PA and UD effectively preserve community identity among youth. These findings suggest that culturally responsive urban design extends beyond the esthetic enhancement of cities by creating environments where residents encounter and engage with cultural narratives in their daily lives. Through heritage-inspired public spaces, landmarks, and culturally significant urban elements, urban design can counteract the homogenizing effects of globalization by reinforcing local identity while accommodating contemporary urban development. This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where rapid urbanization is balanced with national strategies aimed at preserving Emirati heritage and strengthening social cohesion.

In line with Hannum and Rhodes (2018), results affirm that PA functions as public pedagogy, enhancing heritage education alongside Global Citizenship Education goals promoting respect for cultural diversity (Torres, 2017). Rather than serving solely as decorative features, public artworks become informal learning environments that communicate historical narratives, cultural values, and collective memory to residents and visitors. This educational function is especially important for younger generations, who increasingly experience culture through both physical and digital environments. By integrating public art into everyday urban spaces, municipalities can promote cultural awareness, strengthen civic pride, and encourage greater appreciation of Emirati heritage among diverse communities.

Testing H6, gender analysis showed a significant difference for Public Art Types PAT but not for SUDE or PADP. This aligns with Jalalkamali and Doratli (2022), emphasizing gender considerations in PA and UD to foster inclusive identities. Location analysis showed that emirate of residence significantly influenced perceptions of SUDE and PADP but not PAT, reflecting findings by Duque (2014), Zebracki (2013), and Arefi and Aelbrecht (2022) on the contextual impact of public art. The predominance of Abu Dhabi respondents may partially explain the high levels of agreement regarding public art because Abu Dhabi has invested substantially in cultural infrastructure, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Founder’s Memorial, and the Saadiyat Cultural District. These investments illustrate how sustained cultural policies and heritage-focused urban development can positively influence residents’ perceptions of identity and belonging. They also suggest that continued investment in culturally responsive public spaces across all emirates may contribute to more balanced national engagement with Emirati cultural heritage.

Wilcoxon test results confirmed that PA, UD, and PADP significantly enhance and preserve UCHNI, aligning with Mounajjed (2017), McCarthy (2006), and Al Suwaidi and Furlan (2017). Participants expressed satisfaction with existing PA but highlighted the need for more initiatives to strengthen UCHNI, suggesting expanding PA on digital platforms and integrating it into education to unite diverse UAE communities. These findings demonstrate that digital engagement can extend the educational and cultural impact of public art beyond physical locations by increasing accessibility and encouraging wider community participation. Digital public art platforms, virtual exhibitions, and social media initiatives provide additional opportunities for residents, particularly younger generations, to interact with Emirati culture and heritage, supporting lifelong cultural learning and reinforcing national identity in an increasingly digital society.

Regarding GI, participants acknowledged that while UD helps preserve UNI, GI challenges local identity, particularly among youth, echoing Azhar et al. (2014), and Doku and Asante (2011). However, they agreed that integrating PA within UD can help mitigate GI’s impact, emphasizing PA and UD’s essential role in preserving UNI amid globalization. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of adopting an integrated urban development approach that combines public art, culturally responsive urban design, and digital engagement to strengthen cultural resilience. Such an approach aligns with the UAE’s vision of developing globally connected cities while preserving Emirati identity, ensuring that future urban development continues to support both innovation and cultural continuity.

6 Conclusion

This study examines the role of PA and UD in shaping and preserving cultural heritage, community identity, and national identity in primarily Abu Dhabi and other participating emirates. Grounded in global citizenship theories such as Cosmopolitanism, Global Citizenship Education, and Transnationalism, the research investigates how PA and UD contribute to identity formation in a rapidly globalizing context.

The study tested six key hypotheses: PA installations (e.g., murals) enhance community identity (H1); younger generations in the UAE perceive PA as crucial for maintaining local identity amid globalization (H2); integrating PA into UD reinforces local identity (H3); urban planners who incorporate local heritage into PA and design effectively preserve community identity (H4); the UAE community values PA, UD, and PADP as essential for shaping cultural heritage (H5); and demographic variables influence national identity differently (H6).

The findings confirmed H1, H3, and H4, demonstrating that PA, UD, and SPI significantly influence young people’s perceptions of national identity in the UAE. While H2 was also supported, participants expressed concerns about globalization’s negative impact on local culture, aligning with Cosmopolitanism theory, which suggests that global norms can erode local identities (Bosio et al., 2023). The analysis of demographic variables (H6) produced mixed results, with some groups showing significant differences in how PA and UD influence their sense of national identity.

Overall, the study supports the notion that PA, UD, and PADP contribute significantly to preserving and shaping cultural heritage and national identity in the UAE. These insights hold important implications for municipal planning, urban design strategies, and cultural heritage preservation policies. Future research should explore how digital platforms can extend the reach and impact of public art in cultural preservation.

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Supplementary material

The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsc.2026.1902431/full#supplementary-material

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Footnotes

Edited by: Mihai S. Rusu, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania

Reviewed by: Mohamed Ahmed F. Mahdy, Alexandria University, Egypt

Izawati Tukiman, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia