Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has organized the fifth UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Global Capacity Building Workshop in Al Ain, in collaboration with UNESCO and the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth. This workshop, attended by 40 representatives from various government, social, and heritage-related organizations, aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals involved in intangible cultural heritage, including practitioners, researchers, experts, and stakeholders.
Intangible cultural heritage encompasses a wide range of elements such as literature, performing arts, customs, traditions, social practices, traditional craftsmanship, and practices related to nature and the universe.
Intangible cultural heritage is an essential aspect of our identity, and DCT Abu Dhabi is leading the way in protecting and promoting these elements of our treasured national heritage as we progress Abu Dhabi by enabling people and partnerships to thrive. We are proud to host the fifth iteration of UNESCO’s capacity building workshop, which provides heritage professionals with valuable knowledge and resources and presents a roadmap for communities and global leaders to implement effective policies and programmes to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
Mr. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, shared.
Mr. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, commented that “the UAE is rich in intangible cultural heritage, as evidenced by the 14 heritage elements we have successfully inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In cooperation with major regional and international organisations, our leadership is keen to continue efforts to preserve this invaluable heritage, as it is a fundamental pillar in shaping the cultural identity of our society. In an increasingly globalised word of rapid technological developments, it has never been more important to preserve cultural diversity and pass it on to the next generations.”
The extensive five-day workshop aimed to protect and preserve intangible cultural heritage by employing a comprehensive approach. It emphasized key aspects such as enhancing national capabilities in identifying, documenting, and effectively safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the workshop highlighted the notable accomplishments of heritage organizations in the United Arab Emirates. These achievements were recognized by the inclusion of 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements from the UAE on UNESCO’s Representative lists, showcasing the country’s contributions to the broader framework of safeguarding and promoting the comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.