Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has proudly announced the official inscription of Henna on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The milestone celebrates Henna as one of the most ancient, cherished, and enduring elements of cultural heritage in the UAE.
Initially used for its medicinal properties, Henna has evolved into a symbol of beauty and creativity, adorning women and girls with intricate patterns during various rituals and ceremonies.
Henna has been inscribed on @UNESCO‘s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2024
Visit our website in the link in https://t.co/bHg1lGl62V to learn more about the 16 inscribed elements #AbuDhabiCulture pic.twitter.com/TTqzyOmDR7
— Abu Dhabi Culture (@AbuDhabiCulture) December 9, 2024
Today, it holds a central role in cultural traditions, showcasing both artistry and the deep-rooted history of the UAE.
The UAE’s participation in UNESCO’s 19th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asunción, Paraguay earlier this month proved instrumental in securing this prestigious recognition.
The UAE delegation, led by HE Ambassador Ali Al Haj Al Ali, Permanent Delegate of the UAE to UNESCO, successfully advocated for Henna’s inscription after meeting the criteria set by the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, stated that, “This inscription reflects the richness and depth of our Arab civilization and strengthens the bonds that unite us as Arab nations, rooted in a shared legacy of cultural heritage.”
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted that, “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to preserving this tradition for generations to come. Henna continues to play a vital role in celebrating our culture, and with this UNESCO recognition, we aim to safeguard its significance globally.”
DCT Abu Dhabi led the Henna nomination in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Youth, under the patronage of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
The joint Arab file, which included 16 countries, underscores Henna’s shared cultural heritage and highlights its role in sustainable development across the Arab world. The nations involved in this joint effort include Jordan, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iraq, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, Mauritania, and Yemen.
Henna’s inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List is the latest achievement in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to protect its cultural heritage. It marks the 16th element recognized on behalf of the UAE since falconry was first included in 2010.