Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has established itself as a global leader in preserving cultural heritage. Through collaborations with other nations and international organizations, the UAE has actively protected historical landmarks and monuments around the world, demonstrating its commitment to preserving shared human history.
This commitment stems from a firm belief in the importance of safeguarding cultural, natural, and archaeological sites. The UAE actively works to nominate noteworthy sites for inclusion on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing them as vibrant testaments to the interconnectedness of human civilizations.
The country’s contributions are visible across ten historical landmarks globally, including significant religious and cultural sites such as the Dome of the Rock, the Mosque of Omar bin Al Khattab, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Other notable contributions include the restoration of the Great Mosque of Al Nouri and its Al Hadba Minaret, along with several other landmarks across the Middle East and beyond.
Since ratifying the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1972, the UAE has positioned itself as a leader in heritage preservation. This commitment is grounded in the belief that protecting world heritage fosters tolerance, coexistence, and peace.
Fatima Al Mansouri, a heritage and history researcher, emphasized the UAE’s extensive efforts in an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM). According to Al Mansouri, the UAE’s approach to heritage diplomacy is informed by its adherence to international agreements aimed at safeguarding human heritage and cultural property. These include the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property 1954, the World Heritage Convention 1972, and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003.
The UAE’s strategy in preserving world heritage is not just about protection but also about promoting values of coexistence, tolerance, and openness. Al Mansouri highlighted that the UAE’s unique approach to heritage conservation plays a crucial role in fostering harmony and unity among nations and societies, proving the country’s significant impact on the global heritage preservation landscape.
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