Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, announced that the UAE has successfully registered the art of “Al-Ahla” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This art form is considered a national asset reflecting an important aspect of Emirati cultural identity.
In a post on the X platform, he stated that the inclusion of the art of “Al-Ahla” represents a new achievement for national efforts in preserving and documenting heritage. Al-Qasimi explained that UNESCO also adopted three joint Arab files submitted by the UAE. These files include “Al-Bisht,” “Zaffat Al-Arous,” and “Kohl Al-Arabi.”
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for its role in preparing the heritage files and its ongoing support for projects preserving folk practices. He emphasized that this success highlights the UAE’s leading position in safeguarding its intangible heritage and contributes to presenting it to the world in a way that enhances its sustainability and transmission to future generations.
The art of “Al-Ahla” represents a traditional form of collective performance. It combines rhythm and movement and expresses values of pride, belonging, and celebration of social and national occasions. Its inscription on the international list is an important step in supporting Emirati folk arts and enhances their presence on the global cultural scene.
The UAE continues its efforts to register new heritage elements with UNESCO. This is done within the framework of a national strategy aimed at protecting intangible heritage and developing programs to promote it locally, regionally, and internationally. The UAE is committed to aligning this with the nation’s vision of making culture a fundamental pillar of societal development.
This achievement coincides with the country’s growing support for creative industries and the arts. It also underscores its position as one of the most active Arab nations in the heritage and culture sector.
