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The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has concluded two national heritage workshops, which explored how to best protect intangible culture in line with UNESCO guidelines. The two workshops were held on 10 and 11 September at Manarat Al Saadiyat, with participation from government bodies and NGOs.
The first workshop focused on Al-Sadu, the traditional Bedouin technique of weaving camel hair, goat fur and sheep wool into fabric to create blankets, carpets, pillows, tents and to decorate camel saddles and belts. Al-Sadu was placed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2011. It is an important part of Emirati heritage and was crucial to the economic role of Emirati women during the Bedouin period. This traditional craft is being preserved through the co-operation of local communities, who ensure its survival with culturally appropriate methods.
The second workshop was dedicated to falconry, which is on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Falconry is one of the most important elements on this UNESCO list because it unites numerous cultures and peoples around the world. This workshop helped to raise awareness of the importance of falconry, the diversity of its practitioners and its cultural place across global communities.
Saeed Hamad Al Kaabi, Intangible Heritage Director at DCT Abu Dhabi said: “We are committed to preserving the intangible cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates, particularly those practices included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has gained special significance internationally. They are invaluable components of our shared culture and heritage, and are a source of great national pride. We work closely with local communities, government establishments and NGOs to raise awareness of these activities and to relay related knowledge and expertise on to new generations, thus ensuring their survival.”
The UAE is keen to ensure that activities included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, such as falconry, Al-Taghrooda, Al-Ayyala, Al-Razfa, the Majlis, making Arabic coffee, Al Azi and Al-Sadu, are not only protected but continue to be actively practised. Work is under way with the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development to ensure more traditional activities will be added to UNESCO’s list.
UNESCO plays a leading role in promoting the world’s diverse cultures and traditions and in helping states to preserve and enhance their cultural diversity by taking steps and measures to protect these cultures.
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