|
The Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Cultural and Media Centre is seeking greater participation from the private sector in the UAE’s efforts to conserve and refurbish its historical and cultural sites.
His Highness Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan revealed his hopes to Oxford Business Group (OBG) in an interview that forms part of the research that the company is undertaking in Abu Dhabi.
He said that while the authorities were giving great weight tothe restoration and maintenance of buildings and sites of historical interest in the Emirates, their efforts would be bolstered by the participation of private companies with specialist skills.
“Construction firms, architectural consultants and structural engineers specialising in restoration projects have the technical expertise in building conservation,” he told OBG. “I think they should be involved further in this process.”
He added that as Abu Dhabi stepped up its bid to become an international centre for cultural excellence, companies involved in the tourism industry could play a key collaborative role by teaming up with the authorities to manage and promote projects of interest to visitors.
“Companies from the private sector can bring in their expertise and means whether in renovation projects or in cultural activities,” he told OBG. “Creating new uses for buildings and sites and integrating them into the structures of the cities would further help in their conservation.”
Sheikh Sultan also highlighted the added dimension that firms could bring to preserving historical sites though corporate social responsibility initiatives. “The private sector could set up foundations to work in collaboration with the authorities to achieve this goal,” he said.
New technology and the younger generation both have a key role to play in preserving and passing on the UAE’s intangible heritage, such as folklore, customs and handicrafts, according to Sheikh Sultan.
“All these require continuous efforts to identify, inventory, catalogue, document and revive because they are vital components of our cultural distinctiveness,” he said. “Modern technology can be used in the archiving process, while involving the youth as much as possible in revival attempts is also important.”
Sheikh Sultan added that international cultural exchange initiatives which encourage the exchange of ideas and know-how could boost the UAE’s bid to preserve its heritage and extend its reach if undertaken alongside the Emirates’ own efforts.
“This process cannot be considered as an alternative since the UAE has a rich culture of its own,” he said. “Rather, it is rather complementary in the sense that it broadens the cultural landscape across the region while also strengthening bridges with other cultures.”
Global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group first established its operations in Abu Dhabi in 2005. Since then the company has researched and reported on all major sectors driving the economy in the Emirate, conducting a vast number of first hand interviews with the most prominent political, economic and business leaders.
About Oxford Business Group
Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm, which publishes economic intelligence on the markets of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, insurance, energy, transport, industry and telecoms.
The critically acclaimed economic and business reports have become the leading source of business intelligence on developing countries in the regions they cover. OBG’s online economic briefings provide up-to-date in-depth analysis on the issues that matter for tens of thousands of subscribers worldwide. OBG’s consultancy arm offers tailor-made market intelligence and advice to firms currently operating in these markets and those looking to enter them.
|
New
Review
Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
