UAE preserves past while building sustainable future – News

In an exclusive report by Khaleej Times, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, explains the importance of global culture and history in the development of modern societies around the world

Heritage forms the memory of our homeland and the identity of our societies, through which we reflect on the significance of our global culture and history, evoke the invaluable fruits of collective human endeavor, and build a legacy of knowledge and creativity passed on from generation to generation. It is a bridge of understanding and communication between different peoples and cultures, and is the cornerstone of the development of modern societies around the world.

Heritage is significant as a fundamental human value and an irreplaceable asset, and the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding World Heritage landmarks is central to its cultural and development agenda.

By establishing a robust institutional framework with clear goals and programmes, the country has managed to preserve numerous heritage sites while achieving multiple cultural and developmental goals. Supporting the preservation of heritage as a shared responsibility of nations around the world, the UAE has nominated elements of intangible cultural heritage, which are now inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Global List of Heritage.

But heritage conservation has always been a fundamental aspect of sustainable development in the UAE, and the country’s success in this area has attracted global attention, ranking it first among Arab countries in terms of the number of intangible heritage elements registered with UNESCO, Ranked seventh in the world. To date, the UAE has recorded 14 unique and shared elements on the Global Heritage List.

Registration of local elements including ‘Al Sadu, Al Talli, Al Azi Art, Al Razfa dance, Al Ayyala dance, Al Taghroooda and Al Aflaj, in addition to palm trees, Arabic coffee, parliament, Arabic calligraphy, camel racing, falcon “Hatta” has played an important role in introducing the UAE’s ancient and rich cultural heritage to the global community.

Through a range of cultural and social initiatives, the UAE has made significant progress in preserving local heritage, including customs, traditions, wisdom, popular sayings, art, traditional crafts and other elements. It has managed to introduce the world to its rich cultural heritage by documenting its oral heritage and popular culture, much of it learned from our ancestors who shared their histories and heritage narratives to provide a glimpse into Early life in the UAE.

Likewise, Dubai’s pioneering efforts in documenting and archiving heritage have been seen in innovative ways, such as the ‘Faces of Hatta’ project initiated by the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, which aims to preserve the oral history and cultural heritage of the Hatta region through documentation and archiving. Stories of people who lived in that time for future generations.

Dubai’s leadership and its rich and diverse cultural heritage is showcased through the highly successful ‘Dubai Culture and Heritage’ project on the Google Arts & Culture platform. The initiative highlights the emirate’s unique identity and innovative spirit, past and present, and offers a global audience a view of its thriving creative community, serving as a resting cultural gateway to discover the city’s true cultural identity.

Recently, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of the UAE, inaugurated the Al Shindagha Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the UAE, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage in Dubai . This extraordinary institution is a tribute to the global narrative of human achievement and offers visitors an insight into Dubai’s storied past and ancient traditions. Drawing on the essence of the past, the museum’s pavilions, houses and halls serve as windows into the future, offering us endless possibilities for innovative and creative thinking, in keeping with the forward-looking vision of our wise leaders.

Our appreciation of heritage stems from its intrinsic value as a cornerstone of our civilization, and its ability to stimulate investment in cultural elements and foster the growth of a sustainable creative economy. The creative economy provides innovative avenues for the use of talent, creativity and knowledge, creating opportunities for promising young people who take pride in their identities and values. It is a means of diversifying sources of income, promoting economic and social development, and overcoming economic challenges. We therefore recognize the critical role of the creative economy in building a prosperous and sustainable future for future generations. Our rich heritage is a source of pride and an important part of our civilization and identity.

Although the UAE has made great efforts to preserve and promote its heritage through various initiatives and projects, the journey of heritage preservation continues.

The future of our cultural heritage depends on the enthusiasm and active participation of our new generations, who recognize their role in codifying and preserving our oral heritage, will be vital contributors to our sustainable development and preservation of our unique identity.