The Ministry of Culture and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), announced the signing of an agreement to support Arab countries in Africa to submit joint files for inscription on the Representative Lists of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The signing of this agreement reflects the important role played by the registration of these files in preserving history and the achievements of its people. It also goes to show the UAE’s keenness in preserving and supporting the intangible cultural heritage of countries.

Commenting on the agreement, His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “Intangible cultural heritage plays an important role in introducing the civilization and its journey so far. Preserving heritage affirms the connection of a people with their past. Intangible heritage is a reflection of a society’s foundation and connects the present generation to its roots.”

He continued: “The UAE has extensive experience in the field of registering intangible heritage, as it ranks first in the Arab world and seventh in the world in the number of elements registered in the UNESCO list. We are keen in the Ministry of Culture to strengthen cooperation with Arab and international organisations to achieve sustainable projects and support countries in registering their intangible heritage with UNESCO, to define our Arab heritage and strengthen its presence as a significant part of world heritage.”