The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts.[1] The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003[2] and took effect in 2006.[3] Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.[4]
The United Arab Emirates signed the convention on 2 May 2005.
Name | Image | Year | No. | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman +[a] | 2012 | 00744 | ||
Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates +[b] | 2014 | 01012 | Al-Ayyala is a weapon dance traditionally performed during weddings, celebrations, and other events. | |
Majlis, a cultural and social space +[c] | 2015 | 01076 | Majlis –meaning "sitting room"– is a meeting place for society's individuals to debate matters and local issues, and exchanging news whether public affairs news or what concern the attendees. | |
Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity +[d] | 2015 | 01074 | ||
Al-Razfa, a traditional performing art +[e] | 2015 | 01078 | ||
Camel racing, a social practice and a festive heritage associated with camels +[f] | 2020 | 01576 | ||
Al Aflaj, traditional irrigation network system in the UAE, oral traditions, knowledge and skills of construction, maintenance and equitable water distribution | 2020 | 01577 | ||
Falconry, a living human heritage +[g] | 2021 | 01708 | The origin of falconry goes back to the use of hunting by birds of prey as a mean of hunting but it has evolved over time to become part of the cultural heritage of the people. | |
Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices +[h] | 2021 | 01718 | The artistic practice of writing Arabic letters and words to convey grace and beauty. | |
Al Talli, traditional embroidery skills in the United Arab Emirates | 2022 | 01712 | ||
Alheda'a, oral traditions of calling camel flocks +[i] | 2022 | 01717 | Alheda'a is an oral tradition of calling a flock of camels passed on through generations. | |
Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices +[j] | 2022 | 01902 | The Palm tree is considered to be a part of the history of the countries where it is a source for farmers, craftsmen, handicrafts owners, merchants, factory owners and food companies. | |
Harees dish: know-how, skills and practices +[k] | 2023 | 01744 | Harees, is a dish of boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground cracked wheat or bulgur, mixed with meat and seasoned. |
Name | Year | No. | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates | 2011 | 00517 | Al Sadu, or simply Sadu, describes an embroidery form in geometrical shapes hand-woven by Bedouin people. |
Al Azi, art of performing praise, pride and fortitude poetry | 2017 | 01268 |