heritage industry (1)
Faisal Muhammad Al-Shammari
January 09, 2023
“He who has no past … has no present,” a sentence that documented the founding father’s love for heritage, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and his keenness to consolidate that love in the hearts of citizens, especially future generations, by recalling the ancestors’ past as a basic basis for a prosperous future based on It is based on strong cultural and social foundations, and this saying did not only summarize the message of Sheikh Zayed's policies and efforts to highlight and preserve the UAE's heritage, but also set the curriculum that continues to this day.
Among what Sheikh Zayed said: "The ancestors of our ancestors left us a lot of folklore that we have the right to be proud of, and to preserve and develop it so that it remains an asset for this country and for future generations."
His numerous stances testify to his love for heritage and his adherence to the authentic Arab heritage. His keenness to wear the national dress reflects his deep belief in the extent to which this dress is linked to the national identity of the people of the Emirates.
The continuation of the leadership councils in receiving all citizens and residents of different groups and nationalities is an Arab heritage that reflects the advantages of the “Arab Council.” We do not forget the official interest in spreading traditional industries and crafts, holding special exhibitions, visiting those exhibitions, and encouraging those in charge of them to continue to highlight these industries.
Coinciding with our celebrations of the 51st Union Day, the registration of “Hraft Al-Talli” in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List came during the 17th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Moroccan city of Rabat.
This achievement comes as part of efforts to preserve heritage for future generations, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai, affirmed the continuity of efforts to preserve local heritage and its cultural elements, pointing out that the registration of the "craft of tally" on the UNESCO heritage list Intangible cultural, it is considered an achievement that preserves this heritage craft and ensures its permanence, in harmony with the UAE's approach to preserving and celebrating heritage as a source of inspiration for future generations that increases their bond with their national identity.
Enhancing the presence of Emirati culture on the international arena reflects the civilizational and cultural aspirations of the country, since heritage symbolizes human values that will contribute to narrowing the gap between cultures and promote the noble human message of rapprochement and tolerance.
There is no doubt that the Al-Tali craft file, entitled “Al-Tali: Traditional Embroidery Skills in the United Arab Emirates,” highlighted the importance and history of the “Tali craft” in the Emirates, as the number of women who practice this craft exceeds 4,000 women, and the Shindagha Museum is represented by a “traditional center for crafts.” Traditional Handicrafts” is the educational arm, one of the pioneers in the efforts to preserve and protect the “Tali craft”.
Are we witnessing complementary steps to this national achievement?
And developing a national strategy that includes initiatives, including the development of economic activities based on heritage, and protecting it from tampering with those who abuse it?
Are we going to witness conditions obligating the presence of the sons and daughters of the country at the head of the institutions of the culture and heritage industry?
And prevent the appropriation of some from other nationalities to represent the heritage in front of tourists and visitors and in exhibitions?
Many economic studies have begun to show that indigenous economies are the key to saving nature, and that the prevailing traditional economies have an environmentally destructive impact, while traditional industries have maintained the natural balance for thousands of years.
Will traditional industries become a source of income, so that authentic heritage products are developed on the basis of innovation and market connection?
"COP28" is around the corner, and this type of heritage industries and others deserve to be among the axes of the cultural heritage that will reflect Emirati creativity based on history, civilization, and sustainability.
Management consultant, digital transformation, and certified institutional excellence expert
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