UAE at a Glance - UAE Interact
UAE at a Glance - UAE Interact
UAE at a Glance - UAE Interact
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20<br />
FACTFILE<br />
<strong>UAE</strong> AT A GL ANCE 2008 @ www.uaeinteract.com/uaehistory<br />
Cultural Preserv<strong>at</strong>ion<br />
The <strong>UAE</strong> has a rich traditional heritage, preserv<strong>at</strong>ion of which is inextricably linked with a<br />
confident n<strong>at</strong>ional identity and the development of a secure and stable society <strong>at</strong> ease with its<br />
place in the modern world. The <strong>UAE</strong> Government is determined to ensure th<strong>at</strong> economic growth<br />
results in the conserv<strong>at</strong>ion and wider dissemin<strong>at</strong>ion r<strong>at</strong>her than the diminishment of the country’s<br />
cultural heritage, which is worthy of special protective measures not only on the basis of its local<br />
significance but also because it contributes to global heritage.<br />
Educ<strong>at</strong>ion and cultural preserv<strong>at</strong>ion as a solid found<strong>at</strong>ion for a confident, outward-looking<br />
society are central themes in the 2008/2010 str<strong>at</strong>egic framework unveiled by the Ministry of<br />
Culture, Youth and Community Development. The ministry’s plans mirror the key objectives of the<br />
<strong>UAE</strong> Federal Government Str<strong>at</strong>egy, which places a special emphasis on innov<strong>at</strong>ion and cre<strong>at</strong>ivity<br />
in youth as a major c<strong>at</strong>alyst for development.<br />
However, as Abu Dhabi Executive Council points out in its newly formul<strong>at</strong>ed Policy<br />
Agenda 2007/2008, without the appropri<strong>at</strong>e intervention, cultural resources are thre<strong>at</strong>ened with<br />
dilution by rapid urban and demographic developments.<br />
One way th<strong>at</strong> intervention is being orchestr<strong>at</strong>ed is through the establishment of<br />
organis<strong>at</strong>ions such as Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), an independent<br />
culture heritage management body whose brief is to promote, preserve and regul<strong>at</strong>e the rich<br />
tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi emir<strong>at</strong>e. ADACH has total responsibility for<br />
the management of the emir<strong>at</strong>e’s complex cultural heritage sector, including its rich resource of<br />
archaeological and palaeontological sites, unique cultural landscape, traditional architecture, oral<br />
and written expression, customs and handicrafts.<br />
The Dubai Str<strong>at</strong>egic Plan 2015 also outlines measures th<strong>at</strong> will increase awareness of local<br />
culture and strengthen the sense of belonging.<br />
A number of organis<strong>at</strong>ions in the <strong>UAE</strong> are already entrusted with the task of preserving<br />
and dissemin<strong>at</strong>ing the country’s heritage to the young gener<strong>at</strong>ions th<strong>at</strong> would otherwise be<br />
unfamiliar with the customs and tradition of their ancestors. One of the most committed is<br />
Emir<strong>at</strong>es Heritage Club (EHC), which oversees a number of heritage centres.Activities organised<br />
by the club cover traditional sports such as camel racing, bo<strong>at</strong> racing, falconry, and traditional<br />
skills like tent-building and coffee-making.