Abu Dhabi DCT strengthens its capacity to monitor mechanisms for the Implementation of the 2003 Convention

The five-day workshop, held from June 3rd to June 7th in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of ICH inventory practices, monitoring mechanisms, and the ICH programs under the 2003 Convention. Facilitators emphasized the role of communities in safeguarding ICH and encouraged participants to exchange ideas on existing frameworks for safeguarding ICH in the UAE. The workshop fostered a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, enabling participants to apply the principles and practices discussed.                        

The training workshop was conducted by Dr. Hani Hayajneh and Dr. Ahmed Skounti, members of the UNESCO Global Facilitators Network specializing in intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Dr. Skounti emphasized, “The workshop focused on using the appropriate monitoring mechanisms to assess the implementation of the normative instrument ratified by the United Arab Emirates in 2005. The program covered three main issues: (i) how to strengthen the ICH inventory framework; (ii) how to enhance the ICH safeguarding framework; and (iii) how to use Periodic Reporting as a tool to assess the overall implementation of the Convention.”

The workshop was attended by 43 participants from diverse institutions across Abu Dhabi, including the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), NGOs, researchers, the National Commission for UNESCO, the National Library and Archives, the Abu Dhabi Police Heritage Section, and the Al Ain Municipality.

Dr. Hayajneh highlighted the importance of adopting policies that enable effective monitoring of the 2003 Convention's implementation on both national and international levels. He mentioned, "The workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange insights on the projects and initiatives of the DCT and other organizations aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, involving communities, groups, and individuals. It also enabled discussions on establishing strong foundations for developing strategies to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, particularly among decision-makers representing diverse administrative and societal structures in the United Arab Emirates."

In the past decade, UNESCO and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) have collaborated on multiple training workshops, the sixth being the most recent. Over five days, participants were actively engaged, identifying areas where they need and are interested in future training. A significant area of interest centered on the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This focus highlights the importance of integrating emerging technologies with cultural preservation efforts.