Culture

UAE strengthens role with four new UNESCO heritage inscriptions

In a cultural achievement that adds to the United Arab Emirates’ list of accomplishments, the nation successfully secured the inscription of four new elements onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A milestone that further reaffirms the nation’s leading position in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This occurred during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, India’s capital, from 8th to 13th December 2025.

The inscription of these elements culminates the nation’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its heritage elements and cultural practices and to highlight them on the global stage. The art of Al-Ahala was inscribed as a national file on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognised as one of the traditional performing arts inherited in the country.

Additionally, Al-Bisht, the bride’s procession, and Kohl were registered as joint Arab files, underscoring the deep cultural ties that connect the UAE with its Gulf and Arab surroundings.

In an exceptional achievement for the nation, the Committee approved the transfer of Al Sadu from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, where it was inscribed in 2011, to the Representative List. This transfer comes after the nation fulfilled international conditions and criteria, thanks to comprehensive and sustainable safeguarding programmes that protected it from disappearance and made it a living part of cultural life.

The move is an international recognition of the successful safeguarding measures taken by the nation to ensure the sustainability of this element and its continued transmission to future generations.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said, “The inscription of four new elements on UNESCO’s lists marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its intangible cultural heritage. It reflects our commitment to enhancing the global presence of our heritage practices. The transfer of the Al Sadu file to the Representative List also highlights the successful collaboration between relevant institutions and the community to ensure the preservation of this ancestral craft and its transmission to future generations.”

He added, “We will continue working to document and safeguard our living heritage in ways that strengthens our national identity and reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading cultural and knowledge hub in the region and the world.”

Commenting on the inscription of four new elements and the successful transfer of Al Sadu to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “The UNESCO inscription is a profound and strategic investment in the future of our identity. Securing this global recognition for our cultural legacy is a milestone that reflects Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and celebrating the living heritage that shapes our national identity. Through long-term programmes, community partnerships and festivals that bring these traditions into everyday cultural life, we have ensured that practices such as Al-Ahala, Al-Bisht, the bride’s procession and Kohl continue to thrive as part of our shared experience and contribute to global heritage.

“The successful transition of Al Sadu is a source of pride for every Emirati, showing how the dedication of master artisans, as well as the younger generations who carry their knowledge forward, can transform a heritage craft into a vibrant expression recognised on the global stage. As we continue to share Abu Dhabi’s rich culture with the world, we remain committed to empowering local communities, nurturing creativity, and ensuring that our heritage is not only preserved, but also lived and confidently passed on to future generations with pride and continuity.”

These achievements reinforce the UAE’s leading position at the Arab level in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, with 19 elements inscribed to date on the Representative List. These include Falconry, Al Sadu, Al Taghrooda, Al-Ayyala, Majlis, Gahwa, Al-Razfa, Date Palm, Al Aflaj, Camel Racing, Arabic Calligraphy, Alheda’a (camel calling), Al Talli, Harees, Henna, Al-Ahala, Al-Bisht, Kohl, the Bride’s Procession, and one element (Al Azi) on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Efforts continue to nominate more national and joint elements, in cooperation between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Culture, the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), and other heritage-related entities.

Story by WAM

Culture

Three Eid holidays in one year?

Residents in the UAE and the wider Muslim world are set to experience a rare astronomical alignment in 2039, with three Eid festivals falling within a single Gregorian calendar year.

According to renowned climate and astronomical expert Dr. Abdullah Al Misnad from Saudi Arabia, the unusual alignment stems from the way the Islamic lunar calendar gradually shifts against the solar Gregorian calendar, advancing by roughly 11 days each year.

Double Hajj and the Day of Arafat

The drift will lead to a remarkable convergence in 2039. The year will begin with the first Eid Al Adha falling on January 6, 2039, corresponding to 10 Dhul Hijjah 1460, the traditional culmination of Hajj and the major festival of sacrifice. But that won’t be the only one.

Nearly 12 months later, the lunar calendar will complete its full cycle again, and a second Hajj season will begin, culminating in another Eid Al Adha on December 26, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah in the year 1461.

This means that two separate pilgrimages to Mecca will be performed within a single solar year, an exceedingly rare feat.

Even more unusual: both occasions will come with their own Day of Arafat, the spiritually charged day preceding the Eid, when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat to pray.

Sandwiched between these two events will be Eid Al Fitr, expected to fall on October 19, 2039. Three Eids in a single year, two sacrificial and one celebratory, amount to an unparalleled spiritual cycle of fasting, pilgrimage, prayer, and festivity.

The lunar calendar’s shift is not limited to the Hajj season. Ramadan, the holiest month of fasting and spiritual reflection, will also experience a similar occurrence in the near future.

Two Ramadans in 2030

In 2030, Muslims will observe two Ramadans within the same Gregorian year, one beginning in January and another starting in December. This event will be the first double Ramadan in 33 years, following the last occurrence in 1997.

The Islamic Hijri calendar is based on the phases of the moon and consists of 354 or 355 days. The Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, consists of 365 or 366 days. This mismatch causes Islamic dates to shift earlier each year by approximately 10 to 11 days.

Gulf News

Culture

Al-Jouf to Launch 19th Olive Festival

The digital media conference for the 19th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival 2026 unveiled today the highlights of the festival, showcasing innovative experiences that combine the richness of the olive world with the authenticity of Saudi culture.
Held annually under the patronage of Governor of Al-Jouf Region Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the festival, running from January 8 to 17 in Sakaka, will feature 45 olive farms, 10 agricultural companies, and participants from seven countries.
Secretary of the region and chairman of the festival’s higher committee Atef Al-Shar’an said that the festival helps empower farmers and promote the quality of olive oil locally and regionally.
This year’s festival will include a new operetta, an international olive kitchen with chefs from several countries, six play areas, and three musical zones.
— SPA

Culture

Sharjah Ruler opens 22nd Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the 22nd Sharjah Festival of Arabic Poetry on Monday evening. The festival, which runs for seven days, brings together more than 80 poets, critics, and media professionals.

H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees viewed a recorded presentation titled “Years of Poetry,” which highlighted His Highness’s efforts and initiatives in establishing poetry houses across the Arab world, which are now celebrating their tenth anniversary. The poetry houses have played a vital role in maintaining the Arab poetic movement and have become cultural hubs that promote the Arabic language, fostering creativity and facilitating connections among poets and critics.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan honoured Dr Ahmed Balboula, the recipient of the Sharjah Prize for Arabic Poetry, alongside the winners of the Sharjah Prize for Poetry Criticism. The winners included Mahrez Ben Mohsen Rachdi from Tunisia in first place, Al Mahdi Al Araj from Morocco in second, and Al Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud from Mauritania in third.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan and the audience enjoyed poetry readings by Emirati poet Najat Al Dhaheri, Dr Ahmed Balboula of Egypt, and Hazbar Mahmoud of Iraq.

The 22nd Sharjah Festival of Arabic Poetry showcases over 80 poets, critics, and media professionals from across the Arab world and several African nations. This festival serves as a platform for open dialogue, enabling participants to engage in meaningful discussions and to interact directly. It not only facilitates the exchange of visions and experiences but also helps to spotlight emerging voices and foster their growth within the literary community.

The festival is scheduled to feature a series of poetry readings and evening festivities, along with a designated book-signing area featuring a select group of poets. Arab readers will also have the chance to explore the works of 12 new winners of the Golden Rhyme Award, whose poetry has been highlighted in the magazine’s 12 issues throughout 2025.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Rashid Ahmed bin Al Sheikh, Chairman of the Amiri Diwan; Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; and Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality. Several officials, poets, critics, and poetry enthusiasts also joined to celebrate this vibrant event.

WAM