Intangible Heritage Register

Measures to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of any country are based on two key objectives.

First, to identify and define the elements of different areas of heritage in the country. This is done by compiling one or more inventories of these elements and updating them regularly with information and developments with the participation of individuals, groups and communities who practice the heritage or who are involved in preserving it.

Second: promoting the heritage, disseminating information about it, and raising awareness of its importance through publications in the appropriate media.

Among the most important of these publications is the Heritage Registry. The Registry is comprised of detailed inventories of every major element of intangible cultural heritage including: name, range, practitioners, features, threats (if any), and the role society in preserving it.

The Heritage Registry is also a key criteria for inscribing any element of heritage on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in accordance with Articles 11 and 12 of its Convention.

Furthermore, the Heritage Registry is an important factor in the sustainable development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and an important means of ensuring the broadest possible community participation in preserving our heritage and passing it onto future generations.

It is also important for the effective implementation of cultural plans, policies, and programs in the Emirate.