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Emirati heritage on UNESCO's lists: from Al Sadu and Arabic coffee to henna and harees

5-minute read · Official sources ·

A hand decorated with henna
Henna, inscribed by UNESCO in 2024. Photo: CC0 — Wikimedia Commons: A_woman_hand_with_black_henna_design.jpg

UNESCO keeps a list of «intangible cultural heritage»: the customs, arts and skills passed down the generations. The UAE has many elements on it, some on its own and some shared with other Arab countries.[1]

The majlis and Arabic coffee

In 2015 the majlis was inscribed as a cultural and social space, nominated by the UAE together with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. According to UNESCO, young people learn from their elders in the majlis how to talk, listen and respect other people's opinions; children learn its traditions by going along with adults on their visits; and Nabati poetry is passed on there.[1][2][3]

Arabic coffee was also inscribed, as «a symbol of generosity».[4]

Arts and poetry

[1]

In 2021 Arabic calligraphy was inscribed in a joint file shared by the UAE and 15 other Arab countries.[5]

Crafts and dress

[1]

From everyday life

[1]

And a natural World Heritage site

Besides intangible heritage, Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah, known for its natural waterfalls, became in 2026 the first site in the UAE inscribed on the World Heritage List as a natural site.[6]

Test yourself

Three questions from the article. Answer, then tap «Show the answer».

  1. In which year was the «majlis» inscribed by UNESCO?

    • A2010
    • B2015
    • C2020
    • D2024
    Show the answer

    Correct answer: B) 2015

  2. The Emirati «Al Talli» inscribed by UNESCO is a traditional skill in:

    • AHunting
    • BEmbroidery
    • CShipbuilding
    • DCooking
    Show the answer

    Correct answer: B) Embroidery

  3. Which Emirati art was inscribed on UNESCO's urgent safeguarding list in 2017?

    • AAl Azi
    • BAl Ayyala
    • CAl Taghrooda
    • DAl Razfa
    Show the answer

    Correct answer: A) Al Azi

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Sources
  1. UNESCO: Intangible cultural heritage of the UAE
  2. Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi: The Emirati majlis
  3. UNESCO: Majlis, a cultural and social space
  4. UNESCO: Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
  5. UNESCO: Arabic calligraphy
  6. UNESCO: World Heritage in the UAE