During the event held at the National Theater of the Ministry of Culture in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Culture presented the "National Policy for the Preservation of Contemporary Architectural Heritage." As part of this policy, the country strengthens its obligation to protect its cultural and historical identity in society with a national vision and the strategy of the Ministry of Culture to reinforce national identity and promote cultural heritage.
The addition of a memorandum agreement with the Society of Architectural Heritage for the documentation of buildings of national significance in various emirates of the country helps create a comprehensive database of data, which supports the building with historical and cultural significance. Rapid progress is happening at a time when the United Arab Emirates is experiencing rapid development in various fields, reflecting the efforts taken in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to protect contemporary architectural heritage, which serves as a model for the national level.
Participating in the event, the assistant minister for national identity and cultural affairs, Shadya Al-Malla, provided a detailed outline of the goals of the "National Policy for the Preservation of Contemporary Architectural Heritage," emphasizing that this policy is aimed at protecting and preserving contemporary architectural heritage, as well as strengthening cooperation between government agencies, academic institutions, civil associations, and the private sector.
It should be noted that the policy will contribute to strengthening cultural tourism, drawing attention to the architectural value of these buildings, attracting visitors interested in the history of architecture, and also supporting the sustainable development of the country at the economic, ecological, and social levels on a national and global scale.
At the center of the policy, there is also support for innovation through the sponsorship of young artists and architects to inspire contemporary architectural heritage in their future designs, ensuring the sustainability of this cultural heritage.
During the event, a discussion was also held on the topic "Architectural Memory: Preserving Contemporary Heritage in the UAE," with the participation of experts who discussed the concept of contemporary architectural heritage in the context of the UAE, as well as the challenges and opportunities in this field, and discussed the efforts of the government to preserve this heritage.
At the event, a series of agreements and memorandums on cooperation were also signed, including the signing of the Charter for the Preservation of Contemporary Heritage between interested parties in the country and a memorandum on cooperation with the University of Zayed to launch a financial program for supporting research and studies in the field of contemporary architectural heritage.
In closing remarks, the Minister of Culture, Mubarak Al-Nakhi, emphasized that this policy represents part of the continuous efforts of the ministry to preserve the civilized and historical monuments that reflect the true essence of the national identity of the UAE.
