Qatar Museums (QM) shines a spotlight on the nation’s inaugural Unesco World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah, highlighting ongoing excavations and conservation efforts to mark World Heritage Day 2024.
In a post on its social media pages, QM noted that in 2023, numerous visitors witnessed the restoration endeavours firsthand, underlining Qatar’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
In collaboration with the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, QM recently held a three-day workshop aimed at bolstering the protection and conservation of World heritage sites in the country.
Titled “Mechanisms and Concepts of the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,” the workshop brought together heritage professionals to enhance their skills and capacities, fostering a more robust framework for heritage preservation.
Qatar’s Ministry of Culture also marked the 20th anniversary of the ‘2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008’ with a special event. At the Unesco headquarters in Paris, Qatar unveiled an exhibition showcasing its cultural heritage, featuring “The Majlis: A Social and Cultural Space,” traditional crafts, falconry, popular arts, culinary arts, and achievements in heritage preservation.
Qatar also launched various initiatives to promote co-operation and harmony among state institutions dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Several significant elements, including falconry, Arabic coffee, the Majlis, and the palm tree, have been proposed for inclusion on Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In addition, Qatar spearheaded the effort to nominate the ‘Bisht’ for inclusion on Unesco’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, demonstrating leadership in Arab initiatives through collaboration with the Arab League of Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation.
In the past, Qatar pushed for the joint registration of Arab cultural assets, such as palm tree, Arabic calligraphy, and metal engraving art, the latter poised for registration under an Iraqi-led initiative, with involvement from 14 Arab nations.
Reflecting on last year’s World Heritage Day, QM organised guided tours to Al Zubarah, underscoring Qatar’s rich heritage amidst climate change challenges. It is learnt that experts continue to address conservation efforts and sustainability concerns at the archaeological site, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
