UAE Federal National Council Approves Cultural Heritage Law to Strengthen Preservation and Protection
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Federal National Council (FNC) has approved a federal draft law on Cultural Heritage aimed at strengthening the protection, preservation, documentation, and sustainable management of the United Arab Emirates’ rich cultural heritage. The council session was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture.
Prior to approving the legislation, the Council reviewed a report prepared by the Committee on Education, Culture, Youth, Sports and Media Affairs, which outlined its detailed examination of the draft law. The committee said it had conducted comprehensive legal, social and economic studies and held consultations with officials from the Ministry of Culture to review the provisions and address key issues.
The new legislation seeks to safeguard, document, preserve, manage and promote the UAE’s cultural heritage in all its forms while encouraging research, strengthening cultural diversity and exchange, ensuring the transmission of heritage to future generations, supporting heritage and cultural tourism, integrating cultural heritage into sustainable development plans, and enhancing coordination between the Ministry of Culture and relevant authorities.
Among the notable additions, the Council introduced two new concepts within the law’s definitions. The first, “digital heritage,” covers digital materials and resources of cultural, historical, scientific, social, environmental or economic significance, whether originally created in digital form or later digitized. The second, “archaeological survey,” refers to the exploration, documentation and recording of archaeological sites using recognized scientific methods.
The draft law also outlines the responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with relevant government entities, including formulating legislation, policies and strategies for cultural heritage protection, implementing public awareness and tourism promotion programmes, supporting education and scientific research, and developing national expertise in the cultural heritage sector.
Additionally, the legislation authorizes the nomination of UAE cultural heritage elements for inclusion on regional and international heritage lists, subject to the Ministry’s approval and procedures specified in the executive regulations. The measure is intended to enhance the protection of cultural assets while promoting their historical and civilizational significance globally.
To ensure effective enforcement, the law introduces strict penalties for offences against cultural heritage. Individuals found guilty of deliberately damaging tangible cultural heritage or archaeological sites, theft, smuggling, or undertaking unauthorized construction, alteration or relocation activities may face prison terms of up to 10 years and fines ranging from AED 500,000 to AED 10 million.
The newly approved legislation reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to preserving its national identity, protecting its cultural legacy, and promoting heritage as a key pillar of sustainable development and cultural diplomacy.
