UAE's 12 traditions on Unesco's lists of intangible cultural heritage - in pictures

  • Arabic calligraphy is the latest addition from the UAE, among other countries, to Unesco's intangible cultural heritage lists. AFP
    Arabic calligraphy is the latest addition from the UAE, among other countries, to Unesco's intangible cultural heritage lists. AFP
  • Falconry has been practised in the Arab region for 4,000 years, mainly by desert-dwelling Bedouins as an important form of hunting and fishing in a land with scarce natural resources. Pawan Singh / The National
    Falconry has been practised in the Arab region for 4,000 years, mainly by desert-dwelling Bedouins as an important form of hunting and fishing in a land with scarce natural resources. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Learn more about al aflaj system in Al Ain in 'Emirates from Above', a National Geographic film. The traditional irrigation network system in the UAE has been added to Unesco's list.
    Learn more about al aflaj system in Al Ain in 'Emirates from Above', a National Geographic film. The traditional irrigation network system in the UAE has been added to Unesco's list.
  • Camel racing, an age-old tradition in the region, is still as popular today. EPA
    Camel racing, an age-old tradition in the region, is still as popular today. EPA
  • Date palms have been used for centuries for myriad purposes around the Gulf, including the UAE. It was added by Unesco in 2019. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Date palms have been used for centuries for myriad purposes around the Gulf, including the UAE. It was added by Unesco in 2019. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Al azi poetry has been offered protected status by Unesco to develop a clear national identity in the UAE.
    Al azi poetry has been offered protected status by Unesco to develop a clear national identity in the UAE.
  • Al rafza is a traditional art form performed by men during special occasions, from weddings to national festivals. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Al rafza is a traditional art form performed by men during special occasions, from weddings to national festivals. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • The serving of Arabian coffee is a vital part of hospitality in the region and 'considered a ceremonial act of generosity', says the Unesco inscription. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The serving of Arabian coffee is a vital part of hospitality in the region and 'considered a ceremonial act of generosity', says the Unesco inscription. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The majlis, a cultural and social space prevalent throughout the region, was added in 2015 on behalf of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Jaime Puebla / The National
    The majlis, a cultural and social space prevalent throughout the region, was added in 2015 on behalf of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Jaime Puebla / The National
  • Al ayyala is a cultural performance practised in north-western Oman and throughout the UAE. It was added in 2014.
    Al ayyala is a cultural performance practised in north-western Oman and throughout the UAE. It was added in 2014.
  • Al taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry, was added in 2012. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    Al taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry, was added in 2012. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • Sadu, a traditional weaving technique, is on the list twice, once for the UAE and once for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It was added for the UAE in 2011. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Sadu, a traditional weaving technique, is on the list twice, once for the UAE and once for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It was added for the UAE in 2011. Reem Mohammed / The National